Student Visa

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What is a UK Student Visa?

A UK student visa is a specific category of visa that allows the holder to come to the UK and undertake the academic qualifications detailed in their visa application. The term student visa relates to a broad area of the UK immigration system, and there are various nuances and variations to the criteria, depending on the specific qualifications undertaken. However, several key criteria apply to all student visas:

  • You must have been offered a place on a course by an approved institution that is licensed to sponsor students
  • You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English to an acceptable level
  • Be aged 16 years old or older, and if under 18 years old, have the consent of your parents
  • Have sufficient funds to pay for your course and to support yourself in the UK

As part of your application, you will need to evidence you meet the above criteria, plus any additional criteria for your specific course and based on your individual circumstances. Over the course of this guide we’ll look at this criteria in greater detail and cover all aspects of the student visa application process.

Student Visa Course Requirements

Any student visa application must start with an offer from an approved education provider with a license to sponsor students. They will need to issue you with a document known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This document will have a unique reference number and contain all the relevant information for your course. You can begin the visa application process only once you have your CAS number, which is valid for a maximum of 6 months. You must obtain a new CAS number if you don’t apply within this timeframe.

As well as attending an approved education provider, you must also enroll in an approved course. The following courses are all acceptable:

  • a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study
  • a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
  • a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
  • a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
  • a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
  • an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

If you’re a postgraduate dentist or doctor, you can apply for a student visa providing you meet the relevant criteria:

  • you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme
  • finished a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry
  • received that degree from a registered student sponsor
  • spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK

Proving You Have Sufficient Funds for Your Student Visa

One of the most important requirements of a UK student visa is proving you have sufficient funds to pay the course fee and to support yourself in the UK. Anyone applying from overseas will need to satisfy this requirement. However, if you’re applying inside the UK and you’ve been in the UK for at least the past 12 months, you do not need to meet this specific requirement.

How Much Do I Need to Show?

You need to show you have sufficient cash funds to cover the following:

  • The cost of your course for one academic year, spanning up to nine months. The specific amount required will be specified in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
  • Money to support yourself with daily living expenses such as accommodation, food, etc.

The amount you need to show for daily living expenses varies by region, with courses in the London area requiring additional funds. The specific thresholds are as follows:

  • £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

If you’re boarding with a residential independent school, the fees will be stated on your CAS.

Proving You Have the Money

You must maintain the specific amount based on your circumstances in an account in your name for at least 28 consecutive days. You will need to provide bank statements showing the balance has been maintained for this full period. The end date of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your visa application date.

Exceptions to the Financial Requirement

There are some exemptions to the financial requirement. These include if:

  • your applying inside the UK and have had a visa for the past 12 months
  • you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer
  • you’re applying as a postgraduate dentist or doctor via a recognised foundation programme
  • you’re a British National Overseas or a citizen of an exempt country

Countries Exempt from the Student Visa Financial Requirement

Citizens of the following countries do not need to prove funds to demonstrate they can support themselves:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahrain
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Croatia
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America

Student Visa English Language Requirement

When applying for your student visa, you will need to prove your knowledge of the English language. There are a number of different ways you can satisfy this requirement:

  • You are a national of an English-speaking country: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British overseas territories, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago or the USA.
  • You have previously proved your level of English in another visa application
  • You have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
  • passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

You need to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at a specified level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. For degree level or above this is equivalent to CEFR level B2. For courses below degree level the requirement is CEFR level B1.

UK Student Visa Application Fee and Other Costs

The cost for any student visa is £490, regardless of the length and whether you apply within the UK or from overseas. In addition to the visa cost, you will have to pay several other compulsory fees, and depending on your circumstances, you may incur other costs.

The following is a summary of all the fees you must pay for a student visa:

  • Application Fee: The UK student visa application fee is £490. This fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the application
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, all applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online upon submission. Student visas currently pay the reduced IHS fee of £776 per year.  When submitting your application, you must pay the IHS fee in full for the duration of your visa. For example, a payment of £2,328 would be payable for a 3-year visa.
  • Biometric Enrolment Fee: You are generally charged a fee for submitting your biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) at a visa application center. This fee varies by country and center but typically falls within the range of £100 to £200. Cheaper appointments tend to be booked up well in advance, so plan ahead to save money.

In addition to the above fees, there may be supplementary charges for English language proficiency tests, tuberculosis tests, or translation services if required. If you choose to opt for a priority service to expedite your application, you will also need to pay an additional fee.

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UK Student Visa Processing and Decision Waiting Times

The point at which you can apply and the processing time for a student visa varies between applications made from outside the UK and those made inside the UK.

Applications from Outside the UK

You can make an application up to 6 months before the proposed start date of your course. Applications are generally processed quickly and decisions are typically returned with 3 weeks at present,

Applications from Inside the UK

If you are already in the UK on a valid visa, you can only apply 3 months before the proposed start date of the course. You must apply before the expiry of your present visa, and the new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. Once an application has been submitted, you can expect to get a decision within 8 weeks.

If you need a faster turnaround on your student visa application, then you will need to opt for a priority service. Typically, these are available overseas and in the UK, although availability can vary by location. These services ensure a much faster decision, sometime within 1 working day. However, additional fees are payable, and availability is limited.

Student Visa Rights and Entitlements

Upon approval of your student visa application, you will receive clear guidelines outlining what you can and can’t do on your specific Student visa. As a general rule, the following criteria apply to most students visas.

Things you can do:

  • Engage in academic studies
  • Serve as a student union sabbatical officer
  • Bring your partner and any dependent children to the UK (subject to the length and level of the qualification)
  • Work, although this is contingent upon your field of study and whether it’s within or outside of term periods

Things you cannot do:

  • Access public funds or pensions
  • Pursue certain professions, such as professional sports or coaching
  • Work on a self-employed basis
  • Enroll in academies or schools funded by local authorities (maintained schools)

If you’re ever in any doubt about what you can or can’t do, it’s best to get expert advice or refer to the guidelines provided with your initial visa approval.

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About Dean Morgan

Immigration Lawyer
Dean is a founding partner of First Migration and has more than 20 years of experience in UK immigration. He is a trusted voice in the immigration community and regularly appears on GB News and other prominent news channels.

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