UK Student Visa Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

High-ranked universities, academic excellence, global career prospects, globally recognized degrees, and short course duration make the UK an exceptional destination for study. If you are planning to experience these exceptional and vastly impactful opportunities, then you need to obtain a student visa to study there. In this writing, we explain details about the student visa, required documents, fees, visa duration, language proficiency, opportunities and limitations, and many more.  Let’s explore details to get a clear view–

You must be at least 16 to apply for a Student visa to study in the United Kingdom. But you should have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17. In case you want to study at an independent UK institution, then you should apply for a Child Student visa instead. Student Route has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The visa is valid for up to five years, and you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while you study.

If you are 16 years old or above and you have been offered a course at level 3 (A Level) or above, have enough money to pay your course fee and support yourself, English language proficiency (B2 for Degree level and B1 for below Degree level) and consent from your parent (if you are 16 or 17), then you can apply for a student visa. A confusion may arise at this point due to the age similarity with the Child Student Visa. If you are 16 or 17 and you wish to study at an independent school/private school in the UK, then you apply for a Child Student Visa.

How Long Can You Stay with a Student Visa

It depends on your course duration and what you have already finished in the UK. If you are 18 years old or above and studying at a Degree level, you can stay for up to 5 years, and under degree level, you can stay for up to 2 years.

Documents for Student Visa

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.

You may also need to provide–

• Financial evidence to support yourself and pay for your course.
• ATAS certificate if your course requires it
• Evidence of parental or other legal guardian consent if you are below 18.
• Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
• Your tuberculosis test results
• Written agreement for your application from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

You may need to provide additional documents.

With this visa, you can visit the UK for tourism, business, study (up to 6 months), and other allowed activities. This study includes short-term courses such as English language, research, optional placement, entrance or oral exam, and unpaid clinical attachment. You can stay for up to 6 months. Staying longer is permitted if you face certain circumstances, such as required medical treatment.

You can’t with a Standard Visitor Visa–

• Paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, except for a permitted paid engagement or event.
• Claim public funds
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through non-stop visits.
• Marry or register a civil partnership, provide notice of marriage or civil partnership – you are required to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.

Short-term study visa for those who want to take an English language course in the UK. The course must be longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months. With this visa, you can stay in the UK for the course period plus an extra 30 days, as long as your stay is no longer than 11 months.

What You Can’t Do with a Short-Term Study Visa-

• Study any other courses or change your course while staying in the UK.
• Study at a state-funded school
• Work or operate any business (this includes paid or unpaid work, work experience, or work placements)
• Prolong this visa
• Bring family members (‘dependants’) with you on this visa
• Apply for public funds or the State Pension

• Valid Passport (Applicant)
• Bank Statement 28 days maturity
• Birth Certificate (English)
• TB Test Certificate
• Additional Documents Inform Later(if Any)
• Marriage certificate & Nikahnama (Original+English)
• Passport Information Page (Spouse/Child)
• Birth Certificate (Spouse/Child) (English)
• Solvency Certificate

The visa fee is £524 plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year, that are required to pay while applying for a Student Visa or Child Student Visa. The Short-Term Study Visa costs £214, along with the healthcare surcharge of £776 per year. With a Standard Visitor Visa, the fee is just £127, and no healthcare surcharge is required. You can pay this fee online when you apply for your visa. If you are applying for a visa to study at a university in the UK, you may also need to have an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, particularly for science-related and research-based programs. You can apply through the ATAS website to get this certification.

To be eligible for a student visa, you must demonstrate that you have the required level of English language skills. The level that you need to meet will depend on the type of study program that you are enrolling in.

For undergraduate and postgraduate programs, you will need to provide evidence of IELTS or TOEFL scores or other accepted test scores. If you are enrolling in a pre-sessional English language course, you will need to provide an IELTS score of at least level B0.

Below Degree Level
Minimum CEFR level required: B1
Components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

Degree Level or above
Minimum CEFR level required: B2
Components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

You will also need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK. The amount of money you will need to show depends on the length of your stay and whether you are a single or a family-unit student.

• A bank statement or letter from your bank confirming that you have enough funds available to cover your living expenses and tuition fees for the duration of your stay in the UK
• Proof of sponsorship if you are being funded by a third party
• A Student Finance England letter if you are receiving government funding

In addition to your financial documents, you will also need to provide evidence of your academic qualifications. This can include:

• Your degree certificate
• Your academic transcripts
• A letter of confirmation from your university or college confirming your place on a course of study

If you’re a student looking to study in the UK, one of the complicated things you’ll need to do is apply for a visa. This can be a daunting process, but thankfully, Career Paths, the most trusted educational consultancy firm in Bangladesh, can help make it as easy as possible. Here are the ways Career Paths can help–

• Assisting with the application process – Career Paths can help you gather all the necessary documents and submit your application correctly.
• Helping with visa interviews – If you’re called for an interview, we will guide you with tips and preparation to help you succeed.
• Offering support after your visa is granted – Once you’ve been approved for a visa, the Career Paths offer guidance on what to do next, as well as helping you find accommodation and navigate the UK education system.

The process of a UK student visa is an important one, and it is a well-organized and controlled process. Although the demands around your CAS, finances, and English language are stringent, they are meant to make sure that you are ready and facilitated in your studies. Keep in mind that this is an investment in the fantastic future. You are not only applying for a visa by carefully preparing your papers, fulfilling your financial obligations, and applying early, but you are also opening the door to a world-class education, priceless cultural experiences, and a lifetime of memories.