Student Guide on Getting a UK Tier 4 Visa

UK Visas and Immigration provides an easy-to-navigate website to assist you in establishing whether you need a UK student visa and is responsible for managing UK visa requirements and general immigration criteria. All other overseas students will probably need a student visa to study in the UK, except Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states who do not now require one.

There are several different types of student visas for the UK. However, a Tier 4 (General) student visa is typically required for full-time university study. Applying for a UK student visa from outside the nation will cost you about £348. In addition, you'll have to pay a healthcare surcharge, the price of which will depend on your home country. 

Why Study In The UK 

International students can pursue a very competitive academic experience in the UK. The city has everything you need for you to realize your potential, from renowned universities to cutting-edge teaching methods and the brilliant faculty that provide them.

Here are a few perks of studying in the UK:

• The UK is home to top universities
• It's incredibly diverse
• There is support for overseas students
• Studying in the UK will improve your English skills
• There are job opportunities after graduation
• It's a great place to live
• Finally, you'll have a lot of fun

Many of the greatest minds in history have chosen to live in the UK. The UK is the ideal country to study in if you want to accomplish great things because one in four world leaders attended university there.

Types of UK student visa

You may qualify for the short-term study visa if you're over 18 and enrolled in a brief course. For most short courses, this is good for up to six months, and for English language courses, it can be extended for a stay of up to 11 months.

Ensure your selected institution has a Tier 4 Sponsor License if you take a longer course. If you are between the ages of 4 and 17 and want to attend an independent school in the UK, you can either apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa or, if you are 16 or older, a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

UK Tier 4 Student Visa

International students must apply for a Tier 4 General Student visa to study in the UK. It is a known fact that the UK has a long and illustrious history in education. Students worldwide are familiar with Cambridge and Oxford. However, other institutions in the Russell Group, like the University of Bristol, Durham University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, are also well-known worldwide. Additionally, several technical colleges and other institutions of higher learning spread out around the nation.

UK Student Visa Tier 4 Requirements

International students can travel to the UK and enroll in educational opportunities there thanks to the Tier 4 Student visa. With some of the best and most prestigious universities, colleges, and schools in the world, the UK attracts many students looking for a top-notch education. Your choice of where to study will affect the rest of your life. With so much on the line for you and your future, it is crucial to get legal counsel to understand your possibilities for immigration, to make sure your case is correctly presented to the authorities, and to prevent application delays. Throughout the many phases of obtaining your UK student visa, you will occasionally be required to give the following information:

• Current valid passport
• Evidence of cash for one year's worth of living expenses and tuition
• Results of any necessary TB tests, along with information such as language test results and the CAS number

‍UK student visa tier 4 application process

The application process is a simple five-step process that includes:

Step 1: Enroll in Biometrics at a center to apply for visas to get a Biometric Residence Permit.
Step 2: Complete an application online.
Step 3: Submit a "negative" tuberculosis certificate.
Step 4: Pay the 348 GBP processing fee for the visa.
Step 5: Attend an interview.

‍UK student visa tier 4 processing time

A conclusion is typically received in three weeks, but it can take longer if there are any delays or if it's a busy time of year.

Starting your application as soon as possible reduces the chance you won't receive your visa in time. You can apply six months before the start of your program if you are applying from outside the UK. Three months before your programs start is the earliest that you can apply from within the UK.

Reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection

Finances are a significant factor in many student visa denials in the UK. The money may have been held for 28 days, or you may not have demonstrated that you have enough money. Your visa can also be rejected for the following reasons:

• submitting duplicates, photos, or printouts in place of the actual paperwork
• missing documents
• Interview for credibility gone wrong
• not maintaining the necessary funds in your account for 28 consecutive days, which is one of the severe student visa requirements,
• not including a certificate of ATAS clearance (if your course is subject to ATAS)
• refusing to answer calls or emails from the Home Office.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter or email outlining why. Your letter will also inform you of your legal options for appealing an immigration judgment or administrative review. You'll need an administrative review if you're applying outside the UK. Within 28 days of receiving a rejection, you can submit an online application for £80. A decision may take up to six months, but the UK Home Office will contact you to provide an update within three months.

‍Working While Studying In The UK

International students pursuing bachelor's degrees or higher degrees can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks on Tier 4 (General) UK student visas. All paid, unpaid, and volunteer work fits into this category. International students can work in the UK without restrictions if they are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. Students with student visas enrolled in full-time degree-level studies are allowed to work in the UK. The following conditions and guidelines apply:

• During the academic year at a university, up to 20 hours a week. According to UKVI, a "week" is "seven days beginning on a Monday and finishing on a Sunday."
• At times of vacation, full-time
• Full-time during term time if participating in a work placement that is an essential and graded component of the program; however, any work placement cannot last more than half the duration of the course (unless there is a UK statutory requirement for the course to contain a specific period of work placement which exceeds this limit.)
• Up to two years as a sabbatical officer for the student union
• You will not be permitted to work in the UK, whether paid or unpaid if you have a student visa for a part-time program.  

The UK is home to many prestigious universities which attract hundreds of students from all over the world. We have the perfect guide for students who aspire to pursue their higher studies in the UK to start their visa application process. We also cover bits and pieces of how you can work whilst living in the UK as an international student. If you are unsure what type of visa to apply for, read our guide to different UK visa types, eligibility, and their application process. You can also read our blog on different ways to become a UK resident as a student.