UK Study Visa Guide: Types, Requirements & Application Process

To pursue study in the UK is a top choice for foreign students because of its world-class universities, globally recognized degrees, post-study work opportunities, and a wide range of programs at every level. Whether you’ve completed Matric or Intermediate, you can apply through various visa types such as the (Student, Child, Short-Term, Graduate). You’ll need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5–6.5, proof of funds, a valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter, and a 28-day with £3,000 bank statement required. Tuition fees range from £10,000–£38,000, with living expenses up to £12,006, and the visa process typically takes 3 weeks to complete.

Types of UK Study Visas for International Students 

Student Visa (General)	For full-time academic courses longer than 6 months
Short-Term Study Visa	For English language or short-term courses (up to 6–11 months)
Child Student Visa	For students aged 4–17 at an independent UK school
Graduate Route Visa	Post-study work visa for up to 2 years (3 for PhDs)
Dependent Visa	For spouse or children of postgraduate students enrolled for 9+ months
UK Ancestry visa	Enables individuals with UK ancestry to study, work, and bring family members to the UK

UK Study Visa Requirements 

To apply successfully, you must meet the following conditions:

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university
• Proof of English Proficiency (e.g., IELTS with minimum 5.5–6.5 required score)
• Valid Passport (must be valid through your stay)
• Proof of Funds for tuition + living costs (bank statement of 28 days)
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
• Academic Records from Matric or Intermediate (10th & 12th)
• Parental Consent & FRC (for applicants under 18)

UK Study Visa Requirements After Matric vs 12th vs After Bachelor’s 

Category	After Matric (10th Grade)	After 12th (Intermediate)	After Bachelor’s Degree
Eligible Visa Type	Child Student Visa	Student Visa	Student Visa / Graduate Visa (for postgrad)
Minimum Age	4–17 years	16 years	18 years and above
Academic Requirement	Completed Matric (10th grade)	Completed 12th grade (FSc/FA/ICS/ICom)	Bachelor’s degree (14–16 years education)
Course Level	O-Levels, GCSE-equivalent, or foundation secondary programs	Foundation, diploma, undergraduate programs	Master’s, postgraduate diploma, PhD
English Language Test	May be exempt or require basic English proof (school dependent)	IELTS 5.5–6.5 (Academic)	IELTS 6.0–7.0 depending on university
Financial Proof Required	Yes – tuition + living expenses	Yes – tuition + living expenses	Yes – tuition + living expenses
Parental Consent	Required	Not Required (if 18+)	Not Required
Visa Category	Child Student Visa	Student Visa	Student Visa (or Graduate Route after completion in UK)
Post-Study Work Eligibility	No (eligible only after higher education in the UK)	Yes (after completing UG in the UK)	Yes – 2 years (Graduate Route),3 years for PhD

UK Study Visa Financial Requirements

Before applying for a UK study visa, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. These financial requirements include visa fees, health surcharge, tuition fees, and living expenses. Here’s a breakdown: 

Visa & Health Surcharge Costs 

To begin your UK study journey, you’ll need to pay essential upfront costs including the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for healthcare access.

• UK Student Visa Application Fee: £490 
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year

This fee gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) throughout your stay. 

Tuition Fees 

Tuition varies based on your course and university. On average: 

• Annual Tuition Range: £10,000 to £38,000 

Medical, engineering, and MBA programs usually fall on the higher end. 

Living Expenses (Maintenance Funds) 

You must show financial proof for living costs for at least 9 months: 

Location	Monthly Requirement	9-Month Total
London	£1,334	£12,006
Outside London	£1,023	£9,207

These amounts must be reflected in your bank statement and held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days prior to application submission. 

UK Study Visa Application Process – Step by Step 

Applying for a UK study visa involves a series of important steps that ensure your application is complete and error-free. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the entire process with confidence.

• Get an Offer Letter from a UK institution 
• Receive CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) 
• Prepare Documents (passport, IELTS, financials, TB test, etc.) 
• Pay Visa & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fees 
• Attend Credibility Interview (if required) 
• Wait for Visa Decision (usually in 3 weeks) 

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