Student Visa

The Student visa allows international students to study in the UK if they have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and at least 70 points on the points-based immigration system.

Key Takeaways

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To apply for a UK Student Visa, applicants must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of sufficient funds, and meet English language proficiency requirements. The visa is for full-time courses and requires an application fee of £490.

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Students can stay for up to 5 years for degree-level courses and up to 2 years for courses below degree level. They can work under specific conditions and switch to other visa routes post-graduation, such as the Graduate Visa, which allows staying up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).

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Dependents (partner and children) can join if the student meets specific criteria. Financial proof varies by location (£1,483/month in London and £1,136/month outside). Bank statements must show sufficient funds held for at least 28 consecutive days.

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The visa application can be done online and includes providing biometric information and necessary documentation. The processing time is up to 3 weeks for applications outside the UK and up to 8 weeks for applications within the UK.

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Table of contents

What is the UK Student Visa

The UK Student Visa allows international students to study at approved institutions in the UK. You can apply for this visa if you are 16 or older and have secured a place at a recognised educational institution. The program is designed for full-time study and leads to qualifications at or above the degree level. Your education provider must be licensed to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is essential for your application.

The UK Student Visa has specific conditions, including working rights and sponsorship responsibilities. The Child Student Visa is available for applicants aged 4 to 17 attending independent schools.

To apply, you will need an unconditional offer from a licensed educational institution and, if under 18, parental consent. The application fee for both initial applications and extensions is £490.

If you are 18 or older and your course is at degree level, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years. For courses below degree level, you can typically stay for up to 2 years. Additionally, you may work while studying, with restrictions depending on your course and whether it's term-time or holiday periods. You can also work as a student union sabbatical officer.

Visa Routes

After completing your studies, there are potential paths to stay and pursue your career or entrepreneurial ambitions in the UK. Each visa route has its own set of eligibility criteria that must be met for the visa to be granted.

Graduate Visa

Graduates of approved courses in the UK can stay under the Graduate Visa route for up to two years to live, work, and search for employment. PhD graduates have the option to stay for up to three years.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for individuals looking to establish an innovative business in the UK. Applicants must have an endorsed business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable. This visa allows for an initial stay of up to three years, with the possibility of extension and settlement.

Start-up Visa

The Start-up Visa is for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their first business in the UK. Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by an approved body. This visa allows for a two-year stay, during which individuals can work on developing their business and gain practical experience.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is for highly skilled individuals in fields such as academia, research, arts, and digital technology. Applicants must be endorsed as leaders or potential leaders in their field. This visa offers flexibility in work and residency, with pathways to settlement after three to five years.

Dependents

Your partner and children (dependents) can join you in the UK or extend their stay if you are either a government-sponsored student on a course longer than six months or a full-time postgraduate student (RQF level 7 or above) on a course lasting nine months or more. Postgraduate courses starting after January 1, 2024, must be a PhD, doctorate (RQF level 8), or a research-based higher degree.

You must provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate for your partner or a birth certificate for your child. Additionally, you must prove your child is not married and lives with you unless in full-time education and provide two documents confirming their address. If dependents have not been in the country already for 12 months with a valid visa, their dependents must also meet the financial requirements in addition to their funds. They need to have nine months of funding held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, and the required amount varies depending on where you study:

  • £845 a month for courses in London
  • £680 a month outside London

Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

UK Student Visa requirements and eligibility shown with a person checking a list

To successfully apply for a UK Student Visa, you must submit a well-prepared application demonstrating your eligibility by meeting the requirements. A straightforward application helps the home office make an easy decision. Here’s how you can strengthen your application to increase the likelihood of approval:

  • Unconditional Offer: You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course from a licensed Student Visa sponsor.
  • Proof of Funds: Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for the course.
  • Full-Time Course: Your course must be full-time, with at least 15 weekly study hours.
  • English Language Requirements: You must meet the required English language standards.
  • Parental Consent: If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from your parents stating you can live and travel independently.
  • Entry Clearance: Obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK.

Points Requirements

A point system determines your eligibility for a Student Visa. You must accumulate at least 70 points to qualify.

  • 50 Points: Awarded for having a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, meeting full-time course requirements, and satisfying qualification and study level criteria.
  • 10 Points: Awarded for demonstrating sufficient funds to cover course fees and living expenses.
  • 10 Points: Awarded for meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your educational institution will provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after you accept an unconditional offer. This CAS will include a unique reference number that you must include in your visa application. You must apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS.

Financial Requirements

Financial criteria for UK Student Visa depicted with money and a calculator

You must show sufficient funds to cover your living costs and tuition fees. If studying outside London, you need £1,136 per month for up to nine months; within London, this increases to £1,483 per month. Acceptable financial evidence includes:

  • Government or regulated student loans
  • Personal funds
  • Financial support from parents or partners (with verification)

Bank statements must show a continuous balance for 28 days before your application. Students from certain countries, such as Australia and the USA, are exempt from demonstrating financial evidence.

Proving English Language Proficiency

You need to prove your English language proficiency, often assessed by your Higher Education Provider for degree-level courses, to ensure you meet the academic and visa requirements. This assessment must align with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2 standard.

Proving Your English Language Knowledge

Proving your English language proficiency is often a requirement for obtaining a student visa. Higher Education Providers may assess your English proficiency for degree-level courses. They can use their own testing methods if they match the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2 standard.

Providing evidence of your English language skills ensures you meet the academic requirements for your chosen course and comply with visa regulations.

Exemptions

You will be exempt from proving your English language proficiency if:

  • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
  • You are a national of Canada.

Nationals Exempt from UK Language Requirement for Student Visa

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Antigua and Barbuda

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Australia

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Bahamas

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Barbados

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Belize

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British Overseas Territories

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Canada

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Dominica

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Grenada

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Guyana

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Ireland

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Jamaica

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Malta

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New Zealand

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St Kitts and Nevis

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St Lucia

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St Vincent and the Grenadines

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Trinidad and Tobago

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United Kingdom

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USA

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  • You are applying to the UK for a study abroad program as part of a university degree course in the USA.
  • You have previously proved your level of English in a prior visa application.

Required Documentation

UK Student Visa documentation process illustrated with a person and documents

The specific set of documents for a Student visa application can vary depending on individual circumstances, and the documents will include:

  • Current Passport or Valid Travel Documentation: Ensure your travel document is up-to-date and valid.
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This should be obtained from your course provider.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Evidence such as bank statements to show you can support yourself and pay for your course.
  • English Language Test Certificate: Whether you need to provide this will depend on the country in which you are a citizen.
  • Valid ATAS Certificate: Required if your course and nationality require applying for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
  • Parental or Guardian Consent: If you are under 18, you need written consent from your parents or guardians.
  • Proof of Relationship to Parent or Guardian: Also needed if you are under 18.
  • Tuberculosis Test Results: If you are from a country that requires one.
  • Written Consent from Financial Sponsor: If you have received sponsorship for course fees and living costs in the past 12 months.

An accredited translator must translate any documents not in English or Welsh. You need to provide both the original and translated versions of your application.

Application Fees

A student visa application costs £490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, and the same fee applies to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK. You must pay the visa fee for each dependent person who joins you. Additionally, you'll need to pay the healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year as part of your application.

Processing Times

Applying inside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before your course starts. The general processing time for Student visa applications is 8 weeks.

Applying outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before your course starts. The general processing time for Student visa applications is 3 weeks.

How to Apply for the UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa application steps shown with two people and a document

The Student visa application can be completed online via the government website. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before your course starts, and you can enter the UK a maximum of one month before your course start date. You must only travel to the UK after the start date given on your visa.

  • Receive an Offer:
    • Get an offer of a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor.
  • Ensure Financial Support:
    • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. The amount required will vary depending on your circumstances.
  • Meet English Language Requirements:
    • Ensure you meet the necessary English language proficiency standards.
  • Obtain Parental Consent:
    • If applicable, get consent from your parents.
  • Gather Documents:
    • Prepare and organise all necessary documents to streamline your application process and avoid last-minute issues.
  • Complete the Online Application:
    • Fill out the online application on the government website and pay the required fee.
  • Provide Biometric Information:
    • Give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre.
  • Wait for a Decision:
    • Wait for a decision from the Home Office.
  • Collect Your BRP:
    • Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of your arrival in the UK. You can pick it up either at the nominated address you provided during your application or at the designated post office.

Student Visa Refusal

UK Student Visa appeal process illustrated with a red cross and two people

If your Student Visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the decision and outlining potential remedies. Typically, you have two main options: requesting an Administrative Review or submitting a new application.

If the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) has made an error in their decision, you can challenge it through an Administrative Review. Applicants outside the UK have up to 28 days to request this review, which requires an £80 fee. During an Administrative Review, a different caseworker will reconsider your application. If an error is found, the decision will be overturned, and your visa will be granted.

Alternatively, depending on your circumstances, submitting a new application might be more appropriate. QC Immigration can advise you on the best course of action and help you increase your chances of a smooth path forward.

Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Refusal

  1. Missing or Incorrect Supporting Documents:
    • Failure to submit the correct supporting documents or information can lead to a refusal after validation.
  2. Financial Evidence Issues:
    • Providing incomplete financial evidence or documents that do not meet UKVI requirements.
    • Showing insufficient funds or using a source of funds is unacceptable to the UKVI.
  3. Criminal Convictions or Immigration History:
    • Having previous criminal convictions or adverse immigration history that hasn't been disclosed is grounds for refusal.
  4. Deception:
    • The Home Office believes that the applicant has used deception in their application.

Restrictions

While you are in the UK on a student visa, you must adhere to the following restrictions:

  1. No Public Funds:
    • You are not allowed to claim public funds (benefits) and pensions.
  2. Work Restrictions:
    • You cannot work in specific jobs, such as professional sportspeople or sports coaches.
    • You are not permitted to be self-employed.
  3. Educational Restrictions:
    • You cannot study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).

Visa Extension

If you're currently in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you may be able to extend your stay to continue your course or start a new one. To do so, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, evidenced by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your new course must be at a higher academic level than your current one unless certain exceptions apply. If you've been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself.

Your new course should generally be higher than your current one to meet the academic progress requirement. However, it can also be at the same level if it's related to your previous studies or career goals and is at a degree level or above that of a higher education provider (HEP). Other eligible courses include those intercalated into a medicine, dentistry, or medical science program.

Your partner or children must apply separately to extend their visas, either alongside your application or before their current visas expire. Alternatively, you can switch to a Graduate visa, allowing you to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing your course.

Academic Progress Exemptions

Specific scenarios exempt you from showing academic progress, such as resitting exams, transferring to a new institution after your previous one lost its sponsorship license, returning to complete a qualification after serving as a student union sabbatical officer, finishing a PhD or doctorate started under your last visa, continuing a medical degree post-intercalation, or extending your stay to complete a course that includes a work placement or study abroad program.

Alternative Routes

Alternative visa options are available for short-term and child students when the standard student visa is unsuitable.

Child Student Visa: This visa is intended for students aged 4 to 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK. Applicants must have an offer from an approved institution and meet specific financial and consent requirements.

Short-term Study Visa: This visa is for students taking short courses, such as English language courses, lasting up to 11 months. It suits those not planning to stay in the UK beyond their course duration.

QC Immigration Support with UK Student Visas

The Student visa is an excellent option for international students seeking a degree-level qualification at a recognized UK university. Moving to a new country can be daunting, and preparing an accurate and well-documented visa application should not be underestimated.

QC Immigration has extensive experience in guiding students through the UK student visa application process and other immigration matters. Whether you prefer to meet our specialists in person or need a fully online service, we can assist with all your UK immigration concerns. In addition to handling all aspects of your application, we can help you plan for the long term if you wish to work or start a business in the UK after graduation.

With our expertise, you can save time and reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete or non-compliant application. We ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free journey to achieving your qualification in the UK.

FAQ

How can I work over 20 hours a week on a UK student visa?

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Can I apply to study at an independent school if I'm 16 or 17?

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Can I work while studying on a student visa?

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Can I bring family members on Student Visa?

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How much do Student Visas cost?

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Can I continue using my National Insurance number after my student visa expires?

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Can students on a visa obtain credit cards in the UK?

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When can I move to the UK on a Student Visa?

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Can my spouse visit me in the UK while I am on a Student visa?

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Author

Xiaohan Zhao

Xiaohan Zhao

Client Success Lead

With a decade of experience in immigration and education, Xiaohan is a seasoned professional with a commitment to excellence. Xiaohan has assisted countless international families and students from diverse backgrounds with their UK relocation.

Having studied and worked in UK and China, Xiaohan has experienced first-hand the aspirations and challenges of a first-generation migrant. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English, enabling her to bridge linguistic gaps to facilitate clear communication.

Xiaohan is known for her unwavering commitment to client service and relationship-building. She understands the importance of trust in the legal industry and approaches each case with a meticulous yet innovative eye. Clients consistently find Xiaohan to be a reliable and dedicated professional. Her personable approach, combined with technical and cultural expertise, sets her apart in the field.