UK Student Visa: Types, Requirements, Fees

The UK is popular among international students due to its practical and utility-based knowledge approach instead of textbook knowledge. The UK incorporates most of the high-ranking, prestigious and oldest Universities in the world. Universities in the UK are famous for encouraging students to explore their potential in the field they are pursuing. Thus, the UK continues to remain an attractive destination for International students. Let us find out how one can make its route to the UK.

As per the latest report, Indians are issued the highest number of permits. You can apply for a student visa to study in UK if you are 16 or above. Students who want to study in the UK for more than six months need to know the following:

• UK Student Visa types
• UK Student Visa Eligibility
• UK Student Visa cost
• Latest update

Read Also: List of Top Courses & Universities to Pursue Masters in UK

In this blog, we will help you explore the above-listed points in brief.

UK Student Visa types

1. Short-term Study Visa: Students who want to study a short-duration course such as English proficiency course, Animal nutrition course for 11 months and so on.
2. Student Visa: This category of UK Student visa is for students who want to apply for higher education in the UK. It is popularly called a Tier 4 (general) student visa.

3. You may be eligible for a Child Student visa for children who want to study at an independent school in the UK and are between 4 and 17 years old.

UK Student Visa Eligibility

1. A student must have received an offer of a full-time academic course from a licensed student sponsor. To prove this, the educational provider will send you a reference number, known as the Conformation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), once you have been offered a place on the course.
2. A student must have sufficient financial resources to support oneself and pay for the course during one’s course duration. The course amount will vary depending on the student’s circumstances.
3. A student must have consent from their parents, and if you are 16- 17, you will need evidence when applying.
4. A student must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.

When to apply for a student Visa to study in the UK

This process entirely depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, like-

A student applying from outside the UK can apply for a visa six months before the start of the applied course.

If you are a student applying from inside the UK, you can apply for a visa three months before the course starts and before your current visa expires.

UK Student Visa Cost

If you are a student applying from inside the UK, you can apply for a visa three months before the course starts and before your current visa expires.

For a student applying from outside the UK, the fee is £363, which is approximately Rs 37,082. In addition to the visa fee, you must pay a health surcharge, which depends entirely on the duration of your stay. Online, Demand draft and Cash at the visa application centre are the most preferred and trusted modes of payment for students willing to apply for a student visa in the UK.

For students applying to extend or switch to a student visa from inside the UK, the fee is £ 490, approximately Rs 50,056.

Documents required for UK Student Visa

Before you enter the United Kingdom as a student, a thorough verification of identity, education and supporting documents of financial records is required. You should have the following documents before applying for a student visa to study in the UK.

• Proof of guardian’s consent.
• A complete visa application form and visa fees payment confirmation receipt.
• A letter of acceptance for the course and a visa letter, issued no more than six months before you apply for the student visa.
• Proof of financial records covering your course fees for the first academic year and living costs for up to 9 months. However, the amount varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

If a student has been living in the UK for at least 12 months with a valid visa, they do not have to provide proof of funds.

• Originals of your academic qualification, such as mark sheets or provisional certificates.
• Scoresheet of English language proficiency exams tests.

Latest update on the Visa fee for UK

THE UK Government has proposed a visa fee hike, which will affect international students, including Indians. The proposed changes mean raising the cost for a visit visa for less than six months to £ 115, and the student visa fee applying from outside the UK will rise to £ 490. It is confirmed that the fee hike for a visa may be around 5-7 per cent across visa categories, including health and care visas, applications to register and naturalize as a British citizen, fees up to six months, two, five and ten-year visit visas, to support the country’s public sector wage. So, at this moment, we have a 15 % hike for work and visit visas and an increase of at least 20 % in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.

According to another development, VFS Global has joined hands with Tata Owned Indian Hotels Company and the Radisson Group, after which students willing to study in the UK can apply for a UK visa at a nearby hotel, where the students will be assisted for visa application. This new announcement will make the visa application process for the UK more efficient. However, it is essential to book an appointment and attend the same within 240 days of submission of your online visa.

For latest update, get in contact with our country expert at SIEC.

Reach out to SIEC for applications and queries.

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