Applying for a UK Student Visa – Complete Guide (2024)
Introduction
To study in the UK, international students must apply under the Student Visa category (formerly Tier 4 Visa). The UK operates on a points-based immigration system, where students must meet eligibility criteria to secure a visa.
UK Student Visa Application Process
1. How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?
- Visa Category: Student Visa (previously Tier 4)
- Application Portal: UK Government website (www.gov.uk/student-visa)
- Visa Application Fee: £524 (from 09/04/2025)
🔹 Processing Time: Usually within 3 weeks (priority options available)
2. UK Student Visa Financial Requirements
💰 Funds must be held for a minimum of 28 days before applying and should be in the student’s or parent’s name.
- Living in London: First-year tuition fee + £12,006 (£1,334 per month for 9 months)
- Living outside London: First-year tuition fee + £9,207 (£1,023 per month for 9 months)
🔹 Accepted financial sources:
- Personal savings or joint account with parents
- Bank fixed deposits (with bank letter)
- Approved educational loans (with bank sanction letter)
3. Points-Based Visa System (Total: 70 Points)
✅ 50 Points – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UKVI-licensed university
✅ 10 Points – Financial proof meeting UKVI guidelines
✅ 10 Points – English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or exemption)
UK Student Visa Stay Back Rules
- Undergraduate Degree: Stay back for 2 years under the Graduate Route
- Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD): Stay back for 2 years (Master’s) and 3 years (PhD)
🔹 Students can extend their visa if pursuing higher education or switching to a work visa (Skilled Worker Visa – Tier 2).
UK Student Visa – Required Documents
📄 Documents Checklist (Latest 2024)
- Visa Application Form (Online)
- Valid Passport
- Recent Passport-size Photograph (45 x 35 mm, color)
- CAS Letter from University
- Proof of Funds (Bank Statement/Education Loan)
- English Language Proficiency Test (if applicable)
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates
- Medical Examination (TB Test from UKVI-approved clinic)
- ATAS Certificate (if required for certain courses)
Medical Requirements for UK Visa
All students must undergo a Tuberculosis (TB) test at a UKVI-approved clinic before applying for a visa.
🔗 Check the Approved TB Test Clinics
UK Visa Interview – Do You Need One?
The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department may require an interview based on:
✅ Travel history – If you have traveled to the UK, USA, Canada, or Schengen countries in the last 5 years, an interview is less likely.
✅ Tuition fee payment – If you have prepaid tuition, visa approval chances increase.
Visa Refusal & Refund Policy
🚫 If your visa is refused, you can:
- Reapply with additional documents
- Request a refund of tuition fees from the university (based on their refund policy)
🔹 Documents needed for a refund:
- Visa refusal letter
- University offer letter
- Passport copy
Changing Institutions After Visa Approval
- If changing universities, you must apply for a new CAS letter and visa.
- Some universities may transfer tuition fees, but check their refund policy before switching.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) – Who Needs It?
Students pursuing sensitive subjects like science, engineering, and technology need ATAS clearance before applying for a visa.
🔹 Courses requiring ATAS clearance:
- Materials Science
- Physics (including Nuclear Physics)
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
How to Track Your UK Visa Application?
📍 Online Tracking: Check visa status via the UK Government portal.
📲 SMS Tracking: Some applicants can receive SMS updates on visa status.
When Should You Apply for a UK Student Visa?
📅 Apply at least 3 months before your course starts.
✈ You can enter the UK up to 1 month before your course begins.
