Higher education in the U.K. is a dream for many. The U.K. has continuously emerged as one of the top destinations for higher education in many rankings.
It is no wonder that the U.K. student visa remains high in demand despite the Brexit developments. The country continues to offer world-class institutions, a peaceful environment, future employment prospects in the U.K., and across the world.
Recent statistics reveal that it is home to over 4,42,000 international students, and 76 U.K. institutions got featured in the ‘Q.S. World University Rankings 2019.’
Also, 4 institutions from the U.K. rank in the top 10 global institutions. Also, 10 U.K. institutions got mentioned in the ‘The Global University Employability Ranking 2017.’
Types of U.K. Student Visa
Trying to apply to an educational institution in the country to ensure a place in a U.K. university and the subsequent process of getting a student visa to study in the U.K. can be confusing for many.
We will try to break the student visa process for you.
Written below is a brief explanation of the different U.K. student visa categories. The two main types of student visa are:-
- Short-term study visa
- Tier 4 (General) student visa
Let’s go through both these types of student visa categories:-
-
Short-term Study Visa
Students who have gotten accepted at a course with a duration of less than a year can apply for a U.K. student visa under this category.
The standard course duration in short-term courses is 6 months. The term is 11 months if the student gets admitted to an English language course.
To get admission to a short-term course, you need:-
– Proof of student’s acceptance in a study course in the U.K. at a recognized place of study.
– Evidence that you have the finance to cover the expenses of your education.
– It is a must that the student covers their living costs for the duration of your studies.
– Proof that you can pay for your return journey.
Documentation required this U.K. visa category are:-
– The passport that is currently valid
– Your bank account statement or slips
– Your travel plan details and your intended places of staying
– A letter of acceptance from the area you plan to study carrying the certified logo of the institute and header paper. The name of the course, the duration, and the cost should find mention.
– Students from some countries are required to show medical test results in this U.K. visa category.
– All the students who are under 18 years old will require prior arrangements for you to travel and stay in the U.K.
– Students under 18 also need contact details of a parent or guardian.
The short term student visa got ₤93 for a 6-month visa and ₤179 for the 11-month visa. Students studying in this U.K. student visa category can not bring family members or extend the visa.
-
Tier 4 (General) U.K. Student Visa
This visa category covers the majority of the international students applying to institutions in the U.K. You can apply for the visa in this category if:-
– Proof that you are offered a place in the course.
– The student should be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
– Evidence that you have enough money to pay your course fees and support your daily expenses during the term of the course.
The documents you require for U.K. student visa in this category are:-
– Current passport validity
– U.K. Immigration may ask students from some countries may have to furnish additional documents.
– Proof of your funds like bank statements, etc.
– Students under 18 will need to provide contact details of a parent or guardian.
– You can apply for a U.K. student visa in this category 3 months before the course begins, and mostly the decision comes before 3 weeks.
– The fees are ₤335 and ₤335 for every additional dependent.
– The students can work most jobs and apply to extend your stay.
Conclusion
Multiple reasons propel people to choose to apply to the U.K. It has an attractive and vibrant cultural atmosphere, with exciting economic prospects. It is one of the top economies of the world too.
Also, the extensive Indian and Asian diaspora is a hugely attractive prospect. So, contact Chopra Consultancy if you are thinking of applying for a U.K. student visa.