Student visa

Overview

You can apply for a Student visa in the UK if you:

  • Are 16 or over.
  • Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
  • Can financially support yourself and pay for your course.
  • Can speak, read, write, and understand English.
  • Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17.

If you’re 16 or 17 and wish to study at an independent school, you may qualify for a Child Student visa.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

When to Apply:

Application Type Earliest Application Time Decision Time
From outside the UK 6 months before the course starts 3 weeks
From inside the UK 3 months before the course starts 8 weeks

How Long You Can Stay:

Course Level Maximum Stay
Degree Level Up to 5 years
Below Degree Level Up to 2 years

You may be eligible to extend your visa or switch to other visa types like the Graduate visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years post-graduation.

Fees:

Application Type Fee
From outside the UK £490
From inside the UK £490

You must also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

  1. Your Course

To apply for a Student visa, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, and you’ll be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Courses You Can Study:

Course Type Level
Full-time qualification below degree level RQF Level 3, 4, or 5
Full-time qualification at degree level or above RQF Level 6, 7, or 8
Full-time course equivalent to a UK higher education course (part of a longer overseas course) RQF Level 6, 7, or 8
Recognized foundation programme for postgraduate doctors/dentists N/A
English language course at level B2 or above CEFR Level B2

Postgraduate Doctors/Dentists: You can apply if sponsored for a recognized foundation programme, having completed a recognized UK degree in medicine or dentistry.

3. Financial Requirements

To obtain a Student visa, you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and pay for your course.

Course Fees: You must have enough funds to cover your course fees for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The required amount will be listed on your CAS.

Living Expenses:

Location Monthly Requirement (up to 9 months)
London £1,334
Outside London £1,023

You must maintain the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. The end of this period must be within 31 days of your application date.

Exemptions:

  • No financial proof needed if you’ve had a valid UK visa for 12 months or more at the time of your application.
  • You also do not need to prove your finances if you’re a student union sabbatical officer or a postgraduate doctor/dentist.

  1. Knowledge of English

You must demonstrate proficiency in English by:

  • Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
  • Holding UK-recognized qualifications like GCSEs or A-Levels.
Study Level English Requirement (CEFR Level)
Degree level or above B2
Below degree level B1

Some nationalities and applicants (e.g., those from English-speaking countries or prior UK visa applicants) are exempt from this requirement.

  1. Documents Needed to Apply

When applying for a Student visa, you must provide the following documents:

Document Type Requirement
Passport or valid travel document Current, valid
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Issued by course provider
Financial proof (if required) Proof of enough funds for living and course fees
ATAS certificate (if applicable) For certain nationalities and courses
Parental consent (if under 18) Written consent from both parents/guardians
TB test results (if applicable) From countries requiring tuberculosis screening

You must also have a blank page in your passport for the visa, if biometric information is required

  1. How to Apply

You can apply for a Student visa online. Depending on where you’re applying from, you’ll either:

  • Give fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre.
  • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your documents.

Processing Times:

  • Applications from outside the UK usually take 3 weeks.
  • Applications from inside the UK take 8 weeks.

  1. Your Partner and Children

Your dependants (partner and children) can apply to join you if you’re:

  • A government-sponsored student on a course lasting longer than 6 months.
  • A full-time postgraduate student on a course lasting 9 months or more (RQF Level 7 or above).

Dependent’s Financial Requirement:

Location Monthly Requirement (up to 9 months)
London £845
Outside London £680

Dependants must apply separately, either from inside or outside the UK.

  1. Extending Your Visa

You may extend your Student visa if:

  • You have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor for a higher-level course.
  • You meet the academic progress requirement.

Dependants must apply separately to extend their visas. All applications must be made before the current visa expires.

  1. Switching Visas

You can switch to a Student visa if you’re already in the UK, excluding certain visas (e.g., visitor or short-term student visas).

Requirements:

  • Must have an unconditional offer and a CAS.
  • Proof of finances if in the UK for less than 12 months.

Applications must be made before your current visa expires.

FAQs

Can I Work on a Student Visa?

Yes, with restrictions based on your course and term-time.

Yes, if you meet specific criteria as a postgraduate or government-sponsored student.

Not if you’ve had a valid visa for 12 months or more, or you’re from an exempt country.

Contact Us:

For professional assistance with your Student visa application or any UK immigration services, Shams BritVisa Lawyers Ltd is here to help. We are based in Manchester, UK, and specialize in all aspects of UK immigration law, including sponsor licences.

• Phone: 0330 133 885
• Email: info@shamsbvlawyers.com
• Book a Consultation with our expert team to guide you through the process.