If you’re an international student planning for a degree in the UK, your journey begins long before you pack your bags or book your flight. One of the most important steps is securing your UK Student Visa— a process that might initially seem a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the key details in this step-by-step guide.

What Type of Visa Do You Need?

This depends on the course type you will attend, i.e. short courses or degree-level courses. If you are attending any short course i.e. English language course you will be applying for a Visitor visa. However, in most cases, you will be doing a degree-level course for which you will need a Student visa. For this blog, we will be discussing Student visa.

As an international student, you’ll need a Student Visa to study in the UK. This visa is typically issued once you’ve received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen university.

Step-by-Step: From University Offer to Visa Application

Let’s break down the process, starting from when you first apply to UK universities.

1. Apply to UK Universities

You begin by applying to one (or more!) UK universities. Each university will have its own entry requirements, so make sure you meet them by:

• Taking an English test (like IELTS or TOEFL, unless exempt).
• Clearing the university interview, if applicable.
• Paying a deposit to secure your spot at the university.

Once you meet these requirements, you’ll receive an unconditional offer (UC) from the university.

2. Apply for Your CAS

After accepting your UC, you’ll move on to the next important step, getting your CAS. Your university will issue this after they’ve confirmed that you meet all their requirements. The CAS is a unique reference number that proves your university has offered you a place; it includes essential details like your course, tuition fees, and any funds you need to show. This is a critical document for your visa application.

With your CAS in hand, you’re ready to apply for your UK Student Visa!

3. Prepare Your Financial Documents

One crucial requirement is proving you can support yourself financially during your studies. This is where your bank statement comes in. You’ll need to maintain a balance in your account for at least 28 days before applying for your visa.

The funds in your bank account must cover:

• Your tuition fees (unless already paid).
• Living expenses for at least the first year of your stay (this varies depending on your location in the UK).

4. Visa Application: The Paperwork

When it’s time to apply for your visa, the process is online and involves making a few payments. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Visa application fee: Paid via debit or credit card.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This allows you to access the UK’s healthcare services. Again, it’s paid online.

After making the necessary payments, you’ll be prompted to upload your documents. The documents you need to submit are typically mentioned in your CAS letter but commonly include:

• Your passport.
• Your educational documents (like English tests, transcripts and certificates).
• Your bank statement (proving you meet the financial requirements).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you’re from a country where TB tests are required.

Tip: Double-check your CAS letter to ensure you don’t miss any required documents. It’s essential to get this part right!

5. Submit and Wait

Once you’ve uploaded all the required documents and submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for your visa decision. The processing time can vary, so make sure you apply well in advance. For peace of mind, keep checking your application status via the VFS portal.