UK Student Visa

International students can pursue their studies in the UK with a UK student visa. To qualify, they need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and must score 70 or higher on the points-based immigration system. 

For immediate assistance, call 02033939272. Our expert student visa solicitors at Rees Clayton are ready to support you in person, over the phone, or online.

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Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is Tier 4 Student Visa?

A Student Visa is required for any student intending to attend a school in the UK. To be eligible for the visa in the post-Brexit environment, nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA countries both will require an unconditional offer from a licenced sponsor.

The Graduate Visa program allows students to live, work, and search for jobs in the UK for up to two years after they graduate from an authorised program. This will be possible for PhD holders for a maximum of three years.

Here’s all about the Tier 4 Student Visa UK.

UK Student Visa

Eligibility Criteria for Tier 4 Student Visa UK

To be eligible to apply for a student visa to study in the UK, you must meet specific criteria. Here’s what’s required for a UK student visa:

  • You must have received an unconditional offer of study from an authorised sponsoring institution in the UK.
  • The sponsoring institution must issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
  • You need to score at least 70 points on the points-based immigration system.
  • You must possess the necessary academic qualifications and genuinely intend to enrol in a university in the UK.
  • You must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents or family members accompanying you in the UK.

Achieving the 70-Point Threshold for Student Visa Eligibility

Although it may seem challenging at first, meeting the 70-point requirement for immigration through the points-based system is relatively straightforward. As long as you meet the primary eligibility criteria, you’ll reach the 70-point mark without much difficulty.

This is how the points function:

  • 50 points: Getting confirmation that you can study
  • 10 points: Accommodating all monetary needs
  • 10 points: Prove that your English proficiency meets the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the B2 level

What are the Course Requirements?

You must adhere to the regulations of the Student Visa in order to study in the UK. Eligible courses include:

  • An intensive, full-time program leading to a qualification below a bachelor’s degree (RQF levels 3, 4, or 5), requiring at least 15 hours of structured study time per week.
  • A full-time intensive program culminating in a bachelor’s degree or higher (RQF levels 6, 7, or 8).
  • Also, a degree-level or higher full-time courses (RQF levels 6, 7, or 8) is taught as part of an international program, equivalent to a higher education program in the UK.
  • A part-time program leading to a degree-level or higher qualification (RQF level 7 or above).
  • An officially sanctioned preparatory course for dental or medical students.
  • A Level B2 English language course based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa

You must show proof of sufficient funds to study in the United Kingdom. Also, you must prove you have enough money to take care of yourself in the UK.

  • Here are the financial requirements for the student visa as of 2025:
  • Monthly tuition for London-based courses up to nine months is £1,483.
  • For non-London courses, the monthly fee is £1,136 for a maximum of nine months.
  • You must provide evidence of sufficient funds for a period of 28 days, with the last day of that period ending no later than 31 days after the date on which you submit your visa application.

English Language Proficiency

Students wishing to attend universities in the UK are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. A B1 is required of students enrolled in courses leading up to a degree, while a B2 is required of those enrolled in courses leading up to a degree.

Taking a SELT English language exam is the most typical method of proving your English proficiency. English Language Testing System (ELTS) certification is available via Pearson Education Ltd., LanguageCert, Trinity College London, and the ITELTS SELT Consortium.

All throughout the globe, there are testing facilities where you may take the exam. You may see a list of approved testing centres here.

Who is Exempt from the English Language Requirement?

Foreign nationals are not required to demonstrate proficiency in English if:

  • You have completed an English course at an accredited institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Your English proficiency was demonstrated in a previous visa application.
  • Also, you are applying for a study abroad program in the UK as part of your degree at an American institution.

Additionally, individuals from countries with a significant English-speaking population are exempt from meeting the English proficiency requirements.

The following countries are exempt from this requirement:

  • The Bahamas
  • Australia
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • The Barbados
  • Canada
  • North America
  • The island of Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Britain 
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica 
  • Italy and Malta
  • The country of New Zealand
  • Lesser Antilles
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
  • St. Lucia
  • Tobago and Trinidad
  • UK
  • USA

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Documents Required for Student Visa UK

You must provide certain information and supporting documents in order to apply for a student visa to continue higher education in the UK. Ensure that your application includes all the necessary information and documents for it to be considered.

For a Tier 4 Student Visa UK, you will need to provide certain paperwork and provide some details, such as:

  • A valid passport or travel document is required at all times.
  • An official approval letter from your academic advisor is necessary.
  • Proof of financial ability, such as recent bank statements, is required.
  • If applicable, a current Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
  • Relevant TB test results, if needed.
  • Written approval from your sponsor if they are covering your tuition and living expenses.

If you are not yet 18 years old, you will be required to submit extra documents, such as a letter of permission from your parents or legal guardians, confirming their approval of your visa application, your intended place of residence and care in the UK, and your means of transportation there.

Keep in mind that a certified translator is required to translate any documents that are not written in English or Welsh. You must include the translated and original versions in your portfolio.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How to Apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa UK?

The Student Visa UK application is completed online, and you can apply from both within and outside of the UK. It is common practice for applicants to apply for visas from the comfort of their own country.

The application form must be completed online. Please ensure that you pay the application fee upon submission.

You should get a decision in three weeks if you apply from outside the UK. The typical processing period for applications submitted within the UK is approximately eight weeks.

Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors is here to assist you in preparing an exceptional application for a student visa. Our skilled immigration lawyers have assisted foreign students from around the globe in starting a new and exciting journey in the UK. No matter where you are in the world, we can help you with your application to study in the UK.

For more information about Student Visa UK application process, contact us at 02033939272 right away.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is the Cost of Tier 4 Student Visa UK?

The standard fees for applying for a Student Visa are:

  • £490 for non-UK applicants
  • Applying from within the UK will cost £490.
  • £490 to extend a student visa

However, additional fees should be considered. Those with student visas are required to pay the immigration health surcharge of £776 every year.

In addition to these fees, remember to consider the cost of translating your papers.

Extension of Student Visa UK

Under some conditions, students may be eligible for a student visa extension. The previous Tier 4 Student Visa is also eligible for extension at this time.

The following conditions must be met for the visa extension to be granted:

  • You need to have a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or a Student Visa to enter the UK.
  • Must obtain an unconditional offer on a course from a licensed student sponsor.
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is required.
  • You need to prove that this new course is more advanced than the one you are currently taking.

Call us now at 02033939272 for more information on UK student visa extensions and the application process.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What Will I Do When My Course Is Over?

Rebranding the student path included making it easier for students to become permanent residents of the UK after they’ve earned an undergraduate or graduate degree.

This immigration permission, which is sometimes called the Graduate Visa, allows recent graduates to reside, work, and seek employment in the UK for a period of up to two years. PhD candidates are eligible for a three-year stay in the UK with the Graduate Visa.

Everyone who has graduated from an international school will be able to apply for this immigration authorisation starting in the summer of 2021.

Our immigration attorneys are available in a variety of UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, to assist you with your UK student visa application. We value your situation and are here to assist you.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How Can I File an Appeal for a Student Visa Denial?

If your application for a Tier 4 Student visa UK has been denied, you may follow these procedures to appeal:

  • Determine the main reason for the rejection of your visa (the letter of denial will include this).
  • Based on the details in the rejection letter, consider requesting an administrative review or reapplying.
  • Before requesting a review, make sure you know when the application is due (usually 14 days for an application inside the nation or 28 days for an application outside the UK).
  • You have the option to reapply for the visa after making the necessary changes outlined in the rejection letter.
  • If you wish to request an administrative review, you must explain the reasons for the rejection and why you believe there was an error in the decision-making process.
  • Follow the provided instructions for submitting the form to the Home Office (e.g., by mail, email, or in person).
  • Stay informed about the outcome of the administrative review.

In case your student visa application is denied, you should consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney. In the long run, you could save both time and money, while also reducing the chances of future refusals.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Are Dependents Allowed on a UK Student Visa?

Starting in January 2024, dependents of international students studying in the UK will need to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Government-sponsored students enrolling in courses of 6 months or longer.
  • Postgraduate students participating in research programs lasting 9 months or more.

Master’s degree programs that include research and require original work, as well as other doctoral qualifications, are also eligible.

International students can’t bring their dependents to the UK unless they fall into one of these categories. This restriction will apply to all overseas students beginning classes on January 1, 2024.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How Can Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors Help?

At Rees Clayton immigration solicitors, we recognise the significant role that a high-quality education plays in shaping your future.

We specialise in helping international students secure their student visas and are here to offer our expertise in guiding you through the application process. Our skilled immigration attorneys will provide you with clear advice and support, ensuring you take the best steps toward obtaining your study visa.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Make sure you have all the required documents for your application
  • Confirming that your chosen institution can sponsor you in the UK
  • Acting as an intermediary with your Tier 4 Sponsor
  • Managing the process of securing your university’s CAS and writing the necessary recommendation letter
  • Providing a thorough explanation of your situation, backed by relevant UK immigration laws
  • Keeping communication open with the Home Office throughout the application process
  • Carefully completing and organizing all necessary application materials

If you’re currently in the UK and seeking guidance on studying abroad or preparing for the next phase, we’re here to assist you. Our student visa solicitors are available to address any questions about leaving the UK.

To begin your application for a Student visa UK, call us at 02033939272 or complete our online form today.

Our experienced UK Student Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions & Answer

The UK immigration system uses a points-based approach to determine eligibility for a visa or immigration authorisation.

To qualify for a UK student visa, international students must score 70 points or more on this system.

You cannot consider your time spent in the UK as part of your minimum residence requirements if you entered the country as a student (even on a Tier 4 General Visa).

However, international students who apply for a work visa or stay in the UK on a graduate visa after completing their studies will begin accumulating time toward the residence requirements for British citizenship and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

As part of the student route application process, you are required to provide proof of identity. Previously, this was done by submitting fingerprints and a photo at a UKVCAS location.

However, a new app called “UK Immigration: ID Check” has been released, allowing you to scan your identity document for verification in certain cases.

You will be informed of the steps required to verify your identity when you submit your visa application.

Yes, you can work in the UK while on a student visa. A maximum of 20 hours of labour per week is allowed for international students. There are no limitations on your ability to volunteer as well.

You are not allowed to:

  • Be self-employed
  • Engage in business activities
  • Take up a permanent full-time job
  • Work as a professional sportsperson, including a sports coach, whether paid or unpaid
  • Work as an entertainer, whether paid or unpaid
  • Work as a doctor or dentist in training (unless enrolled in a foundation programme)

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