The UK is home to the top-ranked universities in the world. Studying in the UK can enrich your life, broaden your horizons, and increase your career prospects. Knowing all UK study visa requirements is imperative to setting foot on British soil and unlocking success.
A UK Study Visa permits international students to study in the United Kingdom. It is a temporary visa that allows students to enrol in a full-time degree or a short-term study programme.
It provides the opportunity for students to experience a diverse and multicultural society, gain valuable skills, and receive a prestigious education. A significant amount of opportunities and vibrant student life make the UK a reliable option for international students.
This blog post will shed light on the key UK study visa requirements 2023. We will also cover the recent changes in UK student visas announced by the British government.
Key UK Study Visa Requirements for 2023:
In 2023, students desiring to study in the UK must fulfil certain prerequisites. These essentials serve as a gateway to top-class education and a matchless world of opportunities. Students must meet the following requirements for a UK Study visa:
Age:
The age requirement depends upon the visa you are applying for:
| Visa Type | Age Requirement |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | No specific age limit |
| Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa | Ages 4 to 17 |
It is essential to secure a confirmation of acceptance for studies from a reputable UK educational institute. This offer shows that you have been officially accepted into a specific course in the UK. Furthermore, your course provider should possess a Tier 4 sponsor license.
You can select the below-mentioned courses:
- A part-time course that is higher than degree level (RQF level 7 or higher), which might need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate
- A full-time course that is at or above degree level (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
- A full-time course that is lower than degree level (RQF level 3.4 or 5)
- An English language course that is at or above B2 level in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale
- An approved foundation programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
Financial funds
For a UK student visa, you need to show financial funds to pay for your course fees and living costs for the first nine months. The money you need to show must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you applied for your visa. The living costs vary depending on whether you are studying in London or outside London.
| Type of Course | Location | Monthly Living Costs |
| Course outside London | Outside London | £1,015 per month |
| Course in London | London | £1,265 per month |
There are certain exemptions. Applicants don’t need to provide proof of financial funds in the following cases:
- They had a UK visa within the past 12 months prior to the date of their student visa application. However, they must currently be in the UK.
- If they are a student union sabbatical officer
- If they are postgraduate doctors or dentists on a recognised foundation programme,
- If the applicant is on a scholarship
English Proficiency:
One of the essential UK study visa requirements is that you must be proficient in a certain level of English. You can prove your proficiency by either passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, having a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in English, or being from a country where English is the main language.
The level of English you need to show is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, which ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). The following table mentions the CEFR level based on your education level. (Click here to learn more about English language proficiency.)
| Study Level | CEFR Level | Equivalent IELTS Score |
| Undergraduate | B2 | 5.5 |
| Postgraduate | B1 | 4.0 |
| Below Degree Level | SELT | SELT Certificate |
Documents Required For UK Study Visa
The below-mentioned are certain documents that you need for UK study visa:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photo
- CV
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (For researchers)
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Financial evidence
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- ATAS certificate (if needed)
- Tuberculosis test results
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge payment
- Sponsorship agreement (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Polio and COVID vaccination certificates (if specific cases apply)
- Marriage and children’s certificates (for married applicants with children)
For students under 18, additional documents include:
- Parent/guardian consent
- Evidence of relationship with parent/guardian
- Birth certificate or government document displaying parent names.
- Tuberculosis Tests
It is one of the essential UK study visa requirements to go through the tuberculosis test. If you intend to remain in the UK for more than six months, you will be required to provide a tuberculosis certificate containing negative results.
Health Surcharges:
It is necessary to pay immigration health surcharges as one of the UK study visa requirements. To use the UK’s public health service (NHS), you need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) if you stay longer than six months.
The IHS fee depends on your stay duration. You pay half of the yearly fee if you stay less than six months, and the full yearly fee if you stay more than six months. It does not cover all health services. You still need to pay for some services like dental care, eye tests, prescriptions, and some other treatments.
Biometric residence permit
It is significant to provide proof of your identity as a part of the application process. Therefore, it is one of the UK study visa requirements that you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).
How Studywise Can Assist You?
Begin your journey as an international student in the UK under the guidance of Studywise. Our experienced educational consultants will guide you not only about UK study visa requirements , but we will be glad to guide you throughout the process. From documentation to applying, we will have your back. We will ensure that you achieve your visa grant successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a UK student visa?
You need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK. The amount of money you need depends on where your course is located. You will need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London, or £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Q2: Do I need to take an English language test for a UK student visa?
Yes, you need to demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking an approved test, such as IELTS. The level of English you need depends on the course and the institution you are applying for. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results.
Q3: What is the chance of getting rejected for a UK student visa?
The UK student visa rejection rate is relatively low, and most applications are accepted. The rejection rate is reported to be between 3% – 5%. However, in 2022, the rejection rate was even lower, and most applications were successful.