By Global Study Abroad, Singapore
03 September 2018
Registering for student visa is one of the essentials in applying to study abroad. This article aims to provide you with relevant information about UK student visa which will ease your application process.
There are 3 different types of student visa to be elaborated below:
1) Short-term study visa
This visa is eligible to Non-European Economic Area (EEA) students doing a short course of study in the UK. Other eligibility requirements include proof of acceptance to a UK institution and ability to pay for your return or onward trip.
Applicants under 18 should take heed of the additional requirements:
- Having made arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK.
- Have permission from your guardian or parent to study in the UK.
This visa allows you to do a short course of study in the UK, such as an English language course or a training course and do a short period of research as part of a degree course if you are studying abroad. However, this visa does not permit students to study at a state-funded school, work (including on a work placement or work experience) or carry out any business, extend this visa, bring family members with you (they must apply separately) or get public funds.
Duration of stay:
You will be allowed to stay in the UK for 6 months for any short course (including English language courses), or short period of research you will be doing if you’re 16 or over, and 11 months if you’re 16 or over and taking an English language course.
*Fees:
£97 – 6 Month Visa
£186 – 11 Month Visa
2) Tier 4 (Child) student visa
This visa is eligible for children aged between 4 and 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK. Visa applicants must have a place on a course, have the consent of your parent or guardian, have enough money to cover all expenses, be from a country not in the EEA. Other eligibilities include having an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 institution and having enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
Duration of stay:
Those aged under 16 are allowed to stay throughout the course duration (up to 6 years) and 4 months afterwards. Those aged 16 or 17 will also be allowed to stay throughout the course duration (up to 3 years) and 4 months afterwards.
This visa allows you to study at an independent school, apply from outside the UK and apply to extend your stay. However, visa holders also not allowed to study at an academy or a local authority-funded school or further education college, get public funds, take a full-time permanent job or self-employed, work as a doctor or dentist in training, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, settle in the UK on this visa or bring in family members (they must apply separately).
Visa holders aged 16 and above are allowed to work:
- part-time during term for up to 10 hours per week
- full-time during vacations
- on a work placement as part of your course, (but not for more than 50% of your course time)
- as a student union sabbatical officer for up to 2 years
*Fees:
£348
3) Tier 4 (General) student visa
This visa is eligibility for students aged 16 and above who have been offered a place on a course, passed a secure English Language Test (SELT), have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course and not from a country outside the EEA. Other eligibilities include having an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 institution and having enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
This visa allows you to study, work as a student union sabbatical officer, apply from inside or outside the UK, apply to extend your stay and work in most jobs. Visa holders are not allowed to get public funds, work in certain jobs such as a sports coach or study at an academy or a local authority-funded school.
*Fees:
£348
Applicants are advised to apply for visa 3 months before the course commences. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
For more information with regards in studying in UK, please do drop us an email at info@gstudyabroad.com or fill in the enquiry form below. Global Study Abroad provide free consultation services. We offer scholarships and bursaries!
Study Abroad, Think Global!
*Information correct as of date of publication, fees subject to revision by relevant authorities.
Source: GOV.UK