How to Get a UK Student Visa in 2023

Most international students will require a student visa to study in the UK. It’s really easy to find out whether you’ll need a visa to study - just head to www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. On the website, you will be asked a series of questions, including your nationality as shown on your passport, what you’re coming to the UK to do, and how long you’re planning to study in the UK.

Types of visas include a Student visa, a Child Student visa, and a Short-term study visa, if you plan to study English language in the UK. Your visa will allow you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course. For details on all visas to the UK, head to the gov.uk website.

Here we’ll focus on the Student visa - which has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa, as this is the most common visa for international students. 

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 years old or over, and you:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor

• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances

• can speak, read, write and understand English

• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

If you’re applying for your visa from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 6 months before you start your course. The gov.uk website estimates you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. If you’re applying from inside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. The gov.uk website estimates you’ll get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay in the UK on your visa will depend on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK. If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years. 

There are also options for staying longer in the UK. For example, you may be able to extend your visa, if you’re eligible, to continue your studies in the UK. You could also switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course. We will discuss life after study in the UK in the next Future Abroad workshop.

What is the application process for a UK work visa?

When you’re ready to start applying for your student visa, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow. Let’s briefly take you through them.

Step 1: Apply to your chosen college, university (or universities) and receive an unconditional offer.

Step 2: After you have accepted your unconditional offer, your university will give you a document called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (or CAS).

Step 3: Once you have your CAS, you can begin the visa application process. You will need to pay an application fee and have a current passport.

Step 4: As part of your application, you will need to pay a fee called an Immigration Health Surcharge. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service. 

Step 5: As part of your student visa application, you may need to prove your knowledge of the English language. Different universities have different requirements, so make sure you check what form of English language evidence you will need with your university. Note that PTE tests are accepted by 99% of UK universities and for all UK visas. 

Step 6: You will need to complete your application and have it accepted before you arrive in the UK.

Your college or university will be able to provide you with advice about your visa application, so reach out to them if you require support.