The Student Visa category is designated for individuals aged 16 or older intending to pursue further or higher education courses in the UK.
For applicants aged between 4 and 17 who intend to enroll in an independent school in the UK, the appropriate visa to apply for is the Child Student Visa.
To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, you must fulfill the following requirements as mandated by UK Visas and Immigration:
- Age Requirement: You must be 16 years of age or older.
- Course Offer: You must have received an unconditional offer to study on an approved course from a licensed student sponsor.
- English Proficiency: You should demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English to at least CEFR Level B2 if you’re pursuing a degree-level course or above. For courses below degree level, CEFR Level B1 proficiency is required.
- Financial Stability: You need to demonstrate that you possess adequate funds to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK and to cover your course expenses without relying on public funds.
- Parental Consent: If you are aged 16 or 17, you must obtain consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian.
Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer for tailored advice.
To discuss your UK Student Visa application with our experienced immigration solicitors, you can reach out to our Student Visa lawyers at +44 (0) 207 183 8043 or complete the enquiry form provided below.
For expert assistance and personalized advice on your Student Visa application, don’t hesitate to contact us.
For a UK Student Visa, applicants can pursue the following courses:
- Full-Time Courses Leading to Qualifications Below Degree Level (RQF Level 3, 4, or 5):
- Requires at least 15 hours per week of organized daytime study.
- Full-Time Courses Leading to Qualifications at Degree Level or Above (RQF Level 6, 7, or 8).
- Full-Time Courses Equivalent to UK Higher Education and Delivered as Part of a Longer Course Overseas (RQF Level 6, 7, or 8).
- Part-Time Courses Leading to Qualifications Above Degree Level (RQF Level 7 or above).
- Recognized Foundation Programmes for Postgraduate Doctors or Dentists:
Applicants must have completed a recognized UK degree in medicine or dentistry, obtained from a registered student sponsor.
Additionally, applicants must have spent their final year and at least one more year of studies leading to that degree in the UK.
English Language Courses:
At level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
These outlined courses offer flexibility for students seeking various educational pathways in the UK, ranging from foundational programs to advanced degree levels.
In addition to the standard eligibility criteria, the following individuals can also apply for a UK Student Visa:
Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) Applicants:
- Individuals currently holding permission to stay in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) Student visa) and pursuing a course leading to a PhD.
- Eligible applicants can apply to extend their stay under the Doctorate Extension
Scheme.Full-Time Elected Student Union Sabbatical Officers:
- Individuals elected to full-time positions as Student Union Sabbatical Officers.
- Sabbatical Officers can apply for a Student Visa to fulfill their elected duties.
These additional categories broaden the scope of individuals eligible for a UK Student Visa, accommodating specific circumstances such as pursuing doctoral studies under the DES or serving in elected positions within student unions.
For a UK Student Visa, specific requirements regarding the place of study and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) must be met:
Place of Study Requirements:
- All study forming part of the course must occur on the premises of your student sponsor or a partner institution.
- Exceptions include course-related work placements, study abroad programs overseas, or pre-sessional courses.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
- Upon receiving an unconditional offer for a course of study, your education provider will issue a CAS reference number.
- The application for the Student Visa must be made within 6 months of receiving the CAS.
- The CAS used must not have been previously utilized in a granted or refused application, and the education institution must not have rescinded its offer.
- The CAS should include essential information such as course details, level of study, place of study, accommodation and fee costs, any payments made, and how the English language requirement has been fulfilled.
Adhering to these requirements ensures compliance with UK Student Visa regulations and facilitates a smooth application process.
Financial Requirement for a UK Student Visa
You will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you have enough cash funds to pay your course fees and support yourself financially in the UK.
Course Fees:
- You must have sufficient funds available to cover any outstanding course fees for one academic year of your course, up to 9 months.
- Payments made toward course fees can be offset against the funds required if confirmed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or supported by a receipt from your student sponsor.
- Deposits paid for accommodation, up to a maximum of £1,265, can also be offset against the funds required.
Living Costs:
- You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your living costs in the UK.
- For inner London, you’ll need £1,334 for each month of your course, up to a maximum of nine months. Outside London, you’ll need £1,023 per month, up to nine months.
- If you’re on the Doctorate Extension Scheme, you’ll need to show a total of £2,530 for a course in London or £2,030 for a course outside London.
- You must have held these funds for at least 28 consecutive days ending not more than 31 days before your Student Visa application date.
Special Categories:
Certain applicants may be treated as having satisfied the financial requirement automatically, such as those who have been in the UK with valid leave for at least 12 months prior to the Student Visa application date or applicants who are British Nationals (Overseas) or from specified countries or territories.
English Language Requirement:
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at CEFR Level B2 (for degree-level courses or above) or CEFR Level B1 (for courses below degree level).
- Usually proven through a Secure English Language Test (SELT), unless exempt (e.g., nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those with equivalent qualifications).
- Genuine Student Rule: Applicants must show they are genuine students through interviews covering various aspects such as immigration and education history, course details, reasons for studying in the UK, post-study plans, and financial circumstances.
Switching into the Student Route:
- Individuals with valid leave in the UK can switch to the Student route under certain conditions, excluding specific categories like Visitors, Short-term Students, and others.
- Application Timing: If applying from outside the UK, submit the application no more than 6 months before the course start date. If applying within the UK, the earliest application date is 3 months before the course start, and the course must start within 28 days after the previous leave’s expiry date.
Student Visa Processing Times:
- Decision times vary: typically 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications within the UK.
Travel to the UK:
- Approved visa holders can travel to the UK up to 1 week before the course starts if it’s 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before if it’s longer.
Duration of Stay:
- Typically up to 5 years for those aged 18 or over studying at degree level and above, and up to 2 years for courses below degree level.
- Exceptions exist for specific subjects, and any period under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 also counts towards the permission granted.
Working on a Student Visa:
- Students on full-time degree-level courses or above can work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term-time.
- Students on full-time courses below degree level can work 10 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term-time.
Courses starting before 1 January 2024:
- Eligible students on certain courses could bring dependents to the UK.
- Maintenance funds requirements for partners and children: £845/month for courses in London, £680/month for courses outside London.
- Exceptions for partners and children who have been in the UK for at least 12 months or are from specified countries listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’
Extension of Stay:
- Students can extend their stay, and dependents may be eligible to extend concurrently.
- Requirements include an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and, in some cases, demonstrating higher academic level studies than the current course.
- Financial requirements apply for those in the UK for less than 12 months.
Settlement in the UK:
- The Student route does not lead to settlement directly, but students may transition to other routes.
Switching to Work Routes:
- Students can switch to sponsored work routes, provided employment starts after course completion.
- PhD students can switch after 24 months of study.
- Various work route options are available, including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and others.
How Temple Gate Solicitors Can Help:
- Temple Gate Solicitors provide guidance on student immigration options.
- They assist with understanding Home Office rules and policies.
- They offer clear and reliable immigration advice tailored to individual needs.
On 5 October 2020, the Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) routes were replaced by the new Student Route and Child Student Route. The new routes will apply equally to both EEA* and non-EEA students coming to the UK to study, in accordance with the government’s forthcoming points-based immigration system.
All students are treated equally in this route, with all international students coming to study after the transition period ends using the same, simplified application route.
There is no limit to the number of international students who are permitted to come to the UK under this route. The new student route improves on the previous Tier-4 route by streamlining sponsoring institutions and their students, which creates clearer pathways for students.
To be granted leave students will require a total of 70 points. These points can be gained by demonstrating that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, can speak English, and can support themselves during their studies in the UK.
Eligibility.
All visa applicants can use this route, including European Economic Area(EEA)/Swiss nationals who want to study in the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021 and who were not living in the United Kingdom by December 31, 2020.
