Are you a Bangladeshi student and planning to study abroad? Then you will need a specific student visa to study overseas. Different countries have different student visas which are made specifically for students like you who are ready to start a new journey of education abroad.
Wherever you want to begin your student life, you will require a student visa to enter another country which will enable you to get involved with new people, experience a new culture and explore the enriched education at excellent universities and colleges with some of the top-notch programs. Providing the chance to build a strong network, studying abroad may be beneficial for a successful professional career. Moreover, a student visa will provide you with a temporary right to reside and work in another nation which will undoubtedly develop the interpersonal skills of students.
In this article, we will be exploring everything about Student visa opportunities, the F-1, J-1, M-1, Tier 4 Visas, and much more important information about student visas for Bangladeshi students. So keep on reading.
Types of Student Visas
There are different types of student visas available in the world. Different nations have different types of student visas. Generally, there are four types of student visas. They are:
Educational Student Visas
This is the most common and worldwide accepted, known visa for students. Academic visas or Educational Student Visas are available to students who desire to enrol in an approved university. Typically, the desired country for studies permits students to stay, study and occasionally do part-time jobs in the nation for the duration of their education.
Visas For Vocational Students
Vocational visas are available to students who wish to enrol in a vocational program or institution. Generally, different nations permit students to remain in the nation for the duration of their Vocational education, but in Vocational study, students are not allowed to work full-time or part-time.
Exchange Visas of Students
The are various exchange or degree transferring programs available in different countries. In contrast to educational or vocational student visas, they often permit students to stay in the nation for a shorter amount of time, and they could even call for students to return home once the program is through.
Dependent visas for students
The spouses and kids of students with active student visas are eligible for these visas. Dependents are frequently permitted to remain in the nation for the same period of time as the student visa holder, and they may even be permitted to work part-time.
The above-mentioned are the most common criteria for student visas, However, there are several student visas available in the world based on different nations, and the visa name, requirements, and other necessary details differ. The student visa, visa criteria, and well-known programs of the top-demanding countries in the world are shown below-
Top country, popular program, and requirement for student visa
Almost every country in the world provides student visas so that students can get a better future and explore a new culture and country. Among the numerous countries, there are some top countries with available student visas and popular programs we listed down for you below:
UK
The UK is the most renowned for providing quality education to international students. There are around 160 universities in the UK available for students who are willing to study overseas.
Available Student Visa
There are around three types of student visas available in the UK. They are-
Student route visa formerly known as the Tier 4. It is the general student visa for international students. In this visa, students are given a visa for more than 6 months.
Child Student Visa is another form of Tier 4 where the visa is given to students under 18 years old willing to study in the UK. In this visa, students are given a visa for up to 6 years.
Short-term study visa is given to students who are willing to take short-term courses, diploma courses or English courses. The length of this short-term visa is up to 11 months.
Popular Program
There are uncountable programs available at different universities in the UK for international students. Students can choose their desired program from a range of options. Below we are listing some popular programs in the UK for international students:
- Information technology (IT)
- Computer Science
- English literature
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Medicine
- International Business
- Management
- Accounting
Requirements
Student route Visa (Tier 4): You have to enroll in a full-time degree at a recognized UK university.
Child Student Visa (Tier 4): Your age must not be less than 18 and you have to enroll in a full-time course at a recognized UK school or college for international students.
Short-term study visa: You have to be accepted to do a short-term course at any recognized UK institution.
Other requirements
Sufficient financial support for studying and living expenses in the UK.
A good English language command. Most of the UK universities require IELTS 6.0 or above, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE or Duolingo.
Required Documents
- A valid passport
- A valid travel document
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
- Proof of financial support.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of parental consent (for students under 18)
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
USA
The US has a long history of academic success and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities which makes the US among the top education provider country in the world.
Available Student Visa
There are so many student visas and different types of visas available in the US. They are-
F-1 Visa
This is the most common student visa for international students. Most foreign students get this visa is they apply for higher education.
J-1 Visa
A J-1 visa is an exceptional visa offered to students who participated in an exchange program.
M-1 Visa
An M-1 student visa is given to students who want to study any non-academical or vocational programs in the US.
F-2 Visa
F-2 Visa is a dependent visa provided to the F-1 visa holder’s family (Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21).
J-2 Visa
J-2 Visa is a dependent visa provided to the J-1 visa holder’s family (Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21).
Popular program
- Information technology (IT)
- Medicine
- Business
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Psychology
- Software Engineering
- Management
Requirements
- A valid passport. (At least 6 months).
- A complete form of DS-160 for nonimmigrant visa applicants.
- Completion of SEVIS I-901 fee.
- A complete form I-20 which is an official document provided by the enrolled US university.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Two passport-size recent photos.
- Proof of financial support.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Attending the US visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
Malaysia
Malaysia has a long history of education and is home to numerous international students. There are some of the world’s most prestigious universities located in Malaysia which make it among the top education provider countries in the world.
Available Student Visa
Student Pass (SPP)
This is the most common student visa for international students. Most foreign students get this visa is they apply for higher education. With an SPP visa, students can stay in Malaysia as long as they are studying overseas.
Study Visit Pass (SVP)
An SVP visa is for students who take short-term programs which can be valid for up to 6 months.
Popular program
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Management
- Medicine
- Accounting and Finance
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism
- Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a Malaysian institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
Sweden
Sweden has become one of the renowned study-abroad destinations in recent days. The country has a long history of education and is home to numerous international students. There are some of the world’s most prestigious universities located here which makes it among the favoured countries in the world.
Available Student Visa
Type C
A type C is a short-term student visa for non-EU/EEA students for a period of fewer than 3 months in Sweden.
Type D
A type D is a long-term visa for non-EU/EEA students for a period of more than 3 months in Sweden.
Popular program
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Management
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medical Science
- Information technology (IT)
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a Swedish institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
Canada
Canada has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in recent days. An uncountable number of foreign students are seen immigrating to Canada for a better life. Canada has a long history of education. There are some of the world’s most prestigious universities located here which makes it among the favored countries in the world.
Popular program
- Business Administration
- Media and Journalism
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Education
- Hotel Management
- Tourism
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
Finland
Finland has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in recent days. An uncountable number of foreign students are seen choosing Finland for a better life. There are some of the world’s most prestigious universities located here which makes it among the favored countries in the world. High-quality education, Affordable tuition, a welcoming environment, diverse culture etc are some of the reasons for choosing Finland.
Available Student Visa
There are around two types of student visas available in Finland. They are-
Schengen study visa
The Schengen study visa in Finland is a short-term visa that is given for less than 90 days.
Residence permit
The Residence permit in Finland is a long-term visa that is given for more than 90 days.
Popular program
- Philosophy
- Information technology (IT)
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Social science
- Humanities
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a Finnish institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts
Australia
High-quality education, affordable tuition, a welcoming environment, diverse culture etc are some of the reasons for choosing Australia. Australia has a range of top universities and programs available for international students. An uncountable number of foreign students are seen choosing Australia for a better life.
Available Student Visa
Subclass 500
Subclass 500 is a student visa which allows students to stay and study full-time at any recognized Australian institute for up to 5 years.
Popular program
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Medical Science
- Information technology (IT)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Architecture
- Psychology
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from an Australian institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts
Cyprus
Cyprus has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in recent days. A number of foreign students are seen choosing Cyprus for a better life and education. There are some of the world’s most prestigious universities located here which makes it among the favored countries in the world. High-quality education, Affordable tuition, a welcoming environment, diverse culture etc are some of the reasons for choosing Cyprus.
Popular program
- Business Administration
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Engineering
- Medical Science
- Information technology (IT)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Architecture
- Psychology
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a Cyprus institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A police clearance certificate.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
France
High-quality education, a welcoming environment, affordable tuition, diverse culture etc are some of the reasons for choosing France. France has a range of top universities and programs available for international students. An uncountable number of foreign students are seen choosing France for a better life.
Available Student Visa
There are around 3 types of student visas available in France. They are-
Short-stay Schengen visa
Short-stay Schengen visa in France refers to a general student visa where international students can stay up to 90 days.
Long-stay French student visa
Long-stay French student visa in France is a study program for international students that lasts longer than 3 months.
Talent Passport
A Talent Passport is a unique visa that is given to academic researchers who have achieved a Master’s degree.
Popular program
- Business Administration
- Fashion and designing
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Engineering
- Medical Science
- Information technology (IT)
Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- A letter of acceptance from a French institution.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- A health clearance certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A police clearance certificate.
- A copy of prior academic transcripts.
- Attending a visa interview at the French embassy.
The application process for a student visa
The application process varies from nation to nation. Some countries require some extra documents while some need only the basic ones. The basic application processing for a student visa is given below:
- Choosing a desired country
- Selecting a desired university
- Applying for a desired study program
- Get selected by a foreign university for higher education
- Submitting the necessary documents to the university which include- prior educational certificates, work experience (If available), Statement of purpose, and Proof of parental consent (for students under 18).
- Making an appointment at the desired country’s embassy or consulate.
- Gathering documents for the embassy- A passport, a complete visa application form, proof of admission to the desired foreign university, proof of financial support, and a health clearance certificate.
- Paying the visa fee
- Attending student visa interview
Required Documents and fees
The Required Documents and fees vary from nation to nation. Some countries require some extra documents while some need only the basic ones. The basic required documents and fees for a student visa are given below:
| Required Documents | Fees |
|---|---|
|
The student visa fees vary depending on the desired country. However, the fees are typically in the range-
$100 to $500
|
Interview process and question answer for student visa
After applying and being accepted for higher studies at a recognized foreign university, there will be a general interview held by the university and sometimes the desired country’s embassy. The general interview process is given below:
Steps of the Interview Process for a Student Visa
Contacting And Scheduling The Interview
The first and foremost step after being accepted by a foreign university, you will have to contact, schedule, and prepare yourself for an embassy interview you are desiring to study.
Submitting the Required Documents
For the student visa, some required documents need to submit to the embassy. The required documents vary depending on the desired countries students apply to study in. The general visa documents are-
- A valid passport
- Proof of admission
- Passport-size photos
- Financial solvency report
- Proof of financial support
- Health clearance certificate
- Complete the visa application form
- Transcripts and certificates of prior diplomas, and degrees.
Facing the interview and answering confidently
After getting an interview date, a visa officer will take the student’s interview by asking some basic questions regarding the reasons for studying in another country, plans after finishing the degree, and so on. The sample of the student visa question and answer are given below in the next segment.
Wait for the result
After the visa interview, based on the interview answers, and submission of valid documentation, the embassy will give the result of the student’s eligibility for a student visa.
Student Visa Interview Question and Answer
There is no fixed question and answer for a student visa interview. Different embassies ask different questions to the students. Additionally, it varies from person to person. However, a sample of student visa interview questions is given below:
The interview starts with some basic introductory questions, like name, home district, present location, parental details and so on. Gradually the interviewer will move forward to the questions related to the purpose of higher education abroad.
The interviewer may ask you the reason to study in a specific country and university.
- The future plan after completing the degree.
- The financial support while studying abroad.
- Whether any family or friends are staying in this country.
- The details of the desired country’s art, culture and history.
- Details of the chosen university and program.
F-1 vs M1 Student visa
| F-1 visa | M-1 visa |
|---|---|
| The F-1 visa is for academic studies purposes | The M-1 visa is for non-academic or vocational studies purposes |
| You are permitted to work part-time on campus after the first year of studies in the US | The US government will not permit students to work if they hold an M-1 visa |
| The duration of stay with an F-1 visa is up to 6 years | The duration of stay with an M-1 visa is up to 18 months |
| The US government will give a 2-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of the degree. | A 1-year practical training is given after completion of the degree. |
J-1 Visa Rules, Requirements, & Application Process
A student can take part in exchange visitor programs focused on work and study in the United States by using a J-1 visa. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa given by a nonprofit US educational or other institution approved by the US Department of State. There are a total of 15 categories of J-1 visas, including- Teacher, Trainee, Au Pair, International Visitor, Professor, Research Scholar, Camp Counselor, Secondary School Student, College and University Student, Government Visitor, Physician, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, Summer Work Travel.
J-1 Visa Rules
- Must continue to hold a J-1 visa.
- You have to maintain the exchange program.
- Must not work in the US unless it is a J-1 visa-authorized job.
- Must keep ties to your nation of origin.
- Require an up-to-date passport.
- Must be able to prove that they will go back to their home country once they have earned their degree.
- Must abide by the guidelines set forth by the exchange program in which you are taking part.
J-1 Visa Requirements
You must have to meet some entry requirements of a J-1 visa. The general ones are-
- You have to be accepted by an authorized exchange program.
A valid passport. - Have sufficient financial backup to support the educational expenses and living costs in the US.
- Provide surety regarding returning back to the home country from the US.
J-1 Visa Application Process
If you are planning to get a J-1 visa then you should start the process early because the J-1 visa application procedure is a bit complex. The application procedure is the following-
- Contacting the exchange program in which you are interested is the initial step.
- learn about the specific program from the exchange program.
- After being approved by an exchange program, you must apply for a J-1 visa at the US embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Submitting a complete DS-160 visa application form.
- Paying the application fee for a visa upgrade.
- Attending a Visa interview taken by the consulate representative.
You have to submit the supporting documents for the J-1 visa. They are-
- A valid passport
- A letter of admission from the exchange program
- Financial support paperwork
- A passport-size photo
- Acceptable forms of supporting documentation
Tier 4 visa
International students who want to study in the UK have to go through the processing of Tier 4 visa. A Tier 4 visa is sponsored by any UK academic institution that permits students to pursue any full-time undergraduate or graduate-level degrees.
Types
General Tier 4 visa
A general Tier 4 visa is given to students aged at least 16 years old or older who are willing to do higher education at a recognized UK university.
Child Tier 4 visa
The child Tier 4 visa is for students who are below 16 years old and willing to study at an independent institution in the UK.
Eligibility
- Must be accepted for a full-time degree at a recognized UK institution.
- A valid passport holder.
- Have sufficient funds to support education and living expenses in the UK.
- Provide surety regarding returning back to the home country from the UK.
Application Process
If you are planning to get a UK student visa then you should start navigating and processing as early as possible because the visa processing generally takes longer. The application procedure is the following-
- Filling out the UK student visa application form online.
- Paying the application fee for a UK student visa which is ranged between $100 – $500.
- Contacting and scheduling an appointment for the UK visa interview.
Provide the supporting documents-
- A valid passport
- A passport-size photo
- A letter of admission from the UK institute
- Proof of financial support
How Can I get an i20 in the USA?
The i20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. The I20 is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-an approved institution in the US for international students. To get the i20 you have to be accepted into a full-time academic program at any recognized US institute. Below we are giving some common tips for being accepted for i20 in the US:
- You must be admitted to a recognized US institution by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in order to obtain an i-20 in the USA.
- The institution will give you an i-20 form
- The i-20 form will contain details regarding the course of study, financial aid, and visa status. The SEVP website is- https://www.ice.gov/sevis
- After being accepted by a SEVP-providing institute in the US, the institute will issue you an i-20 form.
- You need to pay the SEVIS -901 fee which is a one-time fee and can be paid online or at a designated payment center.
- After completing the procedure with the US institute by submitting the i-20 form and having paid the SEVIS I-901 fee, you have to apply for a student visa at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
FAQs
Is it tough to get a US student visa?
Answer: It is not necessarily tough to get a US student visa, but it is important to meet all of the requirements. If you provide valid documents and face the embassy interview confidently, then getting a US visa is not a difficult one. However, the US visa application process is one of the lengthiest and most complex ones so if you start the process early then there will be benefits.
What are the three popular international student visas?
Answer: F-1 visa (United States), Tier 4 visa (United Kingdom), and Student visa (Canada) are the most popular student visas in the world.
What is the F-1 visa category?
Answer: F-1 visa is an academic student visa in the US for international students who will enroll in any full-time academic program at an SEVP-approved US institution.
