For students who dream of studying in the UK, it is essential to understand the issues related to the UK student visa. From the type of visa to the application time, from the required materials to the application process, each link is associated with the smooth start of the study trip. Today, we will explain in detail all aspects of the UK student visa to help you to study in the UK without hindrance.
Types of UK Student Visas and Application Requirements
Currently, UK student visas are categorized into Student visas UK and Child Student visas UK. Most international students apply for a UK student visa, which is available to students over 16 who are traveling to the UK for higher education.
First of all, you have to fulfill the financial and English requirements before applying for a UK student visa. The funding requirements are mainly tuition fees + living expenses, and you must have enough saved in your bank card to cover your living expenses in the UK for a year. The English language requirement, on the other hand, depends on whether your course is below degree level or at degree level or higher.
Below degree level: minimum CEFR requirement level B1, IELTS UKVI must be at least 4.0 in each section.
Degree level or higher: minimum CEFR requirement level equivalent to B2, IELTS UKVI must be at least 5.5 in each section.
Basic Documents Required for UK Student Visa
1. CAS: It is a confirmation letter of acceptance issued by the school to the student after you accept the offer from the British university and deliver the first tuition prepayment to the school to reserve a degree. The steps for exchanging CAS will be clearly stated in the offer sent to you by the school, and you can operate according to the above instructions.
2. A color passport photo with white background: a recent color photo with white background, the size of 35*45mm.
3. Personal passport original & photocopy: The validity period needs to be over 6 months. Please make sure there is at least one blank page (front and back) in your passport with at least six months’ validity. If you have an old passport, you need to provide the original of the old passport. Passport is the only valid proof of identity of the student himself outside the country, must be executed by the student himself valid identity and household registration and other relevant documents to the household registration of the local immigration authorities to apply for processing, the general processing cycle for 2-3 weeks, depending on the specific area varies.
4. Certificate of deposit: fixed deposits in your name or the name of your parents. Since July 6, 2018, Chinese students applying for a T4 student visa UK in the UK will no longer need to submit proof of financial strength, proof of academic qualifications, and proof of English proficiency. However, it should be noted that applicants don’t just need to submit these documents; they still need to fulfill these conditions!
5. IELTS / TOEFL transcripts.
6. Original birth certificate and family register.
7. Original Chinese/English graduation certificate: Everyone needs to provide the original, a translation, and a copy each.
8. Tuberculosis medical certificate: When applying for a UK student visa for more than six months, you need to issue a tuberculosis medical certificate at an officially designated hospital. You need to make an appointment online or by phone in advance for the medical examination and show up for the test according to the appointment time.
9. Visa application form: you need to fill out the form online and make an appointment to submit the documents and pay the fee online, print the application form after completion, sign and attach the date. When filling out the form, you will be asked to pay the IHS fee (Immigration Health Surcharge). After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email, which also needs to be printed out.
Attention
The passport submitted as part of the application will be held by the UK Border Agency until the final outcome of the application is known. After submitting the application materials, resubmitting them is impossible, so you must check carefully if anything is missing before submitting.
Some majors also need to apply for an ATAS certificate, which is generally required for engineering students who are enrolled in a master’s degree program (whether or not it is required depends on the offer), and you can submit your application through the online application form on the UK government’s website.
How to Prepare the Required Materials for the UK Student Visa
Go to the Bank to Provide Proof of Deposit
1. Method: The demand period can be regular, recommended regular, or do not accept financial methods. Deposit the same day to open a deposit slip, within one month before the visa to issue a certificate of deposit.
2. Time: regular 3 months, set up automatic transfer, must be deposited for 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa.
3. Depositor: It is recommended to exist in the student’s name, because the existence of the student’s name only need to submit a certificate of deposit + passbook/deposit slip, if it is under the name of the parents, it is necessary to submit a certificate of deposit + passbook or deposit slip + account book + birth certificate + letter of financial assistance, the preparation of the materials on the preparation of a lot of trouble.
4. Deposit amount: 1 year of tuition fees and 9 months of living expenses for attending the institution’s major. The minimum standard in London is 1334 pounds/month, and the minimum standard in non-London areas is 1023 pounds/month. The amount is about 400,000-500,000 dollars.
5. Bank selection: The four state-owned major banks are available, and you can ask the bank before depositing. There is no Chinese or English version of the deposit slip and certificate of deposit. If not, you can change your bank.
Certificate of Deposit Special Instructions
It is recommended to keep the certificate in the student’s name. If the certificate is kept in the parent’s name, you need to provide a lot of documents, such as a family register, birth certificate, parents’ consent to financial aid letter, etc.
1. Is there any requirement for the currency of the deposit?
In principle, both current and fixed-term deposits are acceptable. However, since there is no guarantee that the current deposit will be overspent one day if the funds come in and out frequently, and since the visa documents need to be translated, the translation is a very big workload if there is a lot of running water, it is highly recommended to deposit fixed-term deposits. Deposits are not limited to currency, pounds, or RMB. Recommended Banks: Deposits are recommended in the four state-owned major banks.
2. How long do I need to deposit?
UKVI (United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Department) official regulations must be deposited for at least 28 consecutive days; to meet the 1-month deposit period is safer. The deposit amount is equal to one year’s tuition fee plus living expenses (about 450,000-600,000 RMB).
3. When do I need a certificate of deposit?
A certificate of deposit is only valid if it is issued within 1 month of submitting the visa, and the deposit must be at least 28 days old. Do not issue a certificate of deposit when you have a fixed term deposit! Wait until you have a visa appointment before issuing a certificate of deposit in case the certificate issued in advance expires and cannot be used for the visa.
The Issuance of a Tuberculosis Medical Certificate
1. Time: Tuberculosis examination has a six-month validity period; we need to ensure that the results of the physical examination for the main renewal of the visa are valid. It is recommended that we do the examination two or three months in advance. If the test reveals any abnormalities, it can still be adjusted in time.
2. Place: There is a designated testing organization for the TB test, and you need to go to the designated testing organization.
3. Preparation materials:
- The original and a copy of the valid passport, the passport is valid for at least six months.
- Detailed address of the current place of residence (including Chinese and English), English address of the place of residence in the United Kingdom and the zip code.
- 2 two-inch photos with a white background (35*45mm) taken within the last half year.
- Fee: 550 RMB for 11 years old and above.
- Original identity card.
- If you have been infected with tuberculosis or other lung diseases before, you need to submit relevant certificates of previous screening, and if possible, please also submit previous diagnosis reports and X-ray test reports.
4. Testing process:
- Make an appointment for testing at the designated hospital. There are generally two ways to make an appointment: online and by phone. Some testing centers also accept on-site appointments. It is recommended that you make an appointment by phone in order to confirm the latest requirements.
- Go to the designated hospital for testing on time.
- Receive the test report. Test results and certificates will be available soon after the test. Generally, the test is conducted in the morning, and the results are available in the afternoon or the next day. The test report can be picked up or mailed.
Online Application Form for Student Visa UK
1. Fill in the online application form: you can start as early as 3 months before the start of the program, first log in to the official application website, then create an account, and finally fill in the application form according to the steps, to be filled in English, and you can’t modify it after submitting it!
2. Pay the visa fee: After the application form is filled out, you will receive a confirmation email from WorldPay after completing the online payment.
3. Visa Appointment: Log in to the online Visa Appointment Center to check the specific information of visa centers in China and complete the appointment.
4. Online payment of medical surcharge: After completing the visa application form and booking an appointment at the Visa Application Center, log on to the online payment portal for the medical surcharge and make the payment, which must be done before visiting the Visa Center.
Submission of Documents and Recording of BRP Information
Valid passport, proof of deposit, TB test certificate, online visa application form, relevant documents listed in the CAS (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.), all in English, and the original of the old Bio-Resource Card (BRP card) if you have one, should be submitted at the same time.
About BRP Card
The BPR card is also known as the biometric fingerprint card, which will be used to record the biometric information when you visit the Visa Application Center for the first time. It can be understood that the BRP card is a domestic ID card. After entering the UK, get your BRP card in time; without this card, some schools will refuse to let you enroll. If you lose or damage your BRP card, or if the information on the card has changed, you should remember to get a replacement card in time.
Getting Your UK Student Visa
You can choose to pick up your visa in person or by paid courier. If you choose to collect your visa in person, VFS Global will send you an email to inform you of the time to collect it. Be sure to bring your receipt with you when you pick up your visa. You can also ask someone else to collect the visa for you. The person collecting the visa for you will need to present your signed letter of authorization, your receipt, and proof of identity of the person collecting the visa for you.
Application Time for UK Student Visa
The UK Student Visa has clear rules on the timing of the application. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before the start of your course, which gives students plenty of time to prepare. At the latest, it is recommended to use 3 months before the start of the course, as the visa processing time is usually 3 – 8 weeks. If you apply too late, your regular enrollment may be affected by the uncertainty of visa processing time.
The best time to apply is when your offer comes in and your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance Letter) comes through. Prepare your documents and use them as quickly as possible, avoiding the peak season of July – September. Avoiding the peak season will increase your application’s efficiency and your chances of getting a visa, as the number of applicants may affect the speed of visa processing.
UK Student Visa Application Process
Step 1: Fill in the application form online: On the official website of the UK Visa and Immigration Bureau (UKVI), follow the steps to create an account and fill in the form, upload the documents, print the visa application form, and sign it after completion.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online
Step 2: Pay the visa fee: Pay online in RMB with VISA/MasterCard or a debit card, including the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). 2025 onwards, the visa fee is £490 and the IHS fee is £776/year. You will receive a confirmation email after payment; print it out and keep it as a backup.
Step 3: Appointment for Visa Delivery Time and Visa Center: After submitting the online application, you can make an appointment to visit the visa center.
Step 4: Visiting the Visa Center: According to the appointment time and place, bring all the documents to the Visa Center, submit the required documents, and collect the biological information (fingerprints and photos).
Step 5: Wait for the visa result: Usually, it takes about 15 working days. You can check the progress through the official website of the UK Visa Application Center by entering your application number and date of birth. Approved: UK student visa and sticker will be put on the passport; Refused: you will receive a refusal letter, which will explain the reason for refusal and can be appealed
UK Student Visa Cost
1. The ordinary T4 student visa UK fee is 363 pounds, and you can pay the application fee online through VISA, MasterCard, or RMB debit card. You can apply for an expedited UK student visa.
2. IHS Immigration Medical SurchargeFull-time international students studying in the UK for more than six months are required to pay an annual medical surcharge of 470 pounds to enjoy the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK permanent residents. Upon payment of the surcharge, international students will be eligible to use the following NHS services free of charge: GP consultations, hospital admissions, clinic treatment for minor injuries, contraception and gender health services, and maternity services.
Caution:
IHS fees are generally only refundable in the event of a refusal or withdrawal of an application, so if you get a student visa UK and then give up studying in the UK, the IHS fee is not refundable, and unused IHS cannot be used when the student applies for their next UK student visa.
IHS fees can be refunded up until the time of fingerprinting, which requires the visa to be revoked.
The IHS start date can be based on the start date of classes or the planned entry date.
3. Courier delivery fee: After the visa is issued, if you need courier delivery service, you need to pay the courier delivery fee of 60 RMB. 4.
4. SMS notification of visa update status generally can be notified by mail or SMS notification; the timeliness of SMS is faster than mail, but you need to pay 15 yuan.
5. Insurance fee: UK visa insurance fee needs to pay 150 pounds.
Other Matters for UK Student Visa
1. NHS/IHS Medical Surcharge
Students are entitled to the National Health Service (NHS) and pharmaceutical services in the UK during their studies. Students are required to pay the NHS/HIS fee when applying for a UK student visa, and are required to complete their NHS medical registration with a GP (family doctor/general practitioner) near their place of residence as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. Fees are calculated according to the length of the course, see the official website for details. Please refer to the official website for details of fees: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/Type
2. Expedited UK Student Visa Service
UK Visa Center provides optional paid services. Priority Service: two expedited methods of getting the result in 5 days (British Express Visa Service) and 24 hours (Super Priority Visa). The result will be issued in about 15 working days without the Priority Service. For details, please refer to the following website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visahttps://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/zh/gbr/premium-services.
3. Matters after Arrival in the UK
1. Students on courses longer than 6 months can enter the UK up to one month before the start of the course with a student visa UK.
2. You should complete your student registration and apply for a student ID card as soon as possible. Most institutions support online registration.
3、When you first arrive in the UK on a K student visa, you must register at your local police station within one week of your arrival and collect your BRP Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days or before the visa page of your passport expires, and bring along the BRP letter issued with your visa when you collect your BRP card.
Conclusion about How to Apply for UK Student Visa UK
Applying for a UK student visa is a crucial step for international students wishing to study in the UK. Although the application process may seem complicated, it can be easily handled with careful planning and attention to detail. By obtaining an offer of a place from a licensed student sponsor, obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS), preparing the required financial and personal documents, and applying within the appropriate timeframe, students can greatly improve their chances of a successful student visa UK application.
Book Student Accommodation in UK
If you want to study in the UK, renting a room in the UK is very important. uhomes.com offers a large number of affordable and comfortable student accommodations for UK students at the cheapest student apartment rentals! You can rent luxury or budget en-suite rooms, studio apartments, and private or shared rooms with a wide range of amenities in student apartments in London, Leeds, and Birmingham.
FAQ
How long does it take to apply for a UK student visa?
UK Visas and Immigration aims to complete student visa processing within 15 working days (FYI, individual circumstances vary and review times vary).
Can I get a refund if I wait too long for the result of my UK student visa application?
Some applications may take longer to process if it is a busy period with a high volume of applications worldwide or if the applicant’s situation is more complex. Once you have visited the Visa Application Center and submitted your biometric information, we are unable to refund the visa fee.
Why do I have to pay the Immigrant Health Surcharge (IHS)?
If you are applying to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) as part of your immigration application. Paying the relevant fee will allow you to access the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your visa in much the same way as a permanent resident of the UK, without having to pay for healthcare.
What are the changes to the rules for switching UK student visa pathways?
International students will not be able to convert from the student visa UK pathway to another visa pathway until they have completed their program. The only exception is PhD students, who will be able to apply to switch to the Skilled Worker visa pathway 24 months after completing their PhD.
The university I applied to has not yet issued me a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) number, can I apply for a visa first?
You must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) number from the university before you can apply for a student visa. If you have not yet received one, please contact the university to which you have applied to find out what you need to do.
How to Extend Student Visa in UK
You already have a UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4).
You have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor (like a university).
Your new course starts within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
The course is at a higher academic level or is related to your previous course.
