Studying in the UK is a dream of many students whether they be undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate students. You will be happy to know that there are many opportunities for you to study abroad in the UK. There are different types of study visas with different requirements. In this article, we are going to help to choose what fits you best.
Why Study in the UK?
If you are a student, then you already know that the UK has some of the world’s most esteemed academic institutions and is considered one of the best countries to study. According to the Times Higher Education World Ranking 2022, four of the UK’s universities are among the top 20 of the world’s:
- Oxford University
- Cambridge University
- Imperial College London
- UCL
Out of all Oxford secures the No.1 position in the world.
UKVI
Home Office Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the government institute responsible for all visa and immigration-related activities, including student visas. For a study visa, applicants must score a total of 70 points based on financial independence, English Language skills, and acceptance into a degree or course at a recognized institution.
Who Needs a UK Study Visa?
Residents from most countries now require a student visa to study in the UK following the implementation of Brexit. The government has relieved this requirement for some countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan if the applicants from these countries only apply for a short course of up to six months.
You will not require a student visa if you’re an EU or EFTA citizen already living in the UK and have applied to stay under the EU Settlement Scheme. This could also apply to members of your immediate family.
Citizens of British Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries with the right of abode (ROA) do not require a visa to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom.
Nevertheless, if you are sure whether you require a visa or not, please check the requirements on the official website of UK immigration.
Types Of Student Visas in the UK
Nowadays there are three types of UK study visas:
- Student Visa
This is the main student visa for all higher education courses. You can apply under this section if you are 16 years of age or older.
Requirements
- Acceptance into a course at a recognized institution in the UK.
- The minimum financial amount of £1,023 a month.
- B1 level English Language skills if applying for a diploma and B2 level if going to study for any degree courses or English Language courses.
How to apply?
You can apply online for Student Visa or at any UK visa application center. Following are the documents you must provide with the application form:
- Photo identification.
- Letter of acceptance from the academic institution
- Proof of sufficient cash, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor that your fees and/or living expenses are to be paid by them.
- Unless you are from an English-speaking country, you will need a certificate to show that you meet the English language requirements.
- If you are under the age of eighteen, you will need a parental approval letter.
- Certificate from the Academic Technical Approval Scheme (ATAS) for specified disciplines or research areas where you can use your knowledge in the development of Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) or weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)
- If you are traveling from a high-risk country, a tuberculosis (TB) test result will be needed.
Visa Duration
Typically, the duration of a Student Visa is up to 5 years, but it depends on the duration of your degree. For diploma courses, the duration of the visa is up to 2 years. However, you can apply for a visa extension if you enroll in another course after this course. You can also apply for Graduate Visa if you plan to stay in the UK and find a job after the completion of your course.
- Child Student Visa
This section of the visa is for children between 4-17 years of age who want to attend an independent school in the UK. However, they cannot study in a state school.
Requirements
- To have an admission offer from a recognized independent school.
- To have consent from a parent or guardian.
- To have enough financial resources to cover dues and living costs.
How to apply?
You can apply online for Student Visa or at any UK visa application center. Following are the documents you must provide with the application form:
- Valid photo ID
- Confirmation letter from an independent school.
- Written approval of parents/guardians and proof of their relationship with you.
- Bank statement. You do not need to prove your finances if you are living in the UK for at least 12 months before your application.
- If someone is sponsoring you, then you need to have their written permission.
Visa Duration
The duration of a Child Student Visa is up to 6 years. However, you can also extend your visa depending on your studies.
- Short-Term Study Visa
This section of visas is for students who will be in the country to study English for 6-11 months.
Requirements
- Age must be at least 16 years.
- To have an admission offer from an accredited institution.
- Bank statement to show that you will be able to support yourself financially throughout the term without working and that you can buy yourself a journey back home after the end of your course.
How to apply?
You can apply online for Student Visa or at any UK visa application center. Following are the documents you must provide with the application form:
- Valid photo ID
- Acceptance letter from an accredited institution and proof that you have paid the fee.
- A bank statement that you can support yourself in the UK.
- Accommodation details of your stay in the UK.
- If you are from a high-risk country, then you also need to show your Tuberculosis (TB) test results.
Visa Duration
The duration of the Short-Term study visa is issued for the duration of the course which can be from 6-11 months, and it cannot extend. If the duration of your course is above 11 months, then apply under Student Visa.