UK Study Visa – How to Apply, Requirements, Fees And More (2024)

Looking to study in the UK? The UK Student visa is a pre-requisite for all students who wish to study in the UK. Our article details you all you need to know about he UK Study Visa. Our article will guide you step-by-step through the application process. Find out more about the new rules for the visa, fees, requirements, and more. 

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UK Study Visa New Rules

In 2021, the UK implemented a new system for their visas. This new system replaces the former Tier 4 system from 2021 onwards. Those who require a visa for long-term stay in the UK, including students, will now require a number of points in order to be granted a visa. We discuss these point-based requirements below in the section UK Student Visa Requirements for International Students.

UK Study Visa Process

uk study visa guide

First, you will submit your application to a UK university via UCAS. UCAS applications begin in September and depending on your course, applications close on 15 October or 15 January. If you need assistance applying to your university of choice via UCAS, contact us now for a free consultation.

Once you have submitted your UCAS application, you will receive offers – either a conditional or unconditional offer. Conditional offer letters require you to fulfil some of the university’s additional conditions such as a minimum grade before you’re formally accepted.

Following that, you may reply to your offers to accept or reject them. Once you have accepted an offer, you will have entered into a contract with your university. If you change your mind about your offer, you may be able to discuss this matter with your university or change your decision via UCAS.

Next is the visa application process. If you’re applying for your visa from outside the UK (ie. in your home country or current country of residence), you may apply for your visa up to 6 months before your course start date. Those applying to change or renew visas within the UK may apply for the student visa up to 3 months before the course start date.

You may apply for your visa at any visa application centre or via an agent. Be sure to prepare the necessary documents and fees when you make your application. It may take up to 14 days for your visa to be approved. At which point you may return to the visa centre to collect your new visa.

The easiest way to get your visa application completed is via an agent – contact us for free! We’re Malaysia’s UK Study Experts and we have placed over a thousand clients in their schools and universities of choice.

UK Study Visa Fees

According to Gov.UK, the current fees for a UK study visa is £348. You also have to pay a healthcare surcharge of £470 per year for access to the National Health Service (NHS) while you’re a student in the UK (Source: Gov.UK). Returning students should take note of the changes in fees as the NHS surcharge which was previously £150 per year has been increased going forwards.

UK Student Visa Requirements for International Students

According to the UK Government, under the new point-based visa system, students will require a minimum of 70 points in order to be granted a study visa. These points can be achieved by fulfilling the following requirements:

  • Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
  • Speak an appropriate level of English for your course
  • Able to financially support yourself during your studies in the UK
  • Have parental consent if you’re younger than 18

In addition to the above requirements, there are some other requirements for international students. These are basic requirements for long-term study in any country abroad. To apply for a UK study visa, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • A recent photograph for passports
  • Proof of English language proficiency (SELT results)
  • Proof of financial support for your studies in the UK (ie. bank statements, a letter from scholarship, etc.)

Proof of English language proficiency is a UK visa requirement. If you are from a country where the first language is not English, you will be required to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT). These tests include IELTS and TOEFL, although some other regional tests may also be accepted. 

Minimum IELTS Requirements for UK Study Visa

Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for the UK Study Visa.

Programme

Minimum IELTS Requirements

Foundation programme

IELTS 4.5 (4.0+ in all skills)

Bachelor’s Degree

IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)

Master’s Degree

IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)

The English requirements remain the same as the former Tier 4 system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students require a minimum of 70 points to be granted a study visa.

The minimum IELTS requirement is a 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills) for undergraduate students.

The visa costs £348 and the NHS surcharge is £470 annually.

Get Free UK University Application Assistance

If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!

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