Student visa - Employment - Settlement

The UK was the first Commonwealth country to adopt a points-based visa assessment system, which places strong emphasis on a student’s academic capability and requires more practical, realistic financial evidence. At the same time, the UK student visa processing time is 2 weeks (13 – 15 working days, with priority applications processed within only 3 – 5 working days). This creates favorable conditions for genuinely motivated international students to study in the UK and feel more at ease during the application and visa process.

Depending on the program you are applying for, you must apply for the appropriate UK Student visa:

• Student visa – for students aged 16 and above
• Child Student visa – for younger learners aged 4 – 17, enrolled in independent (private) schools
• Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa) – for English language courses lasting 6 – 11 months. Under this visa type, students cannot extend their visa, switch to another course while in the UK, study at state schools, work part-time or undertake any form of work/placement.
• Standard Visitor visa – for short-term study, tourism or visiting family, for courses lasting up to 6 months. Under this visa type, students cannot switch to a student visa, extend their visa, study any course longer than 6 months, work part-time or undertake any work placement.

1. UK Student visa fee: £524

2. Financial requirements for a UK Student Visa

To apply for a UK student visa, you must show a savings account covering 1 year of tuition fees and living expenses, with funds held for at least 28 days. Calculation of required funds: Tuition fee + living costs + travel expenses.

Living costs:

• In London: minimum £1.529 per month x 9 months
• Outside London: minimum £1,171 per month x 9 months

Travel expenses: approximately £1,000/year

3. English language requirements for UK Student Visas

To obtain a student visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Foundation / Diploma / Further Education: Minimum IELTS UKVI 4.5, with no skill below 4.0.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD: Minimum IELTS UKVI or IELTS Academic 6.0, with no skill below 5.5, or PTE Academic 64.

4. How long can you study in the UK with a Student Visa?

Maximum duration: 5 years

According to UK regulations (effective from 6 April 2012), international students aged 18+ studying undergraduate-level programs may remain in the UK for up to 5 years, unless:

• Your degree program lasts 4 – 5 years and you wish to continue to a master’s or PhD;
• You are studying Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, Science, Music, Architecture, or any program exceeding 5 years.

In these cases, you will need to extend your student visa.

Refer to: which courses are eligible for a UK student visa, study time limits in the UK, and all visa requirements here. 

5. Graduate visa

After completing undergraduate, master’s or doctoral programs, international students may stay in the UK for 2 – 3 years to work under the Graduate Route and may later apply for settlement if they meet the requirements.

Please see further details about this visa type here (10.Employment & Settlement in the UK).

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact us HERE:

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