United Kingdom (UK) Student Visa

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Yes! It’s no surprise that students from India choose to study in the United Kingdom, with wonderful universities and a superb collegiate and professional milieu. Every year, the country is inundated with thousands of international students. However, in order to study in this nation, you must have a valid UK student visa. Obtaining a student visa to study in the UK, on the other hand, can be difficult and time-consuming. The United Kingdom draws 600,000 foreign students thanks to some of the world’s best universities. This represents the amount of competition for obtaining a UK student visa. The length of your UK student visa is determined by the length of the programme offered to you, as stated in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). But how long does it take for a UK student visa to be processed in India? What is the procedure for obtaining a UK student visa in India?

Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the UK student visa application, UK student visa cost, UK student visa time period, and more.

Latest Updates for UK Student Visa for Indian Students

In an MOU signed on July 21, 2022, India and the United Kingdom agreed to recognise each other’s higher educational degrees.
According to UCAS, the application rate for 18-year-old from disadvantaged areas in the UK has grown from 27% in 2021 to over 29% in 2022. Furthermore, an all-time high total application rate of 44.1% has been observed. By 30 June 2022, over 683,650 students had submitted 3,049,000 applications through UCAS.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the University of Birmingham have partnered to provide joint-degree programmes, according to Times Higher Education (THE). Two-year master’s degrees in Energy Systems, Data Science, and Biomedical Engineering will be available.
During the 2022/23 academic year, more than 38,000 students will benefit from the UK’s exchange programme called “Turing Scheme.”
The QS Top Student Cities Rankings 2023, published on June 29th, named London the best city for students. London achieved an overall score of 100, with good marks for areas such as Student View, Student Mix, and Rankings, but a poor mark for cost.
The United Kingdom government has offered 75 fully-funded scholarships for Indian students to study in the United Kingdom. The scholarships were announced to commemorate 75 years of Indian independence.

Types of UK Student Visa for Indian Students

Short-term study visas, Child student visa (Tier 4), Standard Visitor Visa, and General study visa (Tier 4) are the four types of UK study visas provided dependent on the duration of the course/program.

Type of Study Visas	Description
Student Visa	This visa, like the former Tier 4 visa, is for students over the age of 18, and its validity can extend from 2 to 5 years.
Child Student Visa	For pupils aged 4 to 17 who have received an offer from a UK independent school.
Standard Visitor Visa	The regular visitor visa, which is granted similarly to individuals who travel to the UK, can also be used for short study courses.
Study English in the UK (short term stay)	If you want to study English in the UK for more than 6 months, this visa allows you to remain for 6-11 months with your programme.

When to Apply for a UK Student Visa

The second most crucial question is when to apply for a UK student visa. A UK student visa may typically be obtained in 15-21 days, but it may take longer during peak periods, so apply early.

You can apply for your visa up to six months before the commencement of your study. If you apply before this deadline, your application will be rejected.
You must apply for your visa at least two weeks before the start of your course (or if you have the option of starting your studies online, at least 2 weeks before you plan to travel to the UK.)
Allow enough time for the visa to be processed before beginning your course or travelling.
Your visa application may take several weeks to be processed. However, due to competitiveness, the average UK student visa processing time in India differs by country.

How much does a UK student visa cost from India?

The current Tier 4 (General) student visa fee in the UK is £363 (about 440 USD), plus an extra £680 per person/per month for any dependents.

Let us examine the UK student visa costs for the many types of visas available:

Visa type	Visa fee
General student visa (Tier 4)	The application price is £363 or 29,395 INR, plus £680 per individual with any dependents.
Tier 4 (Child) student visa	The application price for a Tier 4 (child) student visa is £363 or 29,395 INR, including a healthcare premium.
Short-term study visa	An 11-month visa costs £200 (about 16,195 INR) plus a £470 fee.

UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

If you satisfy the following conditions, you can apply for a UK student visa from India:

The candidate must be at least 16 years old.
The candidate must be able to pay the course fee. They must also be self-sufficient during their stay.
An offer from a recognised educational institution is required for the candidate.
The candidate’s English language test scores must be at a specific level.

What are the Documents Required for a UK student visa from India?

The following documents are required for a student visa:

Passport must be valid.
Form for requesting a visa
a recent passport-sized picture
Proof of payment of the visa fee/visa application fee
Financial evidence/proof of funds
Acceptance for Studies Confirmation (CAS)
A certificate from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is required (If needed)
Tuberculosis medical test results
Compensation for the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
Financial sponsor’s written agreement (in case of sponsorship)
Certificate of police clearance

If you are under the age of 18, you may need to provide extra documentation. They are as follows:

Proof of parental or legal guardian permission
Evidence of parental or legal guardian connection
a copy of the birth certificate or other official document containing the names of the parents

English Proficiency Tests for UK Student Visa

You must demonstrate that you are fluent in English. The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale is used to assess the level.

You must pass the Secure English Language Test as proof (SELT).

Level of study	English skill level (CEFR)
Below degree level	B1
Degree level or above	B2

Please keep in mind that if you have applied for a degree-level or above course, you must:

The provider can assess your English language abilities.
You may be required to take a different exam. However, the test results must be comparable to the B2 level.

How to apply for your student visa online?

Step 1 – The first step is to determine whether you are eligible for a student visa. You must demonstrate that you have:

A guaranteed spot at the school, university, or college where you want to study. A ‘confirmation of admission for studies’ is what it is termed (CAS).
A sufficient amount of money (also known as’maintenance or finances’) to meet your course tuition and living expenses in the UK.

Step 2 – Prepare your paperwork.

Step 3 – Apply online. Online applications are accepted.

On the official UK Visa website, you must register and create an account.

After completing your online application, you must print and sign your completed form. To make an appointment at the visa application facility, you must utilise the online appointment calendar. When you finish your online application, you will receive an email with your application number.

Step 4 – Make your application fee payment. There are four options for paying your visa application cost.

Payment at Standard Chartered Bank – You may pay your charge at select Standard Chartered Bank branches. The bank will send a demand draught to ‘The British High Commission.’
Demand draught from a domestic or international bank – You can pay your charge using a demand draught issued by a domestic or foreign bank. The fees charged by the bank for this service will vary. The proposed demand must be in favour of “The British High Commission.”
Payment at the visa application centre – When you submit your visa application, you can pay the visa application fee at the visa application centre.
Pay online – If you have a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, you may pay your visa application cost online.

Step 5 – On the scheduled date, go to the visa application facility. To submit your application, facial photos, and fingerprints, you must schedule and attend an appointment at the visa application facility.

UK student visa process step by step

The UK student visa application procedure is simple if you have all of the essential paperwork. The majority of the procedure is completed online. Here is how to apply for a UK student visa in India:

The first stage in the UK student visa application procedure in India is to assess whether or not you qualify for the visa.
Wait for the university to send you a Confirmation Acceptance for Studies document detailing the duration of your chosen programme.
Maintain cash in your bank account to demonstrate that you are financially stable enough to cover your tuition and living expenses.
Register on the official UK visa website.
Fill out your online UK student visa application form and schedule an appointment using the calendar. You can include all of your important documents, such as your Tuberculosis certificate, English proficiency scores, and biometric information, with your application.
Pay your £363 visa application cost.
Conduct an interview on the appointed day and time.

The waiting period begins once you have filed your online application for a UK student visa. If you have any problems using the online form, please contact your sponsoring school.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

What is the processing time for a UK student visa in India? The normal processing period for a student visa in the United Kingdom is three weeks (15 days) after the completed application is submitted. To inquire about any delays, students can contact the British High Commission or VFS, which administers visa application centres for the UK Border Agency in India.

Applicants can also check the status of their visa application by signing up for the VFS SMS alert service or using their online tracking system. If your UK student visa application time is delayed owing to complexity, for example, because:

Your supporting documentation must be validated.
You must attend a personal circumstances interview (for example, if you have a criminal conviction)

UK student visa new rules 2022 – 23

EU students will be permitted to study in the UK without a visa for up to six months. This includes individuals who plan to study in the UK for only one semester. Those planning to study in the UK for more than six months must, however, apply for a complete visa for the duration of their studies at TASIS England.

UK student-dependent visa

The spouse or children are granted a Dependent Visa for the same period of time as the principal applicant. This only applies to the Master’s degree application. Undergraduates are not permitted to bring dependents to the UK.

Your dependents apply as a ‘dependent on a Points Based System migrant’ if you hold a student visa. Each dependant must submit a separate application and pay a separate cost.

Along with your personal maintenance money, you must prove an extra £845 (inside London) or £680 (outside London) for each dependant for each month that you are applying for, up to a maximum of 9 months. If you already have a scholarship, you can use it to support the living expenses of your dependents. The scholarship letter must specify that the money are also for your dependents.

How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa

Before applying for a student visa to study in the United Kingdom, Indian students must have a minimum of 12 to 15 lakhs.

The amount of money required is determined on where you will be studying. You will require either: Courses in London cost £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months). Outside of London, courses cost £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months).

Apply Here for UK Student Visa

How to write sop for UK student visa

The SOP is divided into three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion:

Introduction

This is the most enticing aspect of SOP. Students should address this paragraph specifically and demonstrate their excitement for pursuing a career in a chosen subject. They might begin by composing a lovely tale about their professional objectives. This narrative should showcase their preferences, accomplishments, interests, capabilities, and long-term ambitions. The SOP should also emphasise their talents and academic abilities. It may also include answers to all of the following questions:

How has the course helped you shape your career?
Why did you decide to study in the United Kingdom?
How much experience do you have in the specific domain?
What are the special features of a university that you appreciated?
What are your passions and hobbies that compliment your professional goals?
Would you do research or look for work after finishing the course?

Main Body Part

This part should emphasise your previous academic experiences, achievements, and difficulties. This part should also include information about job experience and future professional goals. The candidate should discuss their academic abilities and how they will benefit their course chances. Aspirants can use it to list their extracurricular or leadership activities. Readers gain essential information about candidates’ leadership and administration qualities in this manner.

If applicants are applying for advanced courses, they should include their professional accomplishments and awards. They can explain how they expect to advance in their careers via hard effort and determination. This allows admissions officers to determine whether an applicant has the potential to flourish in their sector and can handle the obligations.

Conclusion

In this section, candidates should explain why they choose a certain university in the United Kingdom as their academic destination. They might concentrate on the worth of a degree or conduct thorough study on the subject. The last section should emphasise the candidate’s intention to complete the study at the chosen school. The conclusion should be positive and format-style. It should also highlight candidates’ ambition and desire to pursue an international career in the UK or make an impact in a certain subject. This would leave a lasting impression on the admissions officers by articulating why they are the best prospects for the course.

UK Point-based Visa System – Para & table

Students should be aware that the UK Visa is a point-based visa system, and that applicants must fulfil all of the Immigration Rules and have a total of 40 points.

Factor	Points
A formal Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a fully certified student sponsor is essential for all students.	30 points
Students should have adequate money to cover their school fees as well as their monthly living expenses (also known as maintenance or funds)	10 points

As a result, if you choose to study in the United Kingdom, your employment opportunities are limitless. Needless to say, with so many top-rated colleges and courses accessible on the island, the admissions procedure may be perplexing. Click Here to register and receive support from Starbright Overseas Education specialists in completing the application procedures with ease!

FAQ

1. Can I Get UK student visa without IELTS?
Can I get a student visa to the UK if I don’t have IELTS? Yes, you can get a UK study visa without IELTS if you can show the immigration authorities a document from the university where you have been admitted that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS.

2. Can tier 4 student visa work in the UK?
If you are on a part-time Student / Tier 4 visa, you are not permitted to work in the UK. If you have a visitor visa or a short-term study visa, you cannot work in the UK. You can work full-time after the end of your new course for the amount of time specified on your original visa (usually four months).

3. Can student visa be extended in UK?
Currently, there is no automatic extension of a student visa in UK. However, if your visa is expiring and you can’t return to your home country or your course has been extended, you’ll need a way to legally stay in the country.

4. Can you get married while on a student visa UK?
There are no specific restrictions on marrying in the UK while on a valid Tier 4 study visa. Given that some marriages can take months to plan, if your study visa is set to expire before you can marry, you will need to either extend it or apply for a spouse visa.

5. Can i change visitor visa to student visa in UK?
No. Unfortunately, you cannot change your Visitor Visa to another type of visa in the UK. The Visitor Visa is intended to be used for short-term visits to the UK, not for permanent residence. The Visitor Visa is not one of the alternative visa routes available in the UK for this possibility.

6. Can i travel around Europe with a UK student visa?
Students on a UK visa may also need to apply for a visa to travel to the European Union for tourism or business. The Schengen Area consists of 26 EU countries, and a Schengen visa may be required. This visa allows for a maximum of 90 days of travel within a six-month period.

7. Can spouse work on student visa in UK?
Can my dependents work and study in the UK? Any dependents over the age of 16 will be able to work full-time in the UK. There are no restrictions on the type of work they can do, with the exception of working as a doctor or dentist in training.

8. Can student visa dependent work in UK?
Any dependants over the age of 16 will be able to work full-time in the UK. Except for work as a doctor or dentist in training, there are no restrictions on the type of work they can do.

9. Can i go to Ireland with UK student visa?
Because Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, if you have a valid UK visa, you do not need to obtain another visa to travel there. Tier 4 student visa holders are ineligible for this scheme and must apply for a travel visa to the Republic of Ireland before travelling.

10. Can i go to Dublin with UK student visa?
The British-Irish Visa Scheme allows the UK and Ireland to mutually recognise short-stay visas. This means that a British short-stay visa is valid for further travel to Ireland, and an Irish short-stay visa is valid for further travel to the UK.

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