UK Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost
International students accepted into a British educational institution must apply for a UK Study Visa.
The previous Tier 4 (General) UK Study Visa has undergone a “rebranding” as a result of Brexit, which is mostly owing to the fact that students from the EU and EEA will now be needed to apply for a visa in order to study in the UK.
What is the eligibility for a UK Study Visa 2023?
If you’re 16 or older and want to study in the UK, you can apply for a UK Study Visa, provided that:
- A licensed student sponsor has offered you a place on a course.
- You have enough money to support yourself as well as pay for your studies. The cost will vary based on your financial circumstances.
- You are fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
- Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17. You’ll need to demonstrate evidence of this when you apply.
If you’re 16 or 17 years old and wish to attend an independent school in the UK, you might be eligible for a Child Student visa.
What are the requirements for a UK Study Visa 2023?
When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:
- A valid passport or equivalent travel document.
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
You may also need to provide:
- Proof of enough money to support yourself as well as pay for your study. The cost will vary based on your financial circumstances.
- Proof of minimum language proficiency.
- A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it.
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18.
- Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18.
- Your tuberculosis test results.
- If you’ve received financial support for your course fees and living expenses in the last 12 months, you’ll need to get written consent from your financial sponsor to submit your application.
If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need both parents’ or legal guardians’ written consent.
This must include their consent for:
- Your visa application.
- Your living and care arrangements in the UK.
- Your trip to the UK.
You’ll also need a copy of your birth certificate (or another government-issued document) with your parents’ names on it.
What is the process to apply for a UK Study Visa 2023?
Here’s what you need to know about the UK Study Visa process.
STEP 1: Check if you qualify
A Tier 4 Visa is required to study in the UK. A UK Study visa is required if you have not yet been accepted into an institution.
STEP 2: Get your documents ready
Refer to the above-mentioned requirements for a UK Study Visa. For every document you provide, you must include the original document and a photocopy.
STEP 3: Apply online
You must register and create an account on the official UK Visa website. After completing your online application form, you need to print and sign it.
To schedule an appointment at the visa application center, you can use the online appointment calendar. Once you complete your online application, you will receive an email with your application number.
STEP 4: Pay your application fee
There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee.
- Payment at Standard Chartered Bank.
- Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank.
- Payment at the visa application center.
- Pay online.
STEP 5: Visit the visa application center on the appointed date
You will now be required to submit your application, facial photograph, and fingerprints. Schedule and attend an appointment at your nearest visa application center
What is the cost of a UK Study Visa 2023?
There are a number of other costs involved for those studying in the UK as international students. Let us break down the key costs involved when acquiring a UK Study Visa.
Application fee:
| Type of Visa | Visa Duration | Who can Apply | Application Fees |
| Short-term study visa | 6 months 11 months | Applicants over 16 years of age; Enroling in 6-month Short Course in UK institution; Enroling in 11-month English Language Course | 97 GBP for 6 months; 186 GBP for 11 months |
| Tier 4 student visa (General) | Duration of the program + 1 month | Applicants over 16 years of age; Enroling in course longer than 6 months | 348 GBP |
| Tier 4 student visa (Child) | Under 16: 6yrs + 4 months; 16-17yrs: 3yrs + 4 months | Applicants aged between 4 and 17 years | 348 GBP |
Immigration Health Surcharge
You will be required to pay the Health Surcharge fee as a non-British national in order to use the NHS during your stay. This is a mandatory fee that must be paid even if you intend to use private healthcare while in the UK. It currently costs £470 per person for a year’s leave or £235 for six months’ leave.
Course Fee
Before coming to study in the UK, you must pay your course fees in full for at least one academic year. The amount will vary, but you can find it on your letter of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
| Study Program | Average Tuition fee in GBP (£) |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | £6,000 to £16,000 yearly |
| Postgraduate master’s degree | £10,000 to £20,000 yearly |
| Doctoral Degree | £13,000 to £29,000 yearly |
Proof of Funds
Unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application, you’ll need to establish that you have enough money to sustain yourself.
The amount of money required is determined by where you will be studying. You will require either:
– £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
– £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you board at a residential independent school, you must pay boarding costs instead. Your CAS will reflect the amount you need to pay.
What is the processing time of a UK Study Visa 2023?
Processing times may vary if you have submitted an incomplete application or have a complex case. The current processing time for a UK Study Visa is 3 days to a few weeks long.
Waiting times for your visa interview vary wildly between countries.
Top 10 Universities in UK for International Students
Here are the top 10 universities in the UK that attract the highest numbers of international students.
1. Oxford University
2. Imperial College
3. Kingston University
4. Royal Holloway University
5. University of Manchester
6. University College London
7. University of Southampton
8. St. Andrew’s University
9. Bristol University
10. Brunel University
What are the benefits of a UK Study Visa?
- 2-Year Post-study Work Visa
- 3-Year Post-study Visa Extension for Ph.D. students
- Extended Time in the UK for Postgraduate Students
- Dependent Work Rights
- Benefits for STEM Graduates
- Easy to Find Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List