image of study in United Kingdom

A Complete Guide to UK Student Visa for Study in UK & PSW UK - Scholarships 2023-24

Check here, the complete guide for all those Indian students who want to study in UK

 

The UK is world-renowned for its educational institutions, with many universities ranking among the best in the world. A UK education is highly respected by employers and is sought after by students from all over the globe.

Studying in the UK allows students to develop independence, confidence, and critical thinking skills. The UK's diverse culture and history make it an enriching and exciting place to live and learn.

If you're planning on studying in the UK, you'll need to obtain a student visa. The process can be complex, but we've compiled all the information you need to get started. Plus, we've got a list of scholarships to help you fund your studies. Check it out below!

Types of UK Student Visas


There are two main types of UK student visas - Tier 4 (General) visas for adults aged 16 and over, and Short-Term Study visas for those studying courses under 6 months. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Applying for a UK Study Visa


The UK study visa application involves completing the online form, providing supporting documents like financial statements and qualifications, paying the healthcare surcharge, and proving your English proficiency. Processing times can take up to 3 weeks once you submit biometrics.

About UK Education System


The United Kingdom has one of the oldest and prestigious history when it comes to education. Students from all over the world have been coming to the UK to pursue their studies for centuries. The UK education system is renowned for its quality and excellence. There are over 3,000 accredited higher education institutions in the UK offering Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degree.
 
Undergraduate Degree: An undergraduate degree is the first level of tertiary education. In the United Kingdom, undergraduate degrees typically take three years to complete and are offered by universities. After completing an undergraduate degree, students may pursue a postgraduate degree or pursue a career.
 
Graduate Degree: A graduate degree is the second level of tertiary education. In the United Kingdom, graduate degrees typically take one year to complete and are offered by universities. After completing a graduate degree, students may choose to pursue a career or continue their studies at the doctoral level. 
 
Doctorate Degree: A doctorate is the highest level of education one can attain. In the United Kingdom, doctorate degrees typically take three to four years to complete and are offered by universities. After completing a doctorate, students may pursue a career in academia or research.

Types of UK Study Visa

Top Programs in the UK

Top Institutions in the UK

Eligibility to Study in UK

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

UK Study Permit and Post-Study Work Options in UK:

Scholarships to Study in UK

Tuition Fees to Study in UK:

Accommodation / Living Costs in UK

How can Mapmystudy help you in getting the UK Student Visa?

Frequently Asked Questions - UK Study visa consultants FAQs

List of The Most Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers About UK Study Visa, Study Permit, Application Process etc.

What is a Student Visa for the U.K?

Student Visa for the U.Kis in which you can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and you: have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. You should have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances. In which students can speak, read, write and understand English.

What type is a student visa in UK?

There are currently three types of UK student visas, including Student visa for most higher education courses, including graduate and postgraduate programs. Child Student visa for minors studying at an independent school. Short-term study visa for learning English in the UK (6–11 months)

How long is a UK student visa valid for?

Student visa is valid till the duration of the course – Bachelors and Masters. After course completion student will be given 2 years of Post study work rights for both Bachelors and masters course.

How hard is it to get a UK student visa?

In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements, you'll need to provide: Details of your passport. A recent photograph, CAS letter from University

Who Needs a Study Permit for the U.K?

All international students (those who are non-uk residents) and who want to study in the UK are required to get a student visa (Tier 4). This visa is only for full-time university students in the UK pursuing a degree, not for short-term or language courses.

Why do UK student visas get rejected?

The UK student visa can be denied due to many reasons such as an Incomplete application form, Poor academic records, Insufficient funds, Incomplete paperwork, Lack of interview skills, Criminal record found against the visa seeker, etc.

How long does it take for a student visa in the United Kingdom to be granted?

Within 3-6 weeks. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 -6 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application center or use the ID Check app, if you are applying for a: Short-term study visa. Student visa.

What is the maximum age limit to study in UK?

The minimum age to study a degree program at the university is normally at least 17 years old by the 20 September in the year the course begins. There is no upper age limit for master’s students.

What is the application process for U.K study visa? (Mentioned in Steps)

  1. CAS Letter from University
  2. All academic, financial Documents, and work-related documents, and CV.
  3. Assessment of Academic and Financial documents.
  4. Online Account Creation.
  5. Payment of Health surcharge, then visa fees and submit the file.
  6. After submission online, take an appointment for offline documents submission in The UK High Commission.
  7. Submit all documents and Original Passport.
  8. Wait for Passport Pick - up information. 

What is the requirement for U.K Student Visa?

If you have been offered a place on a course, your course provider may be ready to assist you in applying for a UK student visa; inquire to see if this is the case. You can apply for the visa up to three months ahead of your course's start date. Check your country's average visa processing times and give yourself plenty of time.


  1. Offer from the university
  2. English language proficiency
  3. Eligibility criteria
  4. Necessary Documents
  5. Tuberculosis test results
  6. Proof of funds
  7. Immigratiion healthcare surcharge
A points-based system is used to issue student visas in the United Kingdom. In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements, you’ll need to provide:
  1. Self-affidavit
  2. A copy of the passport (Bio – Page and all Written Pages)
  3. Student Information sheet
  4. CAS statement from a licensed sponsor. (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is valid for 6 months from the date of issue
  5. Evidence of English language ability if not included in the CAS
  6. Evidence of academic qualifications submitted to your student sponsor
  7. Marriage Certificate for partners and Birth Certificates (for dependents)
  8. TB Test Certificate
  9. Birth certificate of student
  10. Affidavit of Sponsorship required along with the reason of sponsorship from Parents as well as from third-party sponsors.
  11. Government I Card of Parents/Sponsor.
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS:
 
Funds are accepted from the below sources:

  • Saving Account along with Bank Covering Letter in applicant’s name OR in any joint account where the applicant is one of the joint holders & it should be maintained for 28 days.
  • Fixed Deposit along with Bank Covering Letter in applicant’s name OR in any joint account where the applicant is one of the joint holders & it should be maintained for 28 days.
  • An Education loan in the Applicants name.


What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for U.K Study Visa?

How much money you need depends on where you will be studying but 1 year of tuition fees and 1 year living in London will be 12041 GBP/ Living outside London - 9207 GBP for 1 year of study. Only the deposit has to be paid from the annual tution fees rest all amount has to be in the savings account for 28 days atleast before CAS request.

How to Apply for a Study Permit From Outside of the U.K?

You'll have to establish your identification as part of your application. It depends on where you're from and what kind of passport you have how you go about doing this.
You’ll either:

  • give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a center
  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Below is the image for more understanding:

Visa process
  • Recieve Visa file with all the required documents. 
  • After assessment pending will be shared(if any)
  • Online Visa form filled, IHS and Visa fees payment done and Appointment booked with UK VFS 
  • Then wait for visa decision.
  • Student can be notified  for interview
  • Student visit the UK VFS VAC for Biometric & submission of documents.

What is the cost of the U.K Student Visa?

The current Tier 4 (General) student visa charge is £348 (US$440), plus an additional £348 fee for any dependents. + Health surcharge based on course length.

How long are the U.K Visa valid?

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you've already completed in the UK.

Do the U.K Student Visa Allow you to Visit Your Home Country?

Yes, absolutely! You can leave and re-enter the UK as often as you wish before the end date of your course. On re-entering, you will need to show the Border Force Officer some evidence, so you should carry all of the following in your hand luggage: Your passport, and your BRP if you have one.

Can I Change Schools With a U.K Student Visa?

Yes, but have to inform the embassy accordingly online. Yes, they can change their university in UK. They need to go through the UCAS transfer university process and follow the normal deadlines set by various universities.

Can my Family Members Accompany me to the U.K?

Yes, dependent only spouse and kid allowed with the student of Masters Course. Can accompany while traveling very first time if all visas are granted on time. Rest all family members can travel together but on a tourist visa.

Can I work while on a Student Visa?

A student visa issued for full-time degree-level studies allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester ONand unlimited when there is a semester break.

Can I Work After I Complete my Studies?

After graduation, you'll be able to work in the UK under the new post-study work visa requirements. From September 2020 any student enrolling at a UK university can stay in the UK after graduation for up to two years in order to look for work related to their degree or course

Can I get a scholarship to U.K Universities?

Yes, but have to apply separately. Some universities provide scholarships after application submission - Top universities in the United Kingdom often provide generous scholarship for international students based on their academic achievements or financial needs. Here are just a few scholarships and scholarship-finding tools offered by some of the best universities in the UK: like -University of Cambridge. University of Oxford etc.

Can I apply for a U.K Student Visa without IELTS?

Yes, several universities in the United Kingdom grant IELTS waivers depending on students' 12th grade English grades. Yes, you can receive a UK study visa without IELTS if student has received waiver from the university where you have been accepted stating that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS.

Can I Bring my Family to U.K while studying?

Family - spouse and kids only are allowed as dependents – only u allowed for Masters Students. UG students are not allowed to take dependents. However, parents, etc can meet students at any stage on a tourist visa.

If you are a new student to the UK you can only bring your family to the UK if: you are studying a course at the postgraduate level which is 12 months or longer, or You are a Government-sponsored student and your course is over 6 months long.
No exemption under any condition.


Can I get a study permit for multiple DLIs? DLIs only in Canada.

Not possible. Have to decide on one university and proceed with CAS of only 1 university.

Can I reapply if my visa is rejected?

Yes, student can reapply. However, before allowing you to reapply, a country's immigration department may request a copy of your refusal to enter the country. You will be able to reapply if the reasons for the visa refusal are sufficient.

Is PTE or any other English test acceptable in U.K?

Yes, apart from PTE test, 'Secure English Language Tests for UKVI ' – Integrated Skills in English ( ISE ) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English ( GESE ) IELTS SELT Consortium: ' IELTS for UKVI ' or ' IELTS Life Skills' LanguageCert: 'LanguageCert International ESOL SELT ' are also accepted in UK.

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