Globaltree studyabroad
Introduction
The UK Student Visa is a temporary visa that allows international students to study in the United Kingdom for a maximum of 6 months. The UK Student Visa can be issued for up to four years, but it should be noted that extensions on this visa are not available.
UK Study Visa Requirements in 2023
- Offer from an Educational Institution
- Proficiency in the English Language
- Eligibility criteria
- Documents Needed
- Tuberculosis Test Results
- Proof of funds
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
1. Offer from an Educational Institution
The offer letter from a university or college must be on the institution's official letterhead, signed by a senior official, and include the following details:
- The name of the student
- The type of course (i.e., postgraduate)
2. Proficiency in the English Language
The UK student visa application requires you to prove your proficiency in the English language. The minimum requirement for this is GCSE (grade C or better) or equivalent. The student must have an English language qualification equivalent to at least IELTS band 7. The following test results are accepted: IELTS Academic; PTE
3. Eligibility criteria
To know the eligibility to obtain a UK student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- You must have been offered a place on a course at an institution that is registered with the UK Border Agency.
- You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course (if you don't already have sponsorship) - this means you must show that you can afford accommodation, food and other living expenses while studying in the UK.
4. Documents Needed
- Passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Bank statement showing funds to cover the course fees
- Offer letter from the educational institution
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in London (or another city) such as confirmation letters from landlords or rental agencies as well as references from previous landlords/landlords' agents if applicable.
- Medical insurance valid for at least 3 months after arrival date in the UK.
- Sponsorship letter confirming at least GBP 100 per week will be provided by a UK sponsor (if applicable).
5. Tuberculosis Test Results
You must have a negative TB test result before you can apply for a UK student visa.
You will need to provide the results of your TB test when entering the UK.
If you have a positive TB test result, you cannot enter the UK. If you are already in the UK and have a positive TB test result, you should contact your university’s International Office for advice.
[Read more: Discover UK student dormitory life]
6. Proof of funds
You must have enough money to cover the cost of tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs. This includes medical insurance while you're in the UK.
The amount of money you need depends on your circumstances but it's usually between £2,500 and £3,000 per year (or £1,250-£1,500 per semester). If you are studying at a college or university that charges by course rather than by year then your funding requirement will be higher as there may be more than one academic session per year.
7. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) is a new tax that needs to be paid by all non-EEA nationals who apply for a visa to enter the UK. It comes into force on 6 April 2019 and will affect most UK visas, including those for students.
The amount you pay depends on your length of stay in the UK:
- £200 per year if your visit is up to 6 months long; or
- £400 per year if it's longer than 6 months but less than 12 months; or
- £600 per year if it's 12 months or longer
Types of Student Visas in 2023
Student visas are issued to those who want to study in the UK. The following student visas are available:
- Student (Tier 4) visa - for students who want to study at a college or top universities in UK.
- Graduate Entrepreneur visa - for graduates who wish to start their own business in the UK after completing their studies there.
- Post-Study Work Visa - allows international students who have completed their studies at a higher education institution in the UK and gained a qualification of level 4 or above on the National Qualification Framework, or an equivalent qualification recognised by Ofqual as equivalent, stay on in order to find work experience related jobs within 6 months of completing their course(s)
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the new immigration rules regarding the UK student visa in 2023. If you would like to know more about studying in the UK or want to apply for one of our courses, please contact us today!
