The UK Government offers an opportunity for Indian students to study in the country, although they must obtain a student visas UK first. However, it depends on the type, of course one pursues and based on age.
Aspiring students can read this blog to learn about UK student visa applications, processing fees, required documents, and much more. Keep reading!
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Types of Student Visas UK
Now that one has got their acceptance letter, one must check whether the paperwork is ready. Although this might be overwhelming initially, this can be achieved with a bit of organization. Here is an overview of the student visa for the UK from India:
| Type of Student Visa | Eligibility | When should you Apply | Arrival in the UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term study visa | This is applicable for students who have been enrolled in a short-term course in the UK. | It is best to have it ready three months before your travelling to the UK. | It depends on the stipulated period. |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | Students who have been enrolled in a course at a said educational institution and has a valid Tier 4 sponsor. | This must be applied for three months before the commencement of your course. | Candidates must arrive one month before if their course spans more than six months. |
| Tier 4 (Child) student visa | Those students who are aged between 4 to 17 years and wish to study in a school. | You must apply for it before the commencement. | You must arrive one week earlier if your course spans from six months or less than that. However, you have the option of coming six months earlier if your course is more than six months. |
Selection of Course
One of the UK student visa requirements is that candidates must have a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies or CAS. But, for that, one must be apply for an eligible course that is mentioned below for easier understanding:
- The applicant must have enrolled for a full-time program. It can be a Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma certificate.
- Furthermore, it is applicable for candidates who have enrolled in a part-time program. It can either be a Master’s degree or a PG diploma course.
- The candidate must be enrolled in a full-time, 15-hour-per-week day-time study programme, either higher education or IB diploma.
- If one plans to study dentistry or become a postgraduate doctor, one should enrol for a reputed Foundation programme.
- Moreover, candidates can opt for an English language programme at the B2 level.
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Eligibility and Requirements
Candidates must meet the eligibility parameters for a Tier 4 (General) student visa which is outlined below:
Applicants must pass the Secure English Language Test and with CEFR Level 1 and 2. IELTS and PTEs fall under its gambit. In addition, they must be able to communicate in English effectively.
The table is illustrated below:
| IELTS | PTE Academic | SELT |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 43 | Level B1 |
| 5.5 | 59 | Level B2 |
| 7 | 76 | Level C1 |
| 8.5 | 85 | Level C2 |
Furthermore, they must have an unconditional offer letter, and the Tier 4 sponsor must be licensed.
Moreover, the applicant must be able to show proof of financial stability. This means that they must have enough funds to pay for their course.
If one is applying for a short-term visa, one must intend to leave the UK within 30 days after the course ends.
Funds
One may be curious to know how much bank balance is required for a UK student visa. Indeed, it is a pertinent question that needs to be answered. Therefore, underlined are the necessary funds for the same:
- One should have at least 11, 97, 617 INR. These are the expenses required to cover an individual’s one-year course fee.
- The individual must have received an official sponsorship
Essential Documents for the Visa
While applying for a study visa UK, one needs to have the following documents ready:
- A passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Evidence of existent funds
- The reference number of Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies
- Criminal record certificate
- The letter from the guardian if an individual is a minor
These documents for a student visa must be kept handy while applying for the same.
Application Process
An individual must know how to apply for a student visa, as delays may lead to the visa not being approved. Therefore, one must follow the steps given below while using it:
Step 1: Navigate to the official website of the UK Government.
Step 2: You must provide your biometrics and a photograph at a visa application centre.
Step 3: You can also use the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan the ID proof. This will lead you to sign in to the UK Visas and Immigration account.
Step 4: Then, fill in the Application form.
Step 5: Pay the visa processing fee, which is 348 GBP. There is the student visa fees for the UK.
Step 6: You will have to go through an interview. This is how to get a student visa for the UK.
The UK student visa processing time is generally three weeks from the date of application. However, if it is a priority, it is best to contact the visa application centre and convey to them the urgency. Two services are available under this:
| Under 24 hours | Within 5 days |
|---|---|
| 800 GBP + 348 GBP | 500 GBP+ 348 GBP |
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Validity of the Student Visa
The student visas UK are generally valid during the study. However, an individual has a grace period of four months, within which they must complete their studies. Moreover, the UKVI also permits one to extend their Tier 4 Visa if one requires additional time to complete their studies.
Candidates for this purpose must fill out an application form and pay 475 GBP for the extension of studies. In addition, 300 GBP must be paid for the immigration health surcharge and 19.20 GBP for the biometric verification.
Once an individual arrives in the UK, their passport details will be reviewed by an officer of the UK Border Agency. Thus, one must remember these pointers for the UK student visa application to be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of applying for a student visa?
The application cost of Tier 4 Visa is 338 GBP.
2. How much is bank balance required for student visas UK?
An individual must ensure that they at least have 12 to 15 lakhs.
3. Can I work because I have a Tier 4 student visa?
Yes, you have the option of working part-time due to your Tier 4 student visa. You can work for 20 hours every week.
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