To determine whether you need a UK student visa, the requirements and general immigration criteria are managed by UK Visas and Immigration. All other international students are likely to need a visa while the Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states do not currently need visa for studying in UK.
The UK government has stated that there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens until 2021 with the result of UK’s referendum on the membership in the European Union that has led to some uncertainty over the visa regulations.
Types of UK Student Visa
You may be eligible for the short term study visa if you are studying a short course and are over 18 years old. For most short courses, it is valid up to six months and can also be extended to up to 11 months for the English language courses.
You will have to ensure that you’re chosen institute holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License if you are studying a longer course. If you are aged 4-17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you can apply for Tier 4 (Child) student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and more.
UK student visa requirements
- Passport details
- Recent photos
- On a course that is offered by a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, evidenced by a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) form from your course provider an unconditional offer of a place.
- Adequate proof of English language skills as demonstrated by passing one of the secured English language tests (SELT)
- You also need to have a proof of financial support throughout your stay in UK
- You may also need an ATAS certificate if you are a non EU/EEA/Swiss student studying a sensitive subject.
Fees of UK student visa
With an addition fee per person for any dependent, the current fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is US$440. In order to access the National Health Service of NHS during your stay, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge of US$190 per year.
For a 11 months visa you need to pay US$240 and for a short term study visa for six months will cost US$120.
For master’s students at 27 universities streamlined visa processes
To study a master’s degree at one of
the 27 eligible universities, you can now apply for streamlined visa processing. It is the part of the new Tier 4 Pilot scheme. You can apply from inside or outside the UL as your course will need to be 13 months. After the end of your course, the pilot scheme allows you to stay longer and you will not need to submit documents showing your academic results or proof of funds are what it also mean. In case it is required, you will still need to have these documents to hand and will have to follow all other immigration guidelines.
Using your UK student visa
A UK Border Agency officer will place a stamp on your passport that states the duration of your stay in the UK when you are entering here. For example, you can stay for a full duration of the course along with an additional four months if your course is 12 months. Beyond this period, you cannot extend your stay.
You should make sure you are fully immunised by remembering to pack your immunisation record in your hand luggage in case you are asked to show the Border Agency officer at your UK port of entry before your arrive. You need to carry your proof of financier, proof of accommodation, and the documents related to your studies.
You may also be required to register with the police within seven days of your arrival in UK depending on where you are from.
Working while you study
Students of EU, EEA, and Swiss can work while studying in UK. During the term time, students of publicly funded higher education institutions on Tier 4 student visas can work for up to 20 hours per week and also full-time during the Christmas and Easter breaks.