UK Student Visa

Overview

Who to apply

International students who are over 16 years old are going to study an A level, a foundation programme, International Year One, a bachelor’s degree, a pre-master’s programme, a pre-sessional course, a master’s degree, a doctoral programme, and a PGCE course with an unconditional offer of a place on a full-time course from their UK education provider (a licensed student sponsor). A recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists, an English language course at level B2 or above, and part-time courses leading to qualifications above RQF Level 7 also qualify for this Student visa. Explore other qualifying courses for this Student visa by visiting https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course. Check here if you need a visa.

When to apply and travel: Applying for a Student visa from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before starting your course.

You will get a decision within 3 weeks (processing time starts when you attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre (VAC)).

You can travel to the UK up to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months.

You can travel to the UK up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or less.

When to apply: Applying for a Student visa from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before starting your course.

You will get a decision within 8 weeks.

Fees

Student visa application fee: £490.

Priority service: £500 (get a decision within 5 working days).

Super priority service: £1,000 (get a decision within 1 or 2 working days after your appointment).

Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year.

Tuberculosis (TB) test fee in Hong Kong: 1200 HKD or more (report in 2–3 working days).

Courier delivery fees for returning your passports and documents: 392 HKD to Macau or 70 HKD to Hong Kong.

Certified English translation of a birth certificate: 500 MOP (for students from Macau, it takes 2–3 working days).

Visa application centre (VAC) in Hong Kong (for Macau, Hong Kong, and BNO passport holders)

VFS Global Services HongKong Pvt Ltd.

Unit A, 7th Floor, Lee & Man Commercial Centre. 169 Electric Road. North Point. Hong Kong. 香港北角電氣道169號理文商業中心 7樓A室.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 08:00–15:00 (by appointment only).

More information: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/hkg/en/gbr/attend-centre/hong-kong-north-point.

*Portuguese/European passport holders do not need to visit the visa application centre; they can use a smartphone through the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app.

Required Supporting Documents

1. A reference number or a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) provided by your UK course provider.

2. Academic qualification evidence for issuing your CAS (e.g., a degree certificate, knowledge of English) (*Macau, Hong Kong, BNO, Taiwan, or China passport holders do not need to provide documents listed on CAS).

3. IELTS Academic for UKVI certificate, IELTS Academic certificate, or other secure English language test (SELT) (*Macau, Hong Kong, BNO, Taiwan, or China passport holders do not need to provide documents listed on CAS).

4. A valid passport (with a blank page on both sides) and an old passport (if you have a UK visa in the old passport).

5. A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (including if you are already in the UK but did not provide a TB certificate when you came to the UK).

6. The completed visa application form.

7. Proof of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment.

8. Evidence that you have permission to be in the country you are applying from (e.g., your Macau or Hong Kong identity card).

9. A bank letter or statement for proof of funds (course fee + money to support yourself/maintenance) must be in the bank for 28 consecutive days before you submit your visa application.

Money to support yourself: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London.

£1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.

*Macau, Hong Kong, BNO, Taiwan, or China passport holders do not need to prove they have enough money to support themselves. However, they might be asked to provide this evidence before getting a decision.

*Receipt of tuition fee payment (if applicable).

*Financial sponsor letter (if applicable).

10. Your birth certificate (required when funds are held in your parents’ bank account. Students from Macau must get it translated and notarised and provide both the original and certified English translation).

11. Your parents’ Macau or Hong Kong identity cards or passports (required when funds are held in your parents’ bank account).

12. Written consent from your parents to use their funds (required when funds are held in your parents’ bank account).

13. An Academic Technology Approved Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course (sensitive topics) and nationality require it.

14. If you are 16 or 17 years old, provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians (consent for your visa application, your living and care arrangements in the UK and your travel to the UK), proof of parental or legal guardian consent, and proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian.