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)
FAQs
Can I apply for a UK study visa after matric?
Yes, under the Child Student Visa, if aged 4–17 and accepted at a licensed independent UK school.
Can I work while on a UK student visa?
Yes. Up to 20 hours/week during term-time and full-time during holidays.
What are the IELTS requirements for a UK study visa?
UK Universities require IELTS Academic with a minimum score between 5.5 and 6.5, depending on the course level.
Can I apply for a UK study visa without IELTS?
Some UK universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or waive IELTS, but proof of English proficiency is usually required for the visa.
Can I switch from a visitor visa to a student visa in the UK?
No. You must apply for a student visa from outside the UK, typically from your home
What is an ATAS certificate and who needs it?
Students enrolled in certain sensitive subjects (like engineering, technology, or military-related fields) must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before the visa.
Can I apply for a UK study visa with a study gap?
Yes, but you must justify the gap with valid documents such as work experience, certifications, or personal reasons. A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) helps.