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Student UK Visa

We are specialist UK immigration advisers to entrepreneurs and business owners.

The Student visa enables international students to pursue their studies in the UK. To qualify for this visa, individuals must have obtained a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and accrue at least 70 points under the points-based immigration system.

The Graduate route offers an opportunity for international students who have completed their degree to remain in the UK and work, or seek employment, at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctoral students. 

This route does not require a job offer and allows for flexible work, job switching, and career development. The application process for the Graduate route is primarily digital, and successful applicants receive an eVisa. The Graduate route is non-extendable and does not lead to settlement, but individuals can switch to other work routes if they find suitable employment.

Applying for a UK Student Visa

If you wish to pursue studies in the UK, you will be required to apply for a Student Visa. Following the UK’s departure from the EU, both EEA and non-EEA nationals must obtain an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor to be eligible for this visa. 

Upon completing an approved course in the UK, individuals can benefit from the new Graduate Visa route, which allows them to reside in the country for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to live, work, and seek employment.

Graduate Visa v Student Visa

The Graduate Visa and the Student Visa in the UK serve different purposes. 

Graduate Visa 

  • The Graduate Visa, or Graduate Route, is a post-study work visa that allows international students to remain in the UK for a limited period after completing their studies. Its primary purpose is to enable students to work, seek employment, or engage in self-employment in the UK.
  • The Graduate Visa is typically granted for 2 years, with the possibility of extending to 3 years for PhD graduates.
  • Provides a pathway to work or seek employment in the UK after completing studies.


Student Visa
 

  • The Student Visa, also known as the UK Student Route, is designed for individuals who wish to study in the UK. It allows international students to pursue their chosen course of study at a UK educational institution.
  • The duration of the Student Visa is linked to the length of the specific course being pursued.
  •  It does not provide a direct pathway to work in the UK after studies are completed.

UK Student Visa Eligibility

If you are considering applying for a UK Student Visa, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements that must be met. The key requirements for a UK Student Visa are as follows:

  • You must have received an unconditional offer of study from an approved sponsoring institution and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsoring institution.
  • You need to score at least 70 points on the points-based system. This includes points for having a valid CAS, meeting the English language requirement, and showing you have enough money to support yourself during your studies.
  • You must possess the relevant academic qualifications needed to take the course and genuinely intend to study in the UK.
  • You should be able to financially support yourself in the UK, as well as any family members or dependents who will be joining you.


In addition to these requirements, when applying for a UK Student Visa, you will need to provide various documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial resources, an ATAS certificate if applicable, proof of English language proficiency, and other relevant documents depending on your circumstances.

Which course are the UK Student Visa granted for?

If you are considering applying for a UK Student Visa, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements that must be met. The key requirements for a UK Student Visa are as follows:

  • You must have received an unconditional offer of study from an approved sponsoring institution and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsoring institution.
  • You need to score at least 70 points on the points-based system. This includes points for having a valid CAS, meeting the English language requirement, and showing you have enough money to support yourself during your studies.
  • You must possess the relevant academic qualifications needed to take the course and genuinely intend to study in the UK.
  • You should be able to financially support yourself in the UK, as well as any family members or dependents who will be joining you.

Meeting the 70-point Requirement as a Student

The UK’s points-based immigration system requires applicants to score 70 points to qualify for a visa. The system is designed to prioritise skills and talent over individuals’ country of origin. The points are allocated as follows:

  • 50 points: Receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
  • 10 points: Meeting the financial requirements
  • 10 points: Able to demonstrate English language ability at the B2 level as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

What are the Finance Requirements?

To be eligible to study in the UK, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The financial requirements for a UK Student Visa are as follows:

  • You need to show that you have £1,334 for each month, or part of a month, of your course for a maximum of nine months. This amounts to £12,006 for living costs.
  • You must have enough money to pay for the course fees for the first year of your course. If your course is less than one year long, you are required to have the funds for your entire course fees. Your fee amount will be confirmed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
  • Any money you use for maintenance (course fees and living costs) must be in your account or your parent(s)’ account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.
  • You are normally required to submit financial documents to show that you meet the financial requirement. These documents must meet specific financial requirements to prevent a visa refusal.
  • You can show you have enough money using an official financial or government sponsorship or grant, a student loan from a government or regulated student loans scheme, your own money, your parent’s money (if they provide a letter confirming they agree to you using it this way), or your partner’s money if your partner is present in the UK or applying at the same time.


It’s important to note that the financial requirements are subject to the 28-day rule and specific evidence criteria. Additionally, there are different financial requirements for child students and student dependants. 

It’s crucial to carefully review the detailed financial evidence guidelines provided by the UK government and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order to support your visa application.

What is the English language requirement?

The UK Student Visa, also known as the Student Route, requires applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English language ability. Those studying below degree level need to prove a level of B1, while those studying at degree level or above must have a B2 level.

The most common way to demonstrate English ability is by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from one of the four approved test providers: 

  • Trinity College London,
  • IELTS SELT Consortium,
  • Language Cert, and Pearson Education Ltd. 


These tests can be taken at approved test centres worldwide.

However, there are exemptions from the English language requirement. International students may be exempt if they have already studied a course in English at an approved educational provider, have proven the required level of English in another visa application, or are from majority English-speaking countries. 

The exempted countries include:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, and the USA.

Required Documents for Student Visa

When applying for a UK Student Visa, it is essential to provide the required information and documents. Failure to do so will result in an unsuccessful application. The necessary documents include:

  • Current passport or another valid travel document
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your course provider
  • Proof of the necessary financial means, such as bank statements (if applicable)
  • A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate if the course requires it
  • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
  • Written consent from your sponsor if they have agreed to financially support you for your course fees and living costs
  • Additional information if you are under 18, including written consent from your parents/legal guardians


It’s important to note that any documents not in English or Welsh must be translated by an accredited translator. Both the original and translated versions must be included in the application.

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