Student Visa Overview

If you're 16 or older, you can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK, provided you:

- Have been accepted into a course offered by a licensed student sponsor.

- Have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course, with the amount varying based on your circumstances.

- Can speak, read, write, and understand English.

- Have parental consent if you're 16 or 17, with evidence required during your application.

Application Timing

The timing of your visa application depends on whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK.

-Applying from Outside the UK: you can apply up to 6 months before your course begins. A decision is typically made within 3 weeks.

- Applying from Inside the UK: You can apply up to 3 months before your course starts. Ensure you apply before your current visa expires, and that your new course begins within 28 days of your current visa's expiration. A decision is typically made within 8 weeks.

Visa Duration

The duration of your stay in the UK depends on the length of your course and any prior study in the UK:

- If you're 18 or older and your course is at the degree level, you can usually stay for up to 5 years.

- If the course is below degree level, you can typically stay for up to 2 years.

Staying Longer in the UK

You may be eligible to:

- Extend your visa, for example, to continue your studies.

- Switch to a Student visa from another visa if you're already in the UK.

- Switch to a Graduate visa to remain in the UK for at least 2 years after completing your course.

Travel Timing

You can arrive in the UK before your course starts:

- Up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less.

- Up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months.

Do not travel to the UK before the start date on your visa, regardless of your course start date.

Fees

The application fee is:

- £490 for a Studen visa application from outside the UK.

- £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.

This fee must be paid for each accompanying person.

Healthcare Surcharge

You will need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Bringing Family

You may be able to bring your partner and children with you.

What You Can and Cannot Do

With a Student visa, you can:

You cannot:

- Claim public funds (benefits) and pensions.

- Be self-employed.

- Study at an academy or a local authority-funded (maintained) school.

If your application is successful, you will be informed about the specific permissions granted under your Student visa.