Many students from India aspire to study in the UK because of its prestigious education system, short degree duration, as well as world-class internship and professional opportunities. However, the process can be tedious if you are not aware of portals like UCAS, university shortlisting, available courses, and application deadlines. Rest assured, you must start getting ready in 2023 if you want to study in the UK in 2024 and stay up to date on any changes and updates that come your way. Our full guide has all the steps and information you need to make the process of applying for a Student VISA for UK easier and friendlier.
When To Apply for Student Visa in UK
It takes time, so apply three months before the start of your course as it takes time to get a student VISA in the UK. You need to apply before the expiry of your present visa.
Types of Visas in the UK
There are 2 types of UK VISA that you can apply for:
- Short-Term student VISA
- Tier-4 General Student VISA
The short-term study visa is for people over the age of eighteen who only want to take a short course in the UK. The first six months are free, but you can add five more months if you choose to take English courses. For the same, you need to provide the following:
- Acceptance in a course in the UK
- Proof of financial capability
- Financial capability for the return journey
If you want to take a course that lasts more than 6–12 months, you must first make sure that the college you have picked has a Tier 4 Sponsor License. That being the case, you will need to apply for either a Tier 4 Child Student VISA (for kids ages 4 to 16) or a Tier 4 General Student VISA (for people aged 17 and up).
Requirements for Student Visa in UK
Age: Students have to be at least 16 years old. If a student is 16 or 17, they need to show proof that their parents have consented.
CAS: CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is the proof that you have been offered admission in a course with a licensed sponsor and have a distinct CAS Number allotted to you.
Finance: You need to have sufficient funds to live on and pay for your study.Â
English Language Proficiency: To prove your capability to read, write, speak, and understand English, you must provide a valid test score such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.Â
TB Test: In order to study in the UK for more than six months, you must get a tuberculosis (TB) test at an Indian clinic that the government authorises.
Health Insurance: Requirements for different types of student visas:
- Tier 4 General Student Visa (more than 6 months): Students have access to NHS of the UK
- Tier 4 General Student Visa (less than 6 months): Private medical insurance needed
- Student Visitor: Private health insurance needed
Intent to leave: You must, in the form of a document, express your intent to leave the country after graduating.Â
Document Checklist for Student Visa in UK
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from an UK institution
- Passport and Passport size photos
- Bank Statements or Sponsorships to prove financial status
- English test scores
- Academic Certificates up to last academic qualification
- TB Test
- Health Insurance Confirmation
- SoP
- Academic References and LoR
- Previous VISA refusal (if applicable)
Interview and Biometrics
Once the necessary paperwork is turned in at the visa application centre, students will be will have to appear for an interview on Skype with a UK entry clearance officer.
After you’ve filled out and paid for your visa application, you will need to make an appointment for biometric data. The visa office can set up an appointment for you as an international student if they have any available slots. From the date you send in your application, you will have 240 calendar days for the same. A BRP or Biometric Residence Permit is issued by the home office which acts as the immigration permission for the student.
Visa Rejection in UK
There are many reasons a UK Student VISA might be denied. Some common reasons are submitting duplicate or incomplete documents, failing the credibility interview, not meeting the student UK VISA rules, not having enough money in your account for 28 days, not being able to afford the courses you chose, or breaking the VISA conditions on a previous visit to the UK.
If your application for a UK Student VISA is denied, you will be sent a written letter or email explaining the decision. If you are eligible for an administrative review or an appeal of the immigration decision, you will be informed of this in the letter of rejection. You can boost your chances of being accepted the next time you apply if you take the time to read the denial letter and take note of the reasons for the rejection.
Waiting Time for Issuance of Visa
Once you’ve submitted your application for a Short-term study visa, Student visa, or Child Student visa for the UK and attended your appointment at the VISA application office or used the ID Check app, you should hear back from the immigration authorities within three weeks.
Renewal of UK Student Visa
You can stay longer on your UK student visa and keep studying the same course or switch to a new one. You must have a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, be in the UK , have a guaranteed offer of acceptance in a course with a licensed student sponsor, and show that the course you want to take is at a higher academic level than the one you are currently taking to get a renewed VISA.
How Can Admissify Assist You?
Admissify provides students with VISA assistance through its expert counsellors who have years of experience with the process. They ensure you are updated about the latest developments in the field and assist you throughout the process.
FAQs For Student Visa In UK
Is IELTS required for a UK Student Visa?
Yes, IELTS is generally required for a UK Student Visa to demonstrate English language proficiency. However, some universities often offer a waiver if you exhibit language proficiency through other mediums.
How much money is required for UK student visa?
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Is a UK student visa hard to get?
UK student visa rejection rate is lies somewhere between 3% to 5%. However, the UK student visa rejection rate for 2022 has been on the lower side and most of the applications have been accepted.
Can a UK student visa be rejected?
The most common reason for a student visa application being refused is due to insufficient funds, incorrect financial evidence, or incomplete documentation. Some examples are: Not showing the required money for 28 continuous days and/or submitting financial documents that are more than 31 days old.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
