Several young Indians aspire to pursue higher education opportunities overseas in England. Before you pack your bags, you must ensure you get the required student visa. This document ensures you enter the country legally and offers access to top-notch academic programmes.
Key highlights:
- What is an England study visa?
- England study visa requirements - eligibility criteria
- England study visa process
- Latest updates on England student visas for aspiring learners
What is an England study visa?
You will require a UK study visa to study in England, which permits international students to pursue higher education opportunities in England.
Which visa to Apply for Higher Education
General student visaThe student visa is designed for students aged 16 and over who have received an unconditional offer from a recognised UK educational institution. It’s the most common visa for students pursuing full-time degrees. Students who have enrolled for degree-level courses can stay for up to 5 years.
Also Check: Master’s in England: A Brief Guide
England Study visa Requirements - Eligibility Criteria
Here are the essential England student visa requirements you must fulfil to get a student visa for England.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You must receive an unconditional offer from a recognised educational institute in England. The university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), which you will need to apply for the student visa.
English language proficiency
You must demonstrate your English language proficiency to apply for the student visa. For instance, you will have to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and gain a band score of at least 6.0. You can also take other recognised exams, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) and secure an equivalent score.
Health requirements
The UK Government also requires you to take a tuberculosis (TB) test. You must get tested at a UK-approved clinic and include your results in the visa application.
Also Read: Grading system in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
England Study Visa Process
Step 1 - Obtain your CAS
You need to apply to a recognised higher-learning institution in England so you can receive the CAS letter. Once you secure admission, the university will send you a unique CAS number. You will have to include this number in your visa application.
Step 2 - Prepare your paperwork
Apart from CAS, you will require the following documents for the application:
- A valid passport
- Proof of funds
- English language proficiency test scores
- TB test results
Step 3 - Complete the online application
Visit the official UK Visa and Immigration website to create an account and start your application. Once completed, print the form, sign it, and keep it with you for your records.
Step 4 - Pay England student visa price
You have to pay £490 for England study visa fees and £776 for Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which will grant you access to the National Health Service while you’re in England. Please pay the England’s study visa price for a smooth application experience.
Step 5 - Book your visa appointment
Schedule an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Step 6 - Attend the appointment
Submit your documents and biometric data at the VAC. Be prepared to answer any questions related to your application and, if required, attend an interview. If you tick all the boxes, you will receive your student visa.
Also Read: Everything About the CV Format to Study in the United Kingdom
Latest updates on England student visa for aspiring learners
Funds required for an England study visa application
You must have proof of funds documents to secure admission and get your visa. Students headed to London will need to prove they have access to £1,334 per month for their living costs for nine months, while those outside London need to have £1,023 per month to take care of their living costs for nine months.
Starting January 2, 2025, new financial requirements will be applicable. The monthly requirement will rise to £1,483 (up from £1,334) for students studying in London and to £1,136 (up from £1,023) for students outside London. You should arrange the funds for at least 9 months.
For dependents
Additionally, the UK will restrict the ability of student visa holders to bring dependents. Only postgraduate research students, such as PhD candidates, will be allowed to bring dependents to England.
Studying in England can expose you to world-class colleges and personal and professional growth. However, you must first secure the required visa. You can rely onstudent loans to meet your proof of fund requirements and finance your education independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer loans for study abroad that cover 100% of your educational costs. To know about the interest rate for an education loan and the application & documentation process, please contact us.