The United Kingdom is one of the most preferred destinations for international students around the world. The country is home to many top-ranked universities such as the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, University College London and many more. There are plenty of opportunities for aspirants who wish to study in the UK.
It is recommended to apply for a student visa as early as possible for a hassle-free admission process. If your course duration is six months or less, it is advisable to arrive in the country one week prior to the commencement of your course. If your course duration is longer than six months, then we recommend you plan your arrival a month ahead of the course start date.
But wait, do you know about the mandatory documents needed while applying for UK student visas? Don’t worry, we are here to help you through all the required UK student visa documents. In the following sections, you will come across the supporting documents which are an inevitable part of the student visa application process.
Things you must know before applying for UK Student Visa
We bring to you relevant information to help you understand the criteria while preparing to arrange the UK student visa documents.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for applying for a Student visa to study in the UK is 16. The following are the conditions that you must satisfy to pursue education in the UK.
- You should have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
- You must have enough money to support financial expenses and pay for your course.
- You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
- You should have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17. This will be needed to present as evidence when you apply
NOTE: If you’re 16 or 17, and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
Right time to apply
If you are applying from outside the UK, you can apply for a visa six months before the start date of your course. You will get a response on your visa within three weeks.
If you are applying from inside the UK, you must apply three months before your course starts. You shall get a decision on your visa within eight weeks.
Duration of stay in the UK
The duration of your course decides the period of your stay. If you are 18 or over, and pursuing a degree-level course, you can stay up to 5 years. If your course is below the degree level, you can stay in the UK for 2 years.
Fees
UK Student visa costs:
- £363 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
- £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
- You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
UK Student Visa Document Checklist
- Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS): This is an electronic document that applicants will receive from the university via email, which is mandatory for making their Student Visa application. An important point to note is that as the CAS is electronic, you only need to provide the CAS reference number in your visa application form and there is no requirement to provide a paper copy of the same.
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): A CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is required from your course provider to submit while applying for student visa.
- English language evidence: UKVI asks for proof of applicants’ knowledge of the English language. Your CAS will confirm how your English language ability has been evaluated by the university. If it has been evaluated by you providing a certificate or qualification, then this will be listed in your CAS and you must present the certificate listed. In case, no English language qualifications are listed in your CAS, then you will not need to provide any with your application form.
- Translations. If you are providing any document which is not in English, the original document must be attached by a full translation. The translation must contain the following:
- Validation from the translator that it is an exact translation of the original document that you have provided
- Contact details of the translation company
- The exact date of the translation
- Proof of finances. You need to provide evidence that you have a specific amount of money available to you for tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The types of documents that you can provide to prove your finances are:
- Personal bank statements or building society statements
- Bank letters
- Official loan letters
- Official financial sponsorship letters
- Letter of consent from government sponsor. If you have received any official financial sponsorship from a government in the past year, you must attach a letter from this sponsor which confirms the sponsor’s consent for you to make the Student Visa application.
- Proof of your relationship with your parents or guardians. If the information related to the funds you show is held under a parent’s name, you must prove your relationship to your parent(s). Birth certificates or adoption certificates are acceptable by the authority.
- Letter from parent/ guardian. Along with the proof of your relationship with your fund holder, you also need a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) providing consent for you to use the money. The letter does not need to follow a strict format, but it must be signed and dated by the parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you are under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18 at the time of starting your studies, you will need to provide a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and also your birth certificate or adoption certificate.
- Your tuberculosis test results: if you are from a country where you have to take the test. Note that if you have been living in a country for the past six months when the TB test is not required, then you will not need to provide this (If you have been living in the UK for six or more months, then you will not need to take a TB test.)
- ATAS Certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate). This is a certificate required by some postgraduate students. (It does not apply to students in undergraduate programs of study in the UK.) Applicants must note that it takes approximately one month for an ATAS certificate to be issued. Students’ CAS will confirm if you need an ATAS certificate.
- Police registration certificate: If applicants are applying from the UK, they will need the police registration certificate, if you are required to register with the police
If you still have any doubts pertaining to the required documents for applying for a UK student visa, contact us. Our team of study abroad experts will help you understand the visa process in detail.