Student Visa (Education Route)

If you intend to study in the United Kingdom, you are required to apply for a Student Visa. This visa allows you to legally reside in the UK for the duration of your course of study.

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and pay for your course fees. The required amount will vary depending on your personal circumstances.
• You must prove your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to the required standard.
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s). If you are considering a visa for a child aged between 4 and 17, you must apply under the Child Student Visa category. For further guidance on this matter, please contact us.

Please note that the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is no longer valid and has been replaced by the current Student Visa route.

Applying from Outside the United Kingdom:

You may apply for a Student Visa from outside the United Kingdom. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the start date of your course.

Duration of Stay:

The length of time you are permitted to stay in the UK depends on the level and length of your course, as well as any previous education you have completed:

• If you are aged 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you are typically permitted to stay for up to 5 years.
• If your course is below degree level, you are typically permitted to stay for up to 2 years.

Extending Your Stay in the UK:

You may be eligible to extend or switch your visa in the following circumstances:

• If you need more time to complete your studies, by applying to extend your current visa, or
• If you are already in the UK under a different visa category and wish to switch to a Student Visa.

Upon successful completion of your course, you may also apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to remain in the UK for at least 2 additional years to work or look for work.

Travelling to the UK:

The date from which you can enter the UK depends on the length of your course:

• If your course lasts less than 6 months, you may enter up to 1 week before your course starts.
• If your course lasts more than 6 months, you may enter up to 1 month before your course starts.

You are not permitted to travel to the UK before the start date indicated on your visa.

Application Fees:

The application fees for a Student Visa are as follows:

• Applications from outside the UK: £490
• Applications from within the UK (for extending your visa or switching from another visa category): £490

Course Eligibility and Required Documentation:

To be eligible to study in the United Kingdom, you must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor. Your education provider will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, which is essential for your visa application.

Eligible Courses:

You may apply for a Student Visa if you are enrolled in one of the following courses in the UK:

• A full-time course below degree level (RQF levels 3, 4, or 5) that includes at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study.
• A full-time course at degree level or above (RQF levels 6, 7, or 8).
• A full-time course at degree level or above that is part of a programme equivalent to UK higher education.
• A part-time postgraduate course (RQF level 7 or above).
• A recognised foundation programme for doctors and dentists.
• An English language course at CEFR level B2 or above.

In addition, if you have been elected to a full-time position as a student union representative, you may also be eligible to apply for a Student Visa.

Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists

To participate in a recognised foundation programme in the United Kingdom, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have obtained a UK degree in medicine or dentistry.
• You must have completed your degree through a licensed student sponsor.
• You must have studied at least the final year and at least one full academic year of your qualification in the UK.

10 Questions on the Student Visa

For tailored guidance and support regarding the Student Visa process, please contact us directly.