Going to the UK to Study: How to Get a Student Visa
A quality European education and a unique international experience – these are the main reasons why international students choose the United Kingdom to study.
What makes studying in the UK so attractive
- Prestigious universities
The UK is home to world-leading education, with 4 UK universities in the top 10 and 17 in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2024.
- Innovation and research
UK universities lead the way in science, technology and research, from medicine to the humanities (HESA data).
- Practical orientation
Programmes combine theory and practice and offer internships and projects.
- International community
More than 1.1 million international students are enrolled in UK higher education institutions and over 26,000 are in schools.
- High chances of employment
92% of graduates find a job within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Statistics).
- Flexible programmes
UK institutions offer a wide range of programmes for foreign students: from school courses to postgraduate courses, including accelerated programmes.
Types of student visas
If you or your child is travelling to the UK to study you will need one of the following visas:
- Student Visa;
- Child Student Visa;
- Parent of a Child Student Visa.
It is worth noting that student visas do not entitle you to a residence permit in the UK.
Student Visa
The process of obtaining a student visa involves several steps. However, firstly, make sure that this type of visa suits you.
You will need this type of visa if you are aged 16 or over and are planning to study in the UK in one of the following areas:
- under higher education programmes (bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate);
- on vocational, technical courses from 6 months;
- English language courses (if the duration of the course exceeds 11 months).
Programmes covered by the student visa
Before applying, make sure that the programme you have chosen meets the visa requirements. This is done by checking which level of the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) it is in.
Programme | Description | RQF level |
University programmes | Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, postgraduate studies | RQF level 6-8 |
University preparation courses (Foundation) | Preparatory courses for foreigners planning to study at British universities. These courses help you to improve your knowledge of specialised subjects and the English language. | RQF level 3-4 |
Professional and diploma programmes (Postgraduate Diploma / Certificate) | These qualifications are similar to Master’s programmes but shorter in duration. | RQF level 7 |
Courses in Vocational Education and Training (Further Education) | Includes commercial training (Vocational Training) which aims to develop professional skills in management, IT, medicine and other practical disciplines. | RQF level 3-5 |
Exchange and study abroad programmes | A student visa allows you to study on exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus+) – suitable for those moving to England temporarily to study. | RQF level 6-8 |
Courses must be at least RQF Level 3 and include a minimum of 15 hours of classroom teaching each week. Among exceptions are some language, medical and dental courses.
What documents do I need to apply for a student visa
The documents required to apply for a UK student visa may vary depending on the chosen educational institution and personal circumstances. The basic package of documents is as follows:
- A valid passport or another identification document;
- Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from a UK licensed educational institution. Make sure your institution is authorised to accept international students;
- Proof of solvency. A personal bank statement or a sponsorship letter and documents proving that the sponsor has the means to pay for living and studying in the UK in accordance with the requirements of the specific visa;
- English language test certificate (IELTS or another exam approved by the UK Home Office);
- For minors – the consent of the child’s parents or guardians, as well as documents confirming kinship (birth/adoption certificate);
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate. It is a certificate of eligibility to study in the UK. Required for students on military technology related programmes;
- Proof of payment of mandatory fees: visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Deadlines for submission and review of the application
The time it takes to process a UK student visa depends on where you apply.
Filing Location | Processing Time | Submission Guidelines |
Outside the UK | 3 weeks after submission of the application | 3-6 months before the start of training |
Inside the UK | 8 weeks after submission of the application | Your course must start at least 28 days from the date of your valid visa. |
If you have time constraints, you can use the priority service, which if you apply within the UK reduces the processing time to 5 working days (cost £500), or the super priority service (cost £1,000) which allows you to receive a response within 24 hours. Outside the UK, this service is only available in selected countries. However, overseas consulates do not offer such strict time guarantees.
Financial requirements
Let’s talk about the financial requirements. In order to obtain a student visa to the UK, the applicant must prove their financial solvency.
How do I prove financial solvency?
- Demonstrate that you have funds in your bank account to pay tuition fees. The amount required will be shown on your CAS. Plus, accommodation costs: in London: £12,006 for 9 months; outside London: £9,207 for 9 months.
- The funds must have been in your bank account for at least 28 days before you apply. The statement confirming this must be no older than 31 days.
- Pay for the first academic year if the programme lasts less than a year.
- If you have a sponsor or student loan: attach supporting documentation.
- If a PhD student is planning to bring relatives (spouse or child), it must be additionally demonstrated that there is a sufficient amount of money available to live in or outside London for each dependent.
Student visa validity period
The period of validity of a UK student visa depends on the type and duration of the study programme.
- The student visa is issued for the entire period of study (up to 5 years in case of degree programmes, up to 2 years in case of non-degree programmes).
- For English language courses of less than 11 months duration, the permit is valid for the entire duration of the course plus 30 days if your total stay does not exceed 11 months.
- If the study programme is less than six months, the entry permit is issued for a period equal to the duration of the course.
What is allowed and prohibited for student visa holders
The entry permit allows you to:
- Study at the chosen educational institution;
- Undertake internships if they are part of the training programme and do not exceed 50% of the total duration of the course;
- Work as a student union officer or take a part-time job.
The student visa also imposes restrictions, among which are:
- Prohibition on receiving financial support from the state;
- A prohibition on carrying out some professional activity for which there is a separate visa category (e.g. sportsman’s work permit);
- Prohibition to engage in business activities;
- Study in publicly funded institutions.
Graduate visa
The Graduate Visa is a separate type of visa. It is designed for students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in the UK. This visa is issued for 2 years, during which you can stay in the country to look for a job.
Child student visa
The Child Student visa is designed for children aged 4 to 17 who are enrolled at an authorized UK private school with a sponsor licence to admit overseas pupils.
Required Documents:
- Passport;
- CAS (Confirmation of Enrolment);
- Authorisation from legal representatives and proof of parentage;
- Financial Guarantees;
- Negative test for tuberculosis.
Financial requirements:
- If your child plans to live with an adult: £1,560 for 9 months;
- In boarding school: the cost of accommodation and education;
- For 16-17 year olds: £1,334 per month (in London) or £1,023 (outside London).
The application must be submitted at least six months in advance and will take about three weeks to process.
The visa is valid up to 6 years + 4 months for children under 15 years of age. For adolescents 16 -17 years old the visa validity is reduced to 3 years + 4 months.
Teenagers from the age of 16, holders of a child student visa are allowed to work no more than 10 hours per week. It is prohibited to study in state institutions or to apply for permanent residence.
Parent of a child student visa
This type of visa suits to parents of children aged 4-11 with a child student visa.
In order to apply for a visa, you need the following documents:
- Passport;
- Proof of parentage;
- Financial solvency;
- Health insurance (£1,035/year);
- Fluorography.
Financial Requirements:
- £1,560 in nine months.
- An additional £625 for every other minor traveling with you.
The visa is valid until the child reaches the age of 12. Parents are not allowed to work, study, conduct business and receive public services.
Student visa with Imperial & Legal
Support of an experienced immigration advisor will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and mistakes in the application process. With our help you can speed up the process, collect all the documents and minimise risks.
Imperial & Legal can also help you move to the UK, find and rent a home, and organise relocation.
