How to Apply for a UK Student Visa: 6 Steps
For international students who are interested in a UK student visa, the application process can be quite daunting and confusing. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult once you understand what is required of you and how to apply. If you want to study in the UK as an international student, here’s everything you need to know about applying for a UK student visa.
1. Gather your application materials:
– Home address
– Proof of funds
– University acceptance letter or transcript
– Letter from the institution confirming your degree programme
– A photograph of yourself holding up a passport with at least six months remaining on it (if applying from outside Europe)
2. Fill out the online form:
– Online application form – Official letter from the institution confirming your degree programme – Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
UK Student Visa Application Process
– Submit your application online
– You will be contacted by the UKBA to schedule an interview if your application is accepted
– Send your original academic transcripts (if requested) or certified academic transcripts to the institution in the United Kingdom that you listed on your application form. The institution will send those to the UKBA, which will use them as evidence of your degree programme.
– Submit a letter confirming that you have sufficient funds for yourself and any dependents you may have.
– Receive approval from the UKBA and complete a biometric immigration form at a visa application centre. This process can take up to six months, so don’t panic if you haven’t heard back after three months!
– Attend an interview at a visa application centre with an immigration officer and answer their questions about why you want to study in the United Kingdom.
The application process
– Home address: Give your home address on the application form.
– Proof of funds: Give a bank statement or letter from your employer showing that you have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses in the UK during your course
– Letter from the institution confirming your degree programme: Your course must be accredited by an institution recognized by UK Visas and Immigration for you to be eligible for a student visa.
– Photograph of yourself holding up a passport with at least six months remaining on it (if applying from outside Europe): You need to provide this if you are applying from outside Europe because it will show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK.
3. Contact the relevant department:
– Email – Telephone call
Email: Send an email to studentvisa@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk with all of your application materials attached. The email should also include any additional information about why you would like to study in the UK and why you feel that studying in the country is important for both your academic career and future work prospects.
Telephone call: Again, send an email containing all of your application materials as well as any additional information about why you would like to study in the UK, what opportunities will be available after graduating, and how long you plan on staying in the country. It’s important that students who are abroad get through quickly, so contact the relevant department as soon as possible after completing their application
Requirements for UK Student Visa Application
– Proof of funds
– Evidence of your programme and degree in your country
– A passport showing at least six months remaining validity.
– Proof of residence (such as utility bills)
– Medical insurance from the UK or EU if you are applying from outside Europe.
3. Go to your local visa application centre:
– Visit the visa application centre website for full contact details – Apply in person for a UK student visa – Get finger scans for your biometric data and photo identification at the time of applying
4. Take all required documents with you to the interview:
– The completed online application form with supporting documents
– Your passport from country of origin with at least six months remaining validity or an official letter from a government agency confirming your right to stay in that country without a visa, such as a police clearance certificate (for some countries, this may not be necessary).
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
To apply for a UK student visa, you’ll need to be accepted by the university or college that you’re planning on attending. You’ll also need to provide evidence of your English language ability and your immigration status in the United Kingdom.
1. Choose your application type:
– Application for Initial Study Visa (ASV) – Application for Change of Status from a Visitor Visa to a Student Visa – Application for Leave to Remain as a Student (PERM)
2. Apply online:
– Complete the online form with your personal details, academic history, contact info, proof of funds and English language ability requirements
– Upload any supporting documents that are required with the form
3. Submit supporting documents:
– If you’re applying through an application type other than ASV or PERM, submit official documentation of your admission letter or transcript
Filling out the online application form
To begin the online application process, you will need to fill out the online form. The form can be submitted either as a PDF or Word file, so depending on what your preferred format is, you can let the government know that this is your preference.
3. Submit all of your documents:
– Your application form – Notarized copies of all documents from step 2 above
– Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
4. Get an invitation letter for a UK student visa:
– An invitation letter from a UK institution – Confirmation that you meet the English language requirement (if you are applying from outside Europe)
– Confirmation that your degree programme is full time and taught in English (if you are applying from outside Europe)
– Confirmation that any additional conditions have been met (if applicable)
5. Apply for an initial student visa:
– Application form: Initial Student Visa Application Form, including biometric information and fee payment details
– Biometric information: passport photographs and fingerprints – Fee payment details: Credit or debit card number and expiry date
Applying from outside Europe
If you are applying from outside the European Union (EU), your application will include the following documents:
– Passport with at least six months remaining on it
– Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
– Letter from the institution confirming your degree programme
– A photograph of yourself holding up a passport with at least six months remaining on it (if applicable)
3. Get fingerprinted:
– You’ll need to visit a designated police station or other government office for fingerprinting. The amount of time this takes varies depending on where you live, so please check in advance. Usually, it’s about two hours and you should allow plenty of time for travelling too!
4. Submit your application online:
– Online application form – Official letter from the institution confirming your degree programme – Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
5. Pay the visa fee: This is between £85 and £297 (£85 is valid for citizens of countries outside the EU); more information can be found here. There are also many different payment methods that can be used when paying this fee, such as debit card, credit card etc. However, if you don’t have an account with these types of cards, make sure to bring cash with you too!
6. Receive approval notification: You will receive an email notification once your application has been processed. If there is any doubt about whether or