The UK is a highly popular study destination for Indian students for many decades now. After a few years of steady decline, the number of Indian students going to the UK rose again with the number at 19,750 in 2017-18 compared to 16,550 the previous year. With the new rules favoring Indian students, it is even a better time to head to the UK for studies.
Types of Study Visa
The UK has become a dream destination for students around the world for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere it offers. Depending on your age, the course and the kind of study the government has set up a few categories of Student Visa:-
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
This visa is the standard student visa issued by the UK government and gets required for courses lasting longer than 6 months. You can apply for this visa if
– You get a seat in a course.
– You understand English.
– You can support yourself financially during the course.
The duration of Tier 4 (General) student visa depends on the length of your course. It can get extended if you wish to pursue to work in the UK or further studies.
- Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
This UK student visa is for children from the age of 4 to 17. A student in this age group can study in an independent school in the United Kingdom.
The requirements are
– The applicant can not be from the UK.
– The student needs permission from a guardian or parents.
– The student should be able to cover his expenses.
The duration of the visa lasts as long as the course and is available for a maximum of 6 years. The visa can get extended.
- Short Term Study Visa
This category of UK student visa is for the study courses that have a duration of 6 months or less. The length can go to 11 months if you are over 18. This visa is also valid for short term training courses and researching in the UK if you are a student in any overseas country. This visa will not extend beyond the duration of the course. This visa requires:-
– Proof of admission at a licensed place of study.
– Evidence that the student can support themselves for the duration of the course.
Documents required for Study Visa to the UK
The application to acquire the UK student visa process depends on the kind of student visa you are applying for there. First, find the right course for you to study and then proceed to apply once you get accepted at the institute.
Depending on all the factors, listed below are the documents requirements to get a Study Visa for the United Kingdom:-
– A valid passport or travel ID.
– Proof of the person’s ability to cover their course and living costs.
– Verification of parental or guardian’s consent for a student under the age of 18.
– Evidence of the student’s acceptance at a course.
– Proof of payment of health care surcharge.
– Proof of negative results to a tuberculosis test if the course duration is more than 6 months, and you are from a list of countries.
The list is available on https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk.
Fees for UK Student Visa
The prices for the different student visa categories are:-
– Tier 4 (General) Student Visa – ₤328
– Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa- ₤328
– Short-Stay Visa for 11 months – ₤170
– Short-stay Visa for 6 months – ₤89
Working while studying in the UK
The only students who are allowed to work in the UK are from the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa. Students in short term courses are not allowed to work. The students in Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa can only work if they are aged 16 or older. The government allows up to 10 hours per week during vacations. The students are also entitled to pursue a work placement as part of the course.
Work after study in the UK
You are only eligible to work in the UK if your education has got finished in the United Kingdom. There is the option of either extending your study visa to find work or applying for the appropriate work visa in the UK.
If you satisfy the UK work visa requirements, then you can apply under various categories:-
– Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
– Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
– Tier 1 (Investor)
– Tier 2 (General)
– Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
– Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
– Tier 5 (Temporary worker – Government-authorized exchange)
The UK is a perfect destination for many for various reasons. Students prefer the country for the availability of quality and globally recognized institutions nearby. If you wish to study in the UK, then you need to keep in mind the student category you are applying for and make sure you fulfill the requirements for that category, course, and institute. For any confusion, you can contact Chopra Consultancy for an easy and tension-free process to get a student visa to your dream course and institute in the UK.