Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will be provided with a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a student visa Application , covering all the necessary steps and eligibility criteria.
What is a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa is for international students who are aged 16 or over which grants permission to stay in the UK for the duration of a higher or further educational course. This duration will usually be anything from two to five years.
Eligibility requirements for UK Student Visa Application
There are various eligibility requirements for a UK Student Visa set out below:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or above.
- You must have a place on a further or higher education course in the UK. Visit the following website to see the eligible education courses under this visa: Student visa : Your course – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
To prove your place, you must provide your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number on your application which will be provided by your education provider. It is important that you must make your application within 6 months of receiving this reference number.
- Your further or higher education course must be provided by a licensed student sponsor. To view a list of these follow this link: Register of licensed sponsors: students – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Applicants must have sufficient funds to support your maintenance costs and cover the costs of your education course.
Applicants need to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of one academic year and this will be included on your CAS.
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself whilst studying. This amount is £1,334 monthly for courses based in London and £1,023 for those courses located outside of London.
For more information on proving sufficient funds visit the Government website: Student visa : Money you need – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Sufficient knowledge of English.
This can be supported by passing a Secure English Language Test. Browse the approved providers of the SELT here: Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Alternatively, this eligibility requirement may also be proved by having a GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualifications (National 4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher). These examinations must have been taken at a UK school in which you began studying before the age of 18.
To see if you are from a country that is exempted form having to prove sufficient knowledge of English follow this link: Student visa : Knowledge of English – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- If you are 16 or 17 at the time of making the application, consent from your parent or legal guardian is necessary. applicants will also need to provide proof of relationship with this respective parent or legal guardian through your birth certificate. Their consent must be for all the following: visa application, travel to the UK and living arrangements in the UK.
Process for UK Student Visa Application
Process for UK Student Visa Application is as follows:
- Ensure that you meet the above eligibility requirements.
- Collect the necessary evidence to be submitted.
This includes evidence of the required level of English language, possible TB test, your CAS number, proof of sufficient funds, consent from a parent or legal guardian if required.
- Begin your online application by visiting the UK Government website: Student visa : Apply online – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
FAQs about Student Visa Application
What is a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa is for international students who are aged 16 or over which grants permission to stay in the UK for the duration of a higher or further educational course. This duration will usually be anything from two to five years.
What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Student Visa?
The eligibility requirements for a UK Student Visa include being at least 16 years of age or over, having a place on a UK further or higher education course, your course being provided by a licensed student sponsor, sufficient funds to support both fee and living costs, sufficient knowledge of English language and consent from either a parent or legal guardian.
How long can you stay in the UK on a UK Student Visa?
Those on a UK Student Visa can stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years if you are aged 18 or over and studying on a degree level course. Those studying on a below degree level course can stay in the UK for a maximum of 2 years.
Can I extend my UK Student Visa if I wish to stay in the UK for longer?
Yes, applicants may extend their UK Student Visas if they wish to extend their studies. Browse this link to see if you are eligible to make an extension: Student visa : Extend your visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What are the fees for a UK Student Visa?
The application costs for a UK Student Visa are £490 if applying from outside the UK and likewise £490 if you are applying to extend or switch to a UK Student Visa from inside the UK. Applicants will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge.
What is the application process for a UK Student Visa?
The application process for a UK Student Visa begins with checking that you meet the above legibility requirements, preparing the relevant evidence and then either making an online application or contacting a relevant immigration solicitor to aid you in your application.
How do you prove sufficient knowledge of English?
One of the ways to prove sufficient knowledge of English is by passing a Secure English Language Test. Alternatively, this eligibility requirement may also be proved by having a GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualifications (National 4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher). These examinations must have been taken at a UK school in which you began studying before the age of 18. Finally, you may be from a country which is exempted from having to prove this requirement.
What does the consent from a parent or legal guardian have to be to?
The consent from a legal guardian or parent must be to the visa application, travel to the UK and living arrangements in the UK.
Summary about Student Visa Application
In this blog readers have learnt the eligibility requirements and application process for a UK Student Visa.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance with Student Visa applications. We will discuss your eligibility likelihood, and what documents we need from you to begin compiling your evidence bundle.
