Student VISA
Student Visa UK
If you’re planning to study in the UK, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. The process can be complex, and there are several requirements you’ll need to meet before you can apply. This article will explore the different types of student visas available in the UK, the requirements for each class, and the application process. At Axis Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping international students secure their visas. We can provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to navigate the process.

Types of Student Visas in the UK
There are two main types of student visas in the UK:
- Student Visa (Tier 4): This visa is for students who are 16 or over and want to study at a UK university, college, or other educational institution.
- Short-term Study Visa: This visa is for students who want to study in the UK for a short period, such as an English language course.
(Tier 4) Student Visa UK Requirements:
To be eligible for a Student Visa (Tier 4), you’ll need to meet several requirements, including:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You’ll need a CAS from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor before applying for a visa.
- English Language Requirements: You’ll need to prove your English proficiency by taking an approved English language test.
- Financial Requirements: You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Academic Requirements: You’ll need to prove that you have been accepted onto a course of study at a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
Short-term Study Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for a Short-term Study Visa, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Confirmation of Enrolment: You’ll need confirmation of enrolment from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor or an accredited English language centre.
- English Language Requirements: You’ll need to prove your English proficiency by taking an approved English language test.
- Financial Requirements: You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
Application Process:
The application process for a student visa can be complex, and it’s important to ensure that you meet all the requirements before submitting your application. At Axis Solicitors, we can guide you through the entire application process, from assessing your eligibility to preparing and submitting your application.
Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: We’ll assess your eligibility for a student visa and advise you on the best course of action.
- Application Preparation: We can assist you in preparing all the necessary documentation for your student visa application, ensuring that it meets all the requirements of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
- Representation: Our experienced lawyers can represent you in case of any issues that may arise during the application process.
- Follow-up: We’ll keep you informed of the progress of your application and any other related issues.
UK Student Visa (Formerly Tier 4 Visa)
If you are an international student looking to pursue higher education in the UK; the Student Visa will permit you to do so. Nevertheless, per the Immigration point-based system, you are required to meet a minimum of 70 points threshold to successfully apply for this route. Moreover, you must have received a confirmation of acceptance from a licenced study sponsor (nominated supervisor). In addition to these requirements, satisfying the English language and Financial requirements are among the major eligibility conditions.
UK Student visa eligibility
Before applying for a UK Student visa, it is important to satisfy the following requirements:
- Must have received unconditional study offer from a licensed sponsoring UK based institute.
- EMust have received a letter of confirmation from a nominated supervisor (from the approved sponsoring organization).
- Must meet the 70-score threshold per point-based system under the UKVI policy.
- Must have relevant qualifications required to be enrolled for the subsequent study program with a strong genuine motivation to study in the UK.
- Must be able to financially support yourself or any joining family members/dependents.
Points based score threshold as a student
You need to prove the following conditions.
- Received confirmation of acceptance for prospective studies (50points).
- Satisfied the minimum financial requirements (10points).
- Meet the minimum English language requirements (10points). B2 level per CEFR criteria if the course is below degree level, A1, and or A2 for the higher degree programs i.e. Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D.
Financial Requirements
As with the other immigration visa categories you are required to satisfy and prove the following financial conditions eliciting that you have sufficient supporting funds for yourself and dependents if any who are joining at the time of your application.
With this in mind the financial requirements under the Student visa route are as follows:
- For the London based course programme, you must have £1,334 per month for up to 9 months.
- For courses taken outside London, you must have £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.
Please be well noted, that this financial fund must be maintained for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of you applying for the study visa.
Supporting Documents
To expedite the UK study visa application success, providing the supporting documentation proof is an integral part of the smooth running of your overall application process.
With this in mind you must be able to provide all the prerequisite information and the following documentation:
- A valid passport/ any valid and most recent travel document.
- A confirmation letter of acceptance from the nominated supervisor of interest.
- Proof of financial support statemente, i.e., Bank statements.
- A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate if it’s part of your chosen coursework requirements.
- Medical reports i.e. Tuberculosis test results if applicable.
- A written consent from your approved supervisor that he/she is willing and agreed to support with your studies, living, and accommodation, etc.
Moreover, documents that are not in English/Welsh must be translated by an approved translator. Be sure to include both the original as well as the translated versions in your application portfolio.
English Language Requirements
When you are planning to study in the UK, as an International candidate you are required to satisfy the minimum English Proficiency requirements per CEFR level which varies i.e. B1 level for the studies lower than the degree level, B2, A1, and A2 levels are recommended for the higher-level degree programs such as Masters and PhDs, etc. You must take these tests from approved SELT centres/English Language test providers located worldwide.
Satisfying the English Language requirements:
The following ways you can qualify and meet the language requirements if:
- Your previous education/degree was taught exclusively in English either during an undergraduate or postgraduate level, in which case you may only be required to provide the accredited English proficiency letter/ a certificate issued by your previous institute.
- You have already taken and approved the required English level through another immigration visa.
- You are applying for the study abroad programme in the UK, as part of the degree course taught in one of the US universities.
UK Student visa application fee
As with other UK immigration routes, you are required to apply online whether you are inside or outside the UK. Be sure to pay the full application fee for the UK student visa which is currently set as follows:
Applications made from outside the UK £363
Applications made within the UK £490
Student Visa Extension applications £490
Student Graduate Route
The UK government has introduced the Graduate route visa for the students to develop their participation in the job market of the UK.
- The Graduate Route is available to international students who have been awarded a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- You must have a valid Student visa at the time of application.
- If your Student permission expires before 1 July 2021, you will not be eligible to apply (unless you can extend your Student permission first, and meet the other requirements).
- You can only apply from inside the UK.
Get More Information & Help
If you are struggling with a UK Student visa application, our team of solicitors can correctly advise and support you in every way through the application process. Reach out today.
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