Student visa requirements for the UK

The UK is a popular place for international students because of its top-notch education and respected universities. However, getting the student visa process becomes a bit overwhelming for many students. Are you one of them? Do you also feel a student visa is a road blocker to studying in the UK? Don’t worry, we are here to help. With proper documentation in place, you can fast-track your visa process.

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UK Student Visa

Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:

*For detailed information, please visit the Gov.UK website

To be eligible for a student visa UK, you must:

• Have confirmation acceptance of studies from a valid UK institution

• Acceptable English Language proficiency test scores such as

• Financial proof i.e., exhibiting enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. You would need approx. £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London (also known as maintenance funds)

Documents required for UK student visa

When applying for your UK student visa, you will generally need:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation

• Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS

• Passport-sized colour photograph

• Tuberculosis screening (if required)

• Assessment documentation

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required)

Additional documents may also be needed if you are:

• Not a citizen of the country you are applying from

• Under 18 years of age

• Have family (dependents)

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated. Each translated document must be dated and include the translator's name and signature and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

Applying for your visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the British Government’s official Gov.UK website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

How can IDP help with your visa applications?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in the UK, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; and help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest application forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate, and courier your documents.

Fee for UK Student Visa

The visa fee depends upon the visa that you will apply for:

*Source: https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/sri-lanka/usd/study/all

*Please always check the official website for the latest fee, or check with your IDP counsellor

IHS (immigration health surcharge) Fee

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

If you’re applying by post, you pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You’ll need to include the IHS reference number on your application form.

The updated IHS fees is:

Mode of payment

• Online mode i.e., MasterCard or Visa card

• Through demand draft to be submitted at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank

• Through Cash payment at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank

English language requirements

Typically, UK universities ask for an IELTS score of at least 6. However, for pathway and foundation courses, a score of 5.5 is often acceptable. Additionally, some UK institutions may waive the IELTS requirement based on students' 12th-grade English scores.

Biometric residence permit

As part of your application, you must also obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) from the UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with the UKVI to have your fingers and thumbs scanned and a digital photo taken of your face.

You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.

If you want to know more about student visas to study in the UK, get in touch with our international education experts. They will help you with the end-to-end admission process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: What do I need to apply for a UK student visa?
Ans: You'll need a valid passport, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed education provider, evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS), and a tuberculosis test result if you're from a country where it's required.

Ques 2: Can I work in the UK on a student visa?
Ans: Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays if you're on a student visa. Work restrictions vary, so check the specific terms of your visa.

Ques 3: How long before my course starts can I arrive in the UK on a student visa?
Ans: You can arrive in the UK up to one month before your course starts if your course lasts more than six months.