UK Student VISA

The UK is known to be one of the most preferred destinations among international students. However, obtaining a UK student visa can be difficult and time-consuming.

But now, no need to worry. The new rules will make it easier for Indian students to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. These include shorter processing times and smoother application processes, as well as a greater variety of options for Indian students looking to study in the UK.

Hence, obtaining a UK student visa is not so difficult. Let’s check the details of the UK Student Visa and apply for the one best suited to you.

Here are some reasons why you should apply for a UK student visa:

• QS World Ranking: 90 universities

• UK student visa success rate: 96%

• Post-study work visa: 2-year duration

• Tuition Fee: £10,000-£46,000 each year.

• Scholarship ranging from £1,000 to £6,000 per year.

• Get your visa in 3 to 6 weeks.

If you plan to study in UK and have received the university offer letter, you should apply for a UK student visa. There are different types of student visas in the UK for other purposes. You can apply for one based on your chosen program and duration of stay. Here are the 4 types of UK student visas.

• A Short-Term UK Student Visa - The short-term student visa is valid for six to eleven months. This kind of visa is suitable for students who opt for research-related programs, student exchange programs, short-term language courses or additional courses for their degree.

• Tier 4 UK Student Visa - This is a standard UK student visa that is valid for an extended period and covers the complete duration of the course. If a student plans to enrol for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, this visa is ideal. An offer letter from a UK university is the only requirement for this type of visa.

• Dependent UK Student Visa - This only applies to students with a close family member living in the UK. This is primarily chosen by people whose relatives currently work in the UK or whose guardians reside there.

• Child Student Visa - This visa is for dependent children aged 4-7 who are moving to the UK to study or with their families.

The UK offers three intakes, but two critical intakes attract thousands of students from across the globe. The three intakes are Fall intake, winter intake and spring intake. However, fall intake is considered the primary intake in the UK.

Intake 1: September Intake/Fall Intake - The duration of this intake is September to December, and the application opens in December.

Intake 2: January Intake/Winter Intake - This intake runs from January to April, and the application opens in September.

Intake 3: May Intake/Spring Intake - The duration of this intake is May to August, and the application opens in October.

Check the deadline for higher study courses in the UK in the table.

Studying in the UK benefits overseas students in various ways. Many UK universities are renowned for their quality and excellence, making the country an appealing destination for them.

• The UK allows international students to work while studying and offers global recognition for their courses and certifications.

• Study costs are affordable.

• Innovative and abundant research opportunities.

• International students can apply for a variety of government and private scholarships.

• More than 50,000 courses in over 25 topic areas.

• A multicultural setting allows you to experience a variety of cultures.

• Improve English language competency.

• The safest location to live and study

• Several short course choices are offered.

Some other benefits for international students are as follows:

Several of the world's best universities are in the United Kingdom, which hosts many QS-ranked universities. The table below lists the top ten universities in the UK.

Numerous public universities in UK offer affordable tuition fees, and some accept applications without IELTS. Check out the list below.

Students can choose any course or program that fulfils their career objectives and fits their budget. UK universities offer over 37,000 undergraduate and 50,000 postgraduate degree courses. Once you decide on a course, you can apply for a UK student visa. Below are the popular courses among international students and their average annual tuition fees.

The UK universities offer huge scholarship benefits to international students. Here is a list of some scholarships and their amounts. Check it out below to ease your financial burden.

The qualifying requirements may differ according to the degree level and the university. Here are the UK's essential prerequisites, eligibility criteria for different courses, and minimum IELTS score required.

There are some general UK student visa requirements. These documents may differ from the university and course you have chosen.

The necessary documents required to study in the UK are as follows -

• ID proof

• Passport size photos

• Certificate of English language proficiency (IELTS with 5.5 bands or above or any other language proficiency proof)

• Other entrance exam scores

• Academic transcripts (Scored above 60% to 75% in your previous academic learnings)

• Statement of Purpose

• CV/ Resume

• Application form

• A valid passport

• Birth certificate

• Letter of Recommendation (if required)

• Portfolio (if applicable)

• Proof of funds and other bank statements

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from UK

• Proof of travel and medical insurance

• University offer letter

The following are the steps to take to get a UK student visa.

Step 1: Check eligibility for applying for a UK student visa.

Step 2: Collect all the required documents.

Step 3: Apply for the visa online.

Step 4: Wait for the acceptance of the visa.

Step 5: Get ready for departure.

The tier 4 UK student visa cost is £363 - £550. Extending the visa or changing the type of visa costs approximately £490. There are different UK student visa embassy fees for various situations.

Well, before applying for a UK student visa, you must be aware of all the expenses. We have calculated all the expenses on general terms. Take a look below to get a rough estimate on different factors.

UK student visa are typically awarded within 3 to 6 weeks. International students are welcome to study various courses in the United Kingdom. Eligible students are selected to study at UK universities. Applying for a UK student visa takes little time, provided all documents are correct. To ensure you receive your visa on schedule, submit all necessary documents.

Students who complete their degree in the UK can easily apply for a post-study work permit by submitting their documents to visa and immigration.

• Overseas students with a valid Tier 4 visa can remain after their studies if they receive a job offer earning at least GBP 20,800 annually.

• To stay in the United Kingdom, you can switch from Tier 4 Visa to Tier 2 General Visa, which has a five-year validity.

• Students' post-study employment experience will help them seek permanent residency in the United Kingdom.

Meridean Overseas Education Consultants can help you make your goal come true. Our certified counsellors will assist you in choosing the best universities and courses. They will help you obtain a student visa and provide English training for the IELTS and TOEFL exams so that you may achieve high band scores and boost your chances of admission to top universities in the UK.

1. Is it beneficial for Indian students to study in the United Kingdom?

There are various reasons why studying in the United Kingdom is ideal for Indian students.

• High-quality education.

• Best Study Programs

• Research opportunities

• Job prospects

• Best Cultural Experience

• Explore UK.

• Affordable cost of schooling and living expenses.

• Get a job within one year of study.

• 2-Year Work Visa After Study

• Three-year post-study work visa for PhD graduates

2. Is the United Kingdom a good place for higher education?

The United Kingdom is the ideal place to pursue higher education. More than 500,000 overseas students each year enrol at UK universities, and most UK universities maintain high global standards. The QS ranking 2024 includes over 688 UK universities, with seven ranked in the top ten. International students might benefit from various factors, including cultural diversity, high standards, and health benefits. While studying, you can visit a variety of European destinations.

3. Can a student visa allow me to work in the UK?

Many international students in the UK work part-time, participate in work placements, or complete internships in addition to their studies. Most courses allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Before you hunt for work, double-check your visa and biometric residence permission, as well as your university's rules, to determine whether there are any restrictions on the type of work or number of hours you can do.

European students: Opting for part-time employment in the UK could affect your eligibility for a refund on your Immigration Health Surcharge payment. So, make sure you examine all of this while planning to work part-time.

4. Can I stay in the UK after I graduate?

Your student visa's expiration date is determined by the duration of your education. To plan your next steps properly, ensure you know when your passport will expire.

You may be able to renew your student visa if you are eligible, such as to continue your studies in the UK. If you want to stay and work in the UK, you may be eligible to exchange visas.

5. Why did you choose to pursue your further education in the UK?

The United Kingdom is one of the best study locations globally. If you're still undecided about studying in the UK, here are several compelling reasons to do so.

• Work while studying: Students in the United Kingdom can work up to 20 hours per week. They can make their own money to survive in the UK.

• Language advantage: The United Kingdom is an attractive location for international students since all programs are taught in English.

• Support for international students: Universities in the United Kingdom arrange orientation seminars for international students to welcome them and assist them in making a seamless transition.

• Cultural integrity: You may interact with students from a variety of backgrounds.

• Flexibility: Students at UK institutions have a significant degree of flexibility. Universities provide the flexibility to pursue study.

• Incentives: Numerous research possibilities exist at the graduate and postgraduate levels. The UK has softened immigration laws to recruit overseas students.

6. What is the cost of a UK student visa?

If students apply from outside the UK, the charge for a UK Student Visa (previously Tier 4 (General) Student Visa) is £363 (about INR 37,082). In addition, you must pay healthcare costs based on the length of your stay.

7. How can I obtain permanent residency after studying in the UK?

To get permanent residency in the United Kingdom after studying, you must have lived and worked there for at least five years. The type of visa you possess determines how you can get permanent residency. If you plan to work in the UK after your education, you can obtain a Tier 2, T2, Skilled Worker, or International Sportsperson visa.

8. Is it difficult to obtain permanent residency in the UK?

Gaining permanent residency in the UK can be challenging due to several qualifying requirements; however, many of them are identical to those necessary for work visas, so if you've already applied for a visa, an ILR (indefinite leave to remain) application isn't much more difficult.

9. Can you stay in the UK after your studies?

A graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least two years after successfully finishing a course. You must be in the United Kingdom when applying.

10. Which course provides the most opportunities in the United Kingdom?

Natural sciences and humanities, as well as health and technology, are the UK's most vital subjects, attracting over 50,000 Indian students each year.