
How to secure a Student Visa to Study in the UK – step-by-step Guide
Obtaining a student visa to study in the Uk is not quite a big hassle as many would think it is. It requires just a few documents and of course, as an immigrant, you must be over 16 years of age for it to be granted.
All you need for your student visa application to study in the Uk to be granted is contained in this step-by-step guide. However, for the sake of clarity, we shall be taking it in bits.
Firstly, let us discuss the different kinds of visas you will need to migrate to the UK for studies.
Types of VISA for Prospective UK immigrants
Before you can be allowed to visit the United Kingdom for any reason a visa is required. Except you are coming from Countries with Visa-free travel to the UK, if not then you need a visa to do either of the following:
- Visa to Visit or join a Family member
- Visa that allows you to live and work in the UK
- Student Visa
- Tourism Visa
However, it is worth noting that there are different VISA(s) depending on:
- Your Nationality/Country of birth
- Reason for Migration to the UK
- Duration of your stay in the Country
- Your skills and personal disposition
So, before you apply for Visa you have to consider the details we just mentioned, it will help you to be specific and get your application approved.
Irish citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK, you can see our list of Visa-free countries for the United Kingdom.
Now let us discuss the Visa types and why you need them.
Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor visa allows you to spend up to 6 months in the United Kingdom. What it means is that your visa is only valid for 6 months from the time of approval. Hence, after the duration, you become an illegal immigrant.
But who needs this type of visa?
- Those on holiday visitation to family and friends.
- Those on business trips or meeting
- Those on a short course of study
This kind of visa does not allow holders to take a job in the UK.
Student Visa to Study in the UK
To apply for a student Visa to study in the UK, you must consider the following before applying for Visa.
- Duration of Course of Study
- Type of Course of Study
- Location of institution
A standard visitor visa can be used if you want to do a short course in the UK provided it does not exceed 6 months.
For applicants who may want to do a short-term course that will not exceed a year, they can apply for a Short-term study visa which is just for 11 months.
The normal Student Visa is usually for a longer course but it requires that applicant be sponsored by a licensed college or University and have a confirmed resident. Most times, this kind of visa allows you to do part-time work.
The visa types that were just discussed do not cover children and teenagers below 17 years old. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t apply for Visa to study in the UK.
For children, you need to apply for a child-student visa. It covers those between 4 to 17 years old who are interested to study in an independent school in the United Kingdom.
For those who would like to work in the United Kingdom
The student visa is different from work visa. You can work in the Uk with a work permit or work visa and this can be either on a short or long-term basis.
Let’s consider the different types of work visas.
To apply for a work visa you need to take the following into consideration:
- Your Skills and Qualifications
- Do you have a job offer and sponsorship
- Do you want to bring your family with you
- Type of job – for example sporting, charitable or religious work
For businessmen, you can set up a business with a Start-up visa or an Innovator visa.