UK Student Visa: A Complete Application Guide

Students from all over the globe come to the UK to pursue world-class higher education and build a better future for themselves. If you too aim to study in the UK, you can easily do so as the UK government provides an opportunity to all Indian students in their country. 

Besides getting admission to a UK university the only perquisite is that you will have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you require depends on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue.

The process to obtain a UK visa is quite straightforward, we will be discussing the entire process in detail for your better understanding.

Table of Content

1. Application Criteria
2. English Language Requirements
3. Documents Required
4. Online Visa Application Process
5. Fees and Payment
6. Biometric Residence Permit
7. Dos and Don’ts for UK Visa 

Application Criteria

To be eligible for the UK student visa you must fulfil the following criteria.

• You need to have an unconditional offer from a recognised university.
• Your first-year academic fees must be paid.
• Valid English language proficiency score.
• Proof of finance i.e., you must be able to show that you can pay for your stay and education.
• You must be 16 years of age and above.

English Language Requirements

You must be able to prove that you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the scale of Common European Frameworks of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For this, you need to take the IELTS test mostly. 

Documents Required

First things first, you need to keep the important documents ready and make sure you have them with you before you start the visa process. 

• Valid passport for identification.
• Proof of funds in support of your education and living expenses for the duration of your course.
• Reference number of Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
• Medical documents (as per requirement)
• Academic documentation
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) (Required only for selected programs)

Please note that all the documents must be in English language, if not, you will have to get them translated. 

Online Visa Application Process

You can initiate your student visa application process 3 months before your course starts. So, it is recommended that you should get started as soon as possible with your online visa application process. Usually, the turnaround time for the student visa is 15 working days. However, if your visa officer wants some additional information or if there is any delay in the visa assessment, they usually notify the student by email. The visa approval delay is also rectified within these 15 working days.

Apart from the usual student visa application process, the UK also has the provision of priority visa services. Through Priority Visa Services, you can get your student visa in just 7 working days and with Super Priority Visa Services you will get your visa in 2 working days. However, to avail these services you will have to pay the additional associated fees.

To apply for a student visa, visit the British government's official gov.uk website. Keep in mind, that the date of your application is the date when you have paid the application fee.

Fees and Payment

The visa application fee from outside of the UK is 490 British Pounds as of 2024.

The applicants will have to pay the visa fees online. You can use Visa or MasterCard debit and credit cards or Skrill e-wallet. The online payment will be made in INR. 

Biometric Residence Permit

You need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which will be needed to confirm your identity, right to study, and right to any public services or benefits you are entitled to in the UK. 

You need to apply for BRP during your visa application process from UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). The process for BRP entails submitting all the required information along with biometrics and digital photographs. 

Now that you know all the fundamentals of the UK student visa process, there are a few things that you must be mindful about. Read on to know more, so that you are well-informed and prepared to pursue your education in UK.

Dos and Don’ts for UK Visa 

Here are some of the things you must do to get your UK visa.

• Register with a general practitioner.
• Open a bank account in the UK’s bank.
• Get a part-time job.
• Sort your transportation to college.

You must avoid doing the following to keep your visa secure.

• Do not overstay your visa, get it renewed if you wish to stay longer.
• You cannot be self-employed if you have applied for a student visa, you must work at a registered company as an employee.
• Do not switch your course or it could invalidate your visa.
• Do not skip classes as too much absenteeism could lead you to getting your admission cancelled ultimately cancelling your visa. 

Summing up this article, this is everything that you must know as a UK student visa applicant. To ease the visa application process for you and help you go through the entire process with ease you can reach out to the best abroad education consultants, KC Overseas. Our country experts are well-versed with the visa application process and are up to date with all the information which will save you the hassle of having to figure out everything by yourself. 

Not just the visa process but we can assist you with the entire study abroad process right from getting an admission to accommodation and departure for your studies. So, schedule your visit with our team soon.