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Student Visa

Overview

The Student Visa UK route is a pathway for international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa on October 5, 2020. This visa allows students to come to the UK to pursue a course of study at an approved educational institution.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must:

    • Be 16 or over.
    • Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
    • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
    • Meet the English language requirements.

Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17.

    Application Process

    • From outside the UK: Apply up to 6 months before your course starts. You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
    • From inside the UK: Apply up to 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

      Costs

      • Application Fee: £490.
      • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £470 per year

        Duration

        • You can work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during vacations.
        • You can also work as a student union sabbatical office

          Bringing Family Members

          You may be able to bring your partner and children as dependants if you are:

          • Sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at level 7 or above that lasts 9 months or more.
          • A new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months.

              What You Can and Cannot Do

              • You can:

                • Work in certain jobs, depending on your course and term time.

                You cannot:

                • Claim public funds (benefits).
                • Work in certain jobs, such as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

              Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school.

                FAQ (Frequently asked questions):

                What is the Student Visa?

                The Student Visa allows international students to study at a licensed institution in the UK. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

                Who is eligible for a Student Visa?

                To be eligible, you must:

                • Be 16 or over.
                • Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
                • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
                • Meet the English language requirements.
                • Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17.
                How do I apply for a Student Visa?
                • From outside the UK: Apply up to 6 months before your course starts. You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
                • From inside the UK: Apply up to 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks
                When can I apply?

                Application Fee: £490.

                Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £470 per year.

                What are the costs involved?

                The application fee is £490, and you’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on the length of your visa.