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Table of Contents
UK Student Visa Categories
UK student visa types and fees vary. Let’s compare.
Disclaimer: Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) can change. Always check the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for the latest amounts before you apply.
1. Student Visa (Previously Tier 4 General Visa)
The most common visa type is the Student Visa, designed for international students who wish to enroll in and study degree-level courses within the UK.
You can bring dependants (your partner or children) to the UK only if you are either:
- A government-sponsored student on a course lasting over six months.
- Studying a full-time postgraduate research program (like a PhD or a Master’s by Research) that’s nine months or longer.
Who Can Apply?
- Adults age 16 and above
- Have an offer from a recognised educational institute in the UK
What is Required?
- Confirmation of Acceptance for the Studies (CAS)
- Evidence of funds to cover the tuition and student accommodation fees
- Completed English language test
Duration
- It should match the duration of your course, maybe up to 5 years.
Right to Work
- You are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours every week.
Visa Fees
- As per the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the application fees are £490, whereas the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 for the current year.
2. Child Student Visa
If your age is between 4 and 17, you will have to apply for a child student visa to come and study in independent schools within the UK.
Who Can Apply?
- Children aged 4 to 17
- Accepted into a UK school through a sponsor licence
What is Required?
- Confirmation of Acceptance for the Studies (CAS) for the independent school
- Evidence of the consent of parents or guardians
- Proof of parents’ finances to show they can cover the school and living costs
Duration
- It is usually the same as the course length, which is about 3 years.
Right to Work
- There is no permission to work.
Visa Fees
- Application fees are £490, whereas the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 for the current year.
3. Short-Term Study Visa
This visa type is ideal for students who wish to enroll in short courses, such as English language programs or other training programs.
Who Can Apply?
- Adults over the age of 16
What is Required?
- Courses should be between 6 and 11 months.
- Immigration Health Surcharge or medical insurance proof is typically required.
Restrictions
- Students are not allowed to bring dependants.
- Students are not allowed to switch their visa category.
Visa Fees
- Application fees for the 6 to 11 months stay will be £200.
4. Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa)
The Graduate visa was formerly called Post-Study Work visa (PSW). This allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 extended years (3 years for PhDs) after completing your degree.
What is Required?
- Students should have completed their course successfully.
- The course must be completed in the student visa category.
Right to Work
- You are allowed to find jobs based on your skill level.
- You are not permitted to extend your stay, but you can switch to another visa type.
Visa Fees
- The application fee for the visa is £822; £1,035 for the current year for IHS.
Changes in the Visa Process
The UK government aims for efficient visa processing. Standard processing times for Student Visas, formerly Tier 4 visa, are usually around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and about 8 weeks for those made within the UK. Keep in mind that these times can vary. Applicants from the EU or EEA will also now need a visa to live and/or study in the UK.
The Right UK Student Visa
Choosing the correct visa type can be sometimes challenging. Here are some things to consider:
- Will your course be long-term or short-term?
- What is your age at the time of the application?
- Will you be applying for a Graduate visa in the future after completing the course?
- Which city would you live in? Cities like London will require high accommodation and healthcare costs.
Whilst applying, you also need to consider various health insurance options to cover medical, dental, or other health expenses. You also need to check if your preferred insurance follows the Preferred Provider Organisation (PPO) rules.
Tips to Get Your Application Accepted
Here are some tips to ensure you get successful applications the first time:
- Start preparing the application 3 to 6 months before your chosen course starts.
- Ensure your documents are complete and create a checklist to double-check the passport, offer letter, and financial papers to verify that all information is accurate.
- Get yourself ready for the English test by booking your appointment in IELTS or TOEFL before the time to give yourself practice time.
- Keep an eye on all deadlines for your specific visa type.
- Always consult with your university or visa advisor.
Make Your Visa Process Easy
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to study in the UK due to the hassling application process. There are plenty of visa options that will certainly fit your career and goals. Legend Consults will assess your eligibility against the types of UK student visa, help with your documentation, and more. Have more questions about studying in the UK? Talk to our UK immigration lawyer today!
Studying and living in the UK feels like a dream come true, with a number of globally known universities and rich diversity. If you plan to study in the UK, know that there are various options. Learn all the types of UK student visa in this blog, including the fees, processes, and others.
