Have you made up your mind to study in the UK yet? To be honest, the UK is an excellent place to study, live, or even work while pursuing your studies. However, before you travel, you should probably obtain a UK student visa.

Your age and the kind of school you intend to pursue will dictate the kind of visa you require. In this blog, we will talk you through different visa categories, visa requirements, fee structure and much more, so stay with us.

UK student visa categories

For overseas students, the UK provides three different kinds of student visas. Examine every kind, including who it's for and when to apply.

1. Student Route (General) Visa
Who it's for: Students who have been admitted to a course at an educational institution with UK accreditation must be over 16 years old. This is a normal visa category that most of the students who want to study in the UK mostly select. It is advised to apply for a visa three months before the beginning of your course.

If your course is six months or shorter, you can arrive as early as one week earlier. You can arrive a maximum of thirty days early if the program is longer than six months.

 2. Student Route (Child) Visa
Who it's for: Students who have been accepted to a course at a UK-accredited educational institution and have a valid student route sponsor, like an independent fee-paying school, between the ages of 4 and 17 In this visa category, you have to apply three months prior to the start of the desired course to obtain the visa.

If your course takes six months or less, you can arrive as early as one week before the start of the course. You can arrive up to one month early if your educational program is longer than six months.

3. Short-term study visa
Who it's for: Students who received an offer to enroll in a short-term course, like an English language course or training program, For the short-term study visa program, you have to apply three months prior to getting the visa. In this program, you have to arrive in the UK as per your travel dates. 

If I want to study in the UK, how can I apply?
The application process for a UK student visa is as follows: unless you are applying from North Korea, in that case you can use a hardcopy form, you must submit your application online using the British Government's official website, Gov.UK.

It's important to note that your application date is the day your application fee is received, and you can apply up to three months before the date you want to go to the UK.

Conditions to receive a Tier 4 visa

Below are some conditions to acquire Tier 4 Visa.

• Hold an unconditional offer to enroll in a course from a licensed or authorized student route sponsor in order to qualify for a Tier 4 visa.
• Provide proof of your ability to pay for your courses and support yourself financially.
• Understand, communicate, read, and write in English.

For further details, visit the Gov.UK website.

Documents Needed for a UK Student Visa
The following are the prerequisites for a UK student visa:

1. Reference number and supplementary materials for the application for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study)
2. Current passport or other appropriate travel documents
3. Proof that you have the funds necessary to cover your living expenses while you are a student there
4. Academic clearance certificate for the approval scheme (if needed)
5. Testing for tuberculosis (if necessary)

If the authorities request it or you are under the age of 18, you might need to provide additional paperwork for the UK student visa.

Note: You must convert all of your supporting documentation into English. Every translated document needs to bear the translator's name, signature, the date of translation, and confirmation that the translation accurately reflects the original.

English language requirements
You need to provide documentation of your fluency in English when you apply for a student visa to the United Kingdom. Typically, this means passing a trustworthy English language proficiency exam, like the IELTS.

UKVI evaluates your English language proficiency in writing, reading, speaking, and listening at different academic levels. Furthermore, there may be differences in the English language standards set by your chosen educational institution (sponsor).

An interview with a UKVI officer may be required as part of the visa application procedure. No matter how well you score on English tests, you might not be permitted entry into the UK if you are unable to carry on a basic conversation without the assistance of an interpreter.

Permit for biometric residency
The application process requires a biometric resident permit from the UKVI. For the purpose of taking a digital picture of your face and getting your fingerprints taken, you must make an appointment with UKVI.

Fees for a UK student visa
If you wish to extend your stay in the UK, the cost of obtaining a UK student visa is £490. If you apply from outside the country, the cost of the visa is £363.

How can I follow up on an application for a student visa to the UK?
You should hear back about your visa within three weeks of using the ID Check app or attending your appointment at a visa application center. Regardless of whether you applied online or on paper, you may also check the progress of your application for a UK student visa.