A Complete Guide to Applying for a UK Student Visa

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 4 minutes

Do you have your heart set on studying in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland? The UK is a wonderful place to live and learn, but you’ll most likely need to get a UK study visa before you start packing your bags.

This comprehensive guide covers who needs a UK student visa, the requirements for getting one, how to apply, how much it costs, and how long it takes.

Who needs a UK student visa? 

If you’re an international student hoping to study in the UK, you’ll most likely need a student visa. The only exceptions are nationals of Switzerland and countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), who don’t need a visa to enter the UK. * 

* Please note: The outcome of Brexit may alter this after 2020. Check the UK government’s website for up-to-date information about this. 

What are the UK student visa requirements I need to meet? 

There are several UK study visa requirements you’ll need to meet to successfully apply. These include: 

  • You’ve been offered a place in a full-time course from an eligible university (i.e. the school must be a licensed Student route visa*Tier 4 sponsors)

  • You can understand English (both written and spoken)

  • You have enough funds to support yourself and any dependants, while also paying for the course.

These requirements apply to students from all over the world. This means the UK student visa requirements for Indian students and American students are exactly the same for Chinese students and Australian students (and so on).  

Which type of visa do I need to apply for? 

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There are three main types of UK student visas: 

  • Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa)

  • Child Student visa (also Tier 4)

  • Short-term study visa.

You should apply for a Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) if: 

  • You’ll be studying at a university/college course for over 6 months 

  • You’ll be taking an English language course for over 11 months.

If the above applies to you and you’re under 18, apply for a child study visa instead. 

Short-term study visas cover English language courses that are shorter than 12 months.  

A Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) costs significantly more than a short-term study visa, so make sure that you understand which one is right for you. See more information on student visa costs below. 

How much does a UK student visa cost? 

Getting a student visa in the UK costs £348. You’ll also need to pay the same amount for each dependant (partner or child) you bring with you.  

A Child Student (Tier 4) visa also costs £348. 

Short-term student visas are £97 for 6 months or £186 for 11 months.  

The cost of the Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) doesn’t include the healthcare surcharge you will also be required to pay.  

How do I apply for a UK student visa?

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  1. Check if you need to apply for a student visa in the UK. You can do so on the government’s website. 

  2. Prepare all your documents. These include your passport, a recent photo and fingerprints (taken at a visa application center), your unconditional placement offer, proof of financial stability (e.g. bank statements), and proof of English language skills (if you don’t already have this).

  3. Apply for a Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) via (UK) online. 

You can start your UK student visa application here. If you’re applying from North Korea, you’ll need to download an application form and guidance instead of completing it online.  

How long will it take to get my UK study visa? 

The UK visa processing time is up to three weeks, so you can expect a decision on your application within 21 days. Ensuring all the necessary documentation is provided with your application will help prevent delays.  

As the UK student visa process isn’t particularly quick, we recommend getting your application in as promptly as possible (i.e. as soon as you’ve received your confirmation of acceptance from the school and you’ve prepared your other documents). However, you can’t apply more than three months before your course begins.  

Once your application for a UK student visa is approved, you’ll be ready to start packing and preparing for your course. The next exciting chapter of your academic life is about to begin!

Find out more about taking an English test for a UK student visa.

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