Have you considered studying in the United Kingdom? If so, you need a valid UK student visa to be there for study purposes. The UK is one of the most popular study destinations for Bangladeshi students owing to the world-class education system.
Since Bangladeshi students need to have a visa to study in the UK, there is always a concern among them because of the lack of information. Applying for a UK student visa is simple and straightforward.
In this guide, we are going to cover all the things you need to know about UK student visas, including visa requirements, process, guidelines, and many more. Let’s have a closure look at the guide below.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
| Types of Visa | Who is this for | When to Apply | When to Arrive in the UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Term Study Visa | This visa is intended for those who’d like to enroll in a short course like a training course or an English language course. | It’s better to apply at least 3 months before the start of the course. | Depending on the requirement of the course. |
| Student Route (General UK Student Visa) | This visa is intended for those who’d like to enroll in a foundation course, undergraduate, post-graduate, and Ph.D. You have to be at least 16 years old. | Same above | If your course duration is 6 months, then you can reach there just 1 week before the start of the course. But it’s better to be there 1 month before the course starts if the course duration is more than 6 months |
Documents required for the student visa
You will need to submit a variety of papers with your application for a student visa to the UK, including:
A valid recent passport
Before arranging to submit an application for a UK student visa, students must ensure that their passports are valid for a minimum of six months. Moreover, the visa sticker needs to be positioned on a blank passport page.
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the course provider
After a student is accepted into a course, a university or institution will give them a unique reference number called a CAS. It includes crucial details regarding the course, such the start and conclusion dates and the cost of the tuition.
English language proficiency evidence
Evidence of English language competency is necessary if the student’s first language is not English. A Secure English Language Test (SELT) result or an English language certification from an accredited organization might serve as this proof.
Proof of finances
Applicants will need to prove that they have enough money to support themselves during their studies in the UK. This will typically include six months of bank statements showing the applicant’s income and expenditures. Evidence of sponsorship may also be required if someone else is funding the applicant’s studies.
Translations
Documents that are not in English must have certified translations provided.
Additional documents
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of course being taken. For instance, applicants from countries not exempt from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) must provide an ATAS clearance certificate.
Applying for visa online
In the UK, applying online for a visa is a simple procedure. Here’s a step-by-step manual to assist you with the procedure:
- Choose the Right Visa
- Create a UKVI Account
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Upload Supporting Documents
- Pay the Visa Application Fee
- Book a Biometric Appointment
- Submit Your Application
- Track Your Application
- Collect Your Visa
UK student visa: Dos and Don’ts
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|---|---|
|
Make early plans |
Applying at the last minute is not a good idea. |
|
Take careful note of the visa requirements |
Never give out incorrect or deceptive information. |
|
Collect the necessary paperwork |
Remember to pay the visa processing cost |
|
Reach the due dates |
Keep your biometric visit (if necessary) scheduled |
|
Keep scheduled biometric appointments (if applicable) |
Don’t rely on unofficial information |
|
Maintain the security of your documents |
Avoid visiting the UK without a valid visa |
English language requirements
To be eligible for a UK student visa, international students who do not speak English as their first language must show that they are proficient enough in the language to excel in their chosen area of study and interact with other students. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for evaluating language ability, serves as the foundation for the English language proficiency criteria for a UK student visa.
A minimum score on the English language exam of the student’s choosing is required to fulfill the requirements for a UK student visa. The precise score required will depend on the exam chosen and the quantity of study.
The following table displays the minimum required scores for the most common English language exams:
|
Test Names |
CEFR Level |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic |
B2 |
5.5 |
6.0 |
|
TOEFL iBT |
B2 |
79 |
90 |
|
PTE Academic |
B2 |
51 |
59 |
|
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
C1 |
51 |
180 |
|
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) |
C2 |
195 |
200 |
Biometric residence permit
A safe document known as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) verifies your eligibility to work, study, and reside in the United Kingdom. It is given to foreign students who have been given a student visa for the UK and want to study there for more than six months. A few advantages of possessing a BRP are as follows:
You can enter and exit the UK with complete freedom thanks to it.
Public services like healthcare and education are accessible to you because to it. Insofar as your visa permits it, it lets you work in the UK.
Tips for your UK visa
There are so many things to keep in mind while applying for the UK Student Visa. Below we are pointing out some essential tips for UK visa:
- Make plans in advance
- Pay close attention to the directions
- Deliver all necessary documentation
- Pay the visa application cost as soon as possible
- Any accessible visa agency can assist you
- Maintain duplicates of every paperwork
- Regularly visit the UKVI website
UK Student Route Cost (Student Visa Cost) for Bangladeshi Students
If you apply from outside of the UK, the visa application will cost you £363, and the cost would be £475 for applying within the UK. So when you will apply to extend your visa in the UK, you need to pay £475.
On the other hand, the short-term study visa will cost you £186.
You know the exchange rate varies from time to time. So you can calculate it yourself while making the transaction.
How to Apply for UK Student Visa (Student Route)?
Here is the step-by-step guide for Student Route.
- Get CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from a UK university or college, passing the pre cas test.
- Collect all the essential documents and apply for a visa.
- Book an appointment.
- Get the visa and fly to the UK.
Some students may face credibility interviews (Visa interview). Sometimes, students can get visas without any interviews.
Where to Apply for UK Student Visa (Student Route) in Bangladesh?
You can apply for the UK Student Visa online by visiting Career Paths.
As a part of your visa application, you need to provide biometric information at a visa application center in Bangladesh.
Then you will get a final decision within a couple of weeks. Sometimes, it will take around 3 to 4 weeks.
How Career Paths help you throughout the process
With more than a decade of experience working on the UK student visa processing, we can provide you the complete guidance and support as well. Getting a UK student visa mostly depends on how you prepare the essential documents and submit them as well. If you are determined to study in the United Kingdom, then you can rely on us to make your dream come true.
FAQs on UK Student Visa Process
Can I get a student visa without IELTS?
There are certain universities where you can get admission without IELTS. So of course, you can get the visa without IELTS.
How long can you stay in the UK on a student visa?
As an international student, you can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 5 years if you go there to pursue degree-level education. But it would be 2 years for below degree level.
How long can you stay after completing your study in the UK?
After successfully completing your study in the United Kingdom, you can apply for Graduate Visa (also known as a post-study work visa), which will allow you to stay there for up to 2 years. But if you have a Ph.D. or other doctoral qualifications, you can stay there for up to 3 years.
Can you settle in the UK after completing your study?
Yes, you can settle in the UK after completing your study. To settle there you need to apply for (ILR) Indefinite Leave to Remain. After that, you can apply for citizenship. Of course, you need to meet English language requirements, and also need to pass the Life in the UK Test.
How much bank balance is required for the UK student visa?
If your college or university is in London, you have to show the expenses of 9 months (£1,334 for each month), resulting in £12006 in total. In contrast, the total fund should be £9207 (£1,023 for each month * 9) if you go outside of London to study. Apart from that, you should add the unpaid amount of your tuition fees.
