Choosing the UK as a study destination means more than the best education. International students from all other countries still need a student visa to enter the UK. Generally, international students enter the UK on a ‘Tier 4 visa’ for a full course of study. Students studying English or attending training courses can apply for a short-term study visa.
UK Study Visa Application: Essentials
UK Visas and Immigration handles all visa and immigration matters. You must apply for a UK study visa through their website. You can apply for a visa up to three months before your course start date. However, the process is complex, so start the process early to give yourself enough time to properly complete your application. You can also rely on student visa consultants in dubai to support you in the entire UK study visa application process.
The UK grants student visas on a points-based system. You will need information and supporting documents to obtain the required number of points. Typically, this involves the following:
- Passport details and a recent photo
- A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance to Studies (CAS) from your institution of study, which will be sent to you by your university once you have met the admission requirements
- If you are not a native speaker, proof of English language proficiency, demonstrated by a ‘Secure English Language Test’ (SELT)
- Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your studies in the UK, documented by a bank statement
The types of visas you will need depend on the length of your study program. Let’s explore them.
Short-term/study visit visa
Students from outside the EEA aged 18 and over who plan to undertake a short course of study can apply for a short-term/study visit visa. This applies to students who plan to study English language or training courses or pursue a short period of research as part of a study abroad program.
A short-term/study visit visa is valid for up to six months or 11 months. Once expires, it cannot be extended. This visa does not allow you to work in the UK or study at a publicly funded higher education institution.
Tier 4 Student Visa (General)
Students aged 16 and over who have been offered a place on a long-term course at an accredited institution can apply for the Tier 4 General Student Visa.
It allows you to stay longer than on a short-term visa. It also allows the holder to take most jobs and extend the visa if you choose to study at a higher level.
The visa costs 328 GBP, and if you stay longer than 6 months, you will need to pay a ‘health surcharge’ of 150 GBP in order to gain access to the National Health Service.
The UK government has published a detailed guide on what is required for the Tier 4 student visa application, including the documents to submit and the number of financial resources you will need to get your student visa approved.
Once you have applied online, you will need to submit your biometric details and information in your home country for the UK government to start processing your application. Find your local visa application center where you will submit your biometrics here.
Tier 4 student visa (child)
Students under the age of 17 who wish to attend a private school in the UK can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa that allows them to stay in the UK for up to 6 years, depending on their age and course duration. If you are over 16 years old, you can work part-time during term time and full-time on public holidays.
Rely on uk student visa consultants in dubai for detailed process and support.
