How to Travel to the UK with a Student Visa in 2024

A UK student visa is a type of permission that allows you to enter and stay in the UK for a specific period of time to study at an approved institution.

Without a student visa, you will not be able to enroll in your chosen course or enjoy the benefits of being a student in the UK.

In this article, we will explain the basics of how to travel to the UK with a student visa. We will cover the following topics:

Who needs a student visa and what are the types of student visas
What are the eligibility criteria and how to apply for a student visa
What are the fees and processing times for a student visa
What are the rules and restrictions for working and studying on a student visa

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what you need to do to make your dream of studying in the UK come true!

Who needs a student visa and what are the types of student visas

You need a student visa if you are not a citizen of the UK or one of the following countries:

EU
EEA
Switzerland

If you are from one of these countries, you can enter and study in the UK without a visa. However, you will need to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access free or subsidized healthcare in the UK.

There are two main types of student visas that you can apply for depending on your course and duration of stay:

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: This is the most common type of student visa for those who want to study at degree level or above. You can apply for this visa if you are 16 or over and have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on this visa.

Short-term study visa: This is a type of visitor visa for those who want to study short-term courses, such as English language courses or summer schools. You can apply for this visa if you are 16 or over and have been accepted on a course that lasts no more than 6 months (or 11 months for English language courses). You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months (or 11 months) on this visa.

What are the eligibility criteria for a student visa

To be eligible for a student visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

Academic requirements: You must have an unconditional offer from an approved institution in the UK. The institution must be on the list of registered sponsors maintained by the UK government. The level and duration of your course will determine which type of student visa you need.

English language proficiency: You must prove that you have a good command of English by taking an approved test or having a degree taught in English. The minimum score or level you need depends on your course and institution.

Financial proof: You must show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs in the UK. The amount you need varies depending on your course, location, and duration of stay. You must provide evidence of your funds, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters.

Consent letter (if under 18): If you are under 18 years old, you must also provide a consent letter from your parent or guardian. The letter must state that they agree to your travel, accommodation, and care arrangements in the UK.

How to apply for a student visa

To apply for a student visa, you need to follow these steps:

When to apply: You can apply for a student visa up to 6 months before your course start date. However, we recommend that you apply as early as possible to avoid any delays or complications. The processing time for a student visa can vary depending on your country and application center.

Where to apply: You can apply for a student visa online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You will need to create an account, fill in an application form, pay the fee, and book an appointment at a visa application center near you. At the appointment, you will need to submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and supporting documents.

How much is the fee: The fee for a student visa depends on where you are applying from and how long you intend to stay in the UK. The standard fee for a UK student visa is £490, and the standard fee for a short-term study visa is £200. You may also need to pay additional fees for the health surcharge (around £470), biometric enrolment, priority service, or courier service.

What are the rules and restrictions for working and studying on a student visa

The rules and restrictions for working and studying on a student visa in the UK are:

You can work as a student union sabbatical officer or apply for and accept jobs in most types of paid role, at any level.

You can only work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. You can work full-time during vacations.

You are not allowed to be self-employed or engaged in business activity.

You are not allowed to fill a full-time permanent vacancy or graduate-level role (unless it is a post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer).

You are not allowed to be employed as a doctor/dentist in training (unless you applied for your current visa on or after 1 December 2020).

You are not allowed to be employed as a professional sportsperson, coach or entertainer1. However, you may be able to play or coach sports as an amateur in certain circumstances.

You must not work more hours than your visa allows. The Home Office might question your working hours if you earn more than most students.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog post has given you a clear overview of how to travel to the UK with a student visa in 2023. Studying in the UK is a rewarding and enriching experience that can open up many doors for your future.

However, it also requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you meet the requirements and avoid any problems. We wish you all the best with your student visa application and travel.