Types of UK student visa

If you are over 18 years old and pursuing a short course, you may be eligible for the short-term study visa. This is valid for a maximum of six months on the majority of short courses and can be extended for an additional 11 months on English language courses.

If you're taking a lengthier course, you'll need to verify that the school you've chosen has a Tier 4 Sponsor License. You can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa if you are between the ages of 4 and 17 and wish to study at an independent school in the United Kingdom, or a Tier 4 (General) student visa if you are between the ages of 16 and 17.

Student visa requirements in the United Kingdom

Once you have been given a place on a programme, your course provider may be prepared to assist you in applying for a UK student visa; inquire to find out whether this is the case. You may submit your visa application up to three months before to the commencement of your course. Consult your country's typical visa processing times and leave plenty of time.

Student visas to the United Kingdom are granted on a point-based basis. To satisfy all UK student visa criteria, you must supply the following:

Your passport's information

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Unconditional acceptance of a seat in a course given by a licenced Tier 4 Sponsor, as demonstrated by the course provider's 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies' (CAS) form (worth 30 points)

Demonstrate acceptable English language abilities by passing one of the secure English language exams (SELT). This is not required if you are from an English-speaking nation, such as the United States, or if you have earned a qualification comparable to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.

Evidence that you will get financial assistance throughout your stay in the United Kingdom (worth 10 points)

If you are studying a sensitive topic as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss student, you may additionally require an ATAS certificate.

Bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor demonstrating your ability to fund tuition, housing, and living expenses are acceptable forms of proof of financial assistance. You must demonstrate that you have £1,015 (US$1,300) in monthly living expenses if you are studying in the UK outside of London, or £1,265 (US$1,600) if you are studying in London.

Additionally, you may be asked to provide documentation demonstrating your academic credentials and to participate in an interview or biometric exam, which may include a digital scan of your fingerprints. You may also be needed to obtain specific medical vaccines or to undergo a TB test, depending on your place of origin.

If you are 16 or 17 years old and applying for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you must have your parents/guardians' written approval to reside and travel alone.

You must apply online for the Tier 4 (General) Student visa after reading the whole guidelines available here. You may submit your application up to three months prior to the commencement of your course.

Fees for student visas in the United Kingdom

The current price for a Tier 4 (General) student visa is £348 (US$440), plus another £348 per dependant. Additionally, you'll be charged a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year (US$190) to use the National Health Service (NHS) throughout your stay (this fee will increase to £300 (US$380) in late 2018).

The six-month Short Term Study Visa costs £97 (US$120) and the 11-month visa costs £186 (US$240).

Visa procedures simplified for master's students at 27 universities

As part of a new Tier 4 Pilot scheme, you may now apply for expedited visa processing to study a master's degree at one of the 27 qualifying universities (mentioned here). Your course must be 13 months or less in duration, and you may apply from inside or outside the United Kingdom. The pilot programme enables you to stay longer after the conclusion of your course (up to six months after you complete your studies) and eliminates the requirement for you to submit academic transcripts or evidence of funding. However, you must keep these documents on hand in case they are required, and you must adhere to all other immigration regulations.

Utilizing your student visa in the United Kingdom

When you enter the United Kingdom, a UK Border Agency official will stamp your passport with the duration of your stay. For instance, if your course is 12 months or longer, you may remain for the term of the course plus four months. You are not permitted to prolong your stay beyond this time period.

Prior to your arrival, you must ensure that you are completely vaccinated, packing your vaccination record in your hand luggage in case you are required to present it to a Border Agency official at your UK port of entry. Additionally, you should bring documentation pertaining to your studies (including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS number), proof of financial support, and confirmation of housing.

You may also be obliged to register with the police within seven days of your arrival in the UK, depending on your country of origin.

Working in the United Kingdom while studying

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are all eligible to work while studying in the UK. Tier 4 student visa holders enrolled in publicly financed higher education institutions may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the Christmas and Easter vacations (unless you are aged 16 or 17, in which case the maximum is 10 hours per week during term time).