Thousands of international students dream of applying to UK universities every year because of the country's prestigious British Education system, global exposure, and diverse culture. But how many of them can truly fulfill their aspirations? The path to studying in the UK is not just limited to securing a letter of acceptance but also a student visa.
A student visa is not just a piece of paper, it's a golden ticket that can turn your 'maybe someday' into a resounding 'welcome to the campus’. So, in this blog, you will get a detailed guide to securing a student visa in the United Kingdom while securing your study in UK dream.
From the application process and required documents to the cost involved, we will discuss all aspects of the UK student visa. Let us dive in!
A UK student visa is a special permit from the UK government that allows students to stay in the country while they pursue their studies at an authorized UK institution. This visa is for international students aged 16 or above with a valid letter of acceptance from a recognized UK university.
International students keen to study at the Bachelor's or Master's Level in the UK fall under the student visa category, which was earlier known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa. Let us now understand the UK student visa application process.
To begin with the UK Student Visa application process, the student must have received the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the designated UK University.
International students applying for VISA from outside the UK can apply six months before the course start date, whereas those applying from inside the UK should apply three months before the course start date. Listed below are the list of documents required for the UK student visa application form:
Passport Details
Documents supporting Academic Qualifications
English Language Evidence
Translations if any document is not in English
A Negative Tuberculosis Test Result
Proof of Financial Sufficiency
Proof of Parental or other legal guardian consent if student is under 18
ATAS Certificate*
Once students submit all the necessary documents, they are required to apply online for a student visa by visiting the official website of the UK government by following the below steps:
Step 1: Complete an online UK Student Visa Application Form
Step 2: Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Visa Application Fees
Step 3: Select a location to collect the Biometric Residence Permit BRP
Step 4: Book biometric date with a visa application centre. Students can choose to upload the supporting documents required. Alternatively, they can also carry their passports and all the other supporting documents at the visa application centre for assessment and scan.
Step 5: Students may be selected for an interview to check that they are coming to the UK as a genuine student.
The waiting period for UK Student Visa Applications is of three weeks or 15 working days. For updates, students can subscribe to the VFS SMS alert service to track their visa applications.
The current UK student visa cost is £490, with an additional £490 per person for any dependents.
International students are required to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge of £776 for each stay period that lasts for 6 to 12 months and £388 for any additional period that is less than 6 months. So, it depends on the duration of the chosen course. They can pay the UK student Visa Fee by MasterCard, or Visa card (Credit or Debit card).
To pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom, students are required to establish financial evidence to demonstrate that their financial sponsors can cover the cost of their studies, including tuition fees, accommodation, and general living expenses while studying in the UK. Thus, under the proof of funds, students are required to show enough money to support themselves for a minimum period of 12 months from their application date. To calculate the show money requirement, here's a simple formula:
Show Money Requirement = Remaining fees (Total fees - Deposit paid - Scholarship Amount (if applicable)) + 9 Months of Living Expenses in the UK (for universities based out of London it is £9207 and for universities based in London, it is £12006.)
The proof of funds is required to be kept in the bank for minimum 28-day period which must be within 31 days from when the students apply for the visa. This ensures that the students have necessary funds available to support themselves.
Students must ensure that the finances are arranged well in advanced. Thus, they are advised to plan their fundings for the entire course duration to avoid any kind of unforeseen situation that may result in student visa refusal. If required, students can also explore the option of education loan for UK.
Given below is the information about the institutions they can approach for the same.
The financial institutions regulated under the Reserve Bank of India are accepted for an education loan to study in UK, and aspirants have various options. Through these financial institutions they can opt for Secured or Unsecured Education Loans based on their requirement. Let us look at the four types of financial institutions offering Overseas Education Loans:
Government Banks: State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda
Private Banks: Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank
International Lenders: Prodigy Finance
NBFCs: HDFC Credila
Choosing the correct study abroad loan is a crucial step in one’s study abroad journey. Students are advised to consider factors such as the interest rate, margin money, expenses covered, Income Tax benefit, loan disbursement, loan repayment, and the processing fee while making the decision.
For any help needed with applying for an overseas education loan students can approach Élan Loan Experts. They will give end to end support in getting the loans disbursed in no time. For applying to UK Universities or navigating the UK student visa process, students can reach out to our team of UK experts. Our experts are dedicated to supporting students through every step, from visa applications to demonstrating proof of funds for UK universities. Schedule an in-person or virtual counseling session today and let us guide you by resolving all your queries.
Connect with us now to ensure a smooth journey towards your UK Education Goals!
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