How to Apply for a Student Visa in the United Kingdom | UK Student Visa Requirements: Thank you for always writing to us; we appreciate hearing from you. We just received an email from Pearl Patrick (actual name withheld) of Ghana, which inspired this post today.
She informed us in the email that it has always been her desire to study Medicine at a university in London, and she wanted to know if she would require a visa if/when she was accepted. Let’s read the last paragraph of her letter to you people.
“…I’ve always wanted to study at a university in the United Kingdom and possibly live and work there, do I?”
“Do I need a visa to pursue this dream”?
How to Apply for a Student Visa in the United Kingdom: UK Visa Requirements
As an overseas student, you will undoubtedly want a UK Student Visa to study in the UK, and as we promised Pearl when we responded, we will also show you how to obtain one without stress or, worse, being cheated.
To study in London, international students from outside the EU must get a visa. Have a look at this useful answer, which can teach you everything you need to know about obtaining a visa.
VISA REQUIREMENTS IN THE UK
Broad immigration criteria are regulated by UK visas and immigration, but Swiss nationals and EU/EEA citizens do not now require a visa to study in the UK.
All other international students (non-EU/EEA) will most likely require one. You must be aware of the UK Student Visa Regulations.
Here are some of the major prerequisites for obtaining a visa, whether you are a scholarship recipient or a self-sponsored international student.
Passport information.
A recently taken image.
An unconditional offer of a place on a course from a licensed tier 4 sponsor, as proven by a CAS form from your course provider (worth 30 points).
Passing one of the secure English language tests demonstrates appropriate English language skills (SELT). If you are from an English-speaking country, such as the United States, or have obtained a qualification equivalent to a UK degree, you will not be required to supply this in a country where English is widely spoken.
Evidence of financial assistance for the duration of your stay in the UK (worth 10 points) Bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor demonstrating that you can meet your tuition, housing, and living expenses are acceptable forms of proof of financial support (scholarship or sponsorship of any kind).
You must demonstrate that you have £1,015 (US$1,300) per month for living expenses if studying in the UK outside of London, and £1,265 (US$1,600) if studying in London.
You may also be asked to provide documentation proving your academic credentials.
In addition, you will be required to undergo an interview or biometric exam, which will include a digital scan of your fingerprints.
You may also be required, depending on your country of origin.
must receive specific medical immunizations or to undergo a TB test.
You must have written permission from your parents/guardians to reside and travel independently if you are 16 or 17 years old and applying for a tier 4 (general) UK student visa.
You must apply for the tier 4 (general) student visa online, after reading the entire guidelines here. You have up to three months before the commencement of your course to apply.
In order to use the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay, you must also pay a healthcare premium of £150 per year (US$190) (this may rise).
The aforementioned UK Visa Requirements are not exhaustive, but they are the most important conditions you must meet.
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VISA FOR SHORT-TERM STUDY
If you plan to study in the UK for less than six months, you can apply for a short-term study visa. You must also be from a country other than the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
The six-month short-term study visa costs £97 (US$120) and the 11-month visa costs £186 (US$240).
OVERVIEW
To be eligible for a short-term UK Student Visa, you must meet the following government requirements:
Eligibility:
You must demonstrate that you have been offered a place on a programme in the UK at an approved institution of learning.
You must also have enough money
to maintain oneself without working or without government assistance, or to have relatives and friends who can support and house you.
You must be able to pay for your return or subsequent travel.
If you are under the age of 18, you must also:
Have made travel and lodging arrangements in the United Kingdom.
You must have parental or guardian permission to study in the United Kingdom.
THE LIMITATIONS OF A SHORT-TERM STUDY VISA
You are not permitted to: Extend a short-term study visa
Change to a Tier 4 student visa in the United Kingdom
Apply for the PhD extension plan if you require a tier 4 visa.
Receive non-emergency medical treatment for free through NHS Work (including voluntary employment, job experience, or a placement – even if it is temporary unpaid).
As a result, if you need to study and work in the UK, you must apply for a tier 4 student visa rather than a short-term study visa.
It should be noted that the above UK Student Visa Requirements 2020 apply when applying for a short-term study visa.
Because the United Kingdom chose to exit the European Union in 2016, some of the information in this guide about funding and visa status for students from the EU may change. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we learn more.
The outcome of the United Kingdom’s referendum on EU membership (‘Brexit’) has created some doubt regarding visa restrictions, but the UK government has declared that there will be no changes.
There will be no changes to EU citizens’ rights or status until 2021.
Additionally, the current charge for a tier 4 (generic) student visa is £348 (US$440), with an extra £348 fee per dependent (fees could change anytime).
I’m sure getting a visa isn’t as difficult as it formerly was. So why not start now and realize your ambition of studying abroad?
Remember that there is always a way when there is a will.