What is the UK Student Visa?

The UK Student Visa, previously known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa, is required for all international students who wish to study in the UK. This visa is available only to full-time university students pursuing a degree in the UK and is not applicable for short-term or language courses.

Eligibility criteria for a UK student visa:

To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• Age Requirement: You must be 16 or over.
• Course Offer: You must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• Financial Requirement: You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. The amount varies depending on your circumstances.
• English Language Proficiency: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Parental Consent: If you are 16 or 17, you must have consent from your parents, and you’ll need to provide evidence of this when you apply.

Additionally, if you are 16 or 17 and wish to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student Visa instead.

How long can you stay on a UK student visa?

The duration of your stay on a UK Student Visa depends on the length of your course and any previous study you have completed:

• Degree Level Courses: If you are 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
• Below Degree Level Courses: If your course is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

What are the benefits of UK student visa?

• Work Opportunities: Students can work during their studies in the UK through part-time jobs, internships, placements, or skill development projects.
• Post-Study Work Permit: After completing your studies, you may attain a work permit under the new Graduate Immigration Route, allowing you to work in the UK.
• Bring Dependents: Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.
• Scholarships and Funding: UK universities offer many merit-based scholarship programs and other funding opportunities for international students who may struggle to afford their education and accommodation expenses.