UK | CrossBorders

UK General Student Visa: Process, Intakes & Top Universities in 2023

You can study in the Education Capital of the world with the UK Student Visa.

Key Highlights

Annual Intakes in Universities
Top Universities 2023
Documents Required
How to Apply?
Costs Involved
Other FAQs

Every year, the UK is welcoming, almost 460,000 international students! The leading education system and a great range of education degrees make the country the most happening for the students to study in.

What is the Intake for Courses in the UK?

Please find below the top 10 subject areas chosen by the International Students in 2017-2018.

Intake 1

The September Intake or the Autumn Intake is the main admission period for students. During this time, most universities have maximum available seats and offer scholarships to deserving candidates.

Intake 2

This is the January or the Winter Intake. Students who miss the September intake can apply during this time for a high chance of selection.

Top 10 UK Institutions for International Students in 2023?

Here’s a table illustrating the top 10 UK Institutions recruiting International Students in 2019-2020

What Documents are Required for a UK Student Visa?

The list of documents you need to submit are:

Your valid passport
Latest Bank statement stating that you have enough funds to support your stay during your course
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Your passport-size color photographs
If required, need to screen for a tuberculosis test
Your profile assessment document
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), Clearance Certificate (if required)
Additional documents are required if you are under the age of 18 or have dependents accompanying
More documents may be needed for completing your visa process. It is better to contact a visa consultant and understand the procedure

What are the entry requirements for studying in the UK for an Undergraduate Course?

You should complete at least 13 years of education in your country and need to have 55% or above in higher secondary education.

Higher National Diploma(HND):

One to two UK A-levels, two Scottish Higher Degrees or a BTEC National Diploma or Higher National Certificate, or an international foundation year with IELTS range 5.5 – 6.0

Foundation Degree:

One to two UK A-levels, one or two Scottish Higher Degrees or a National Diploma or an international foundation year with IELTS range 5.5 – 6.0

Diploma of Higher Education:

One to two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Higher Degrees, or an international foundation year with IELTS range 5.5 – 6.0

Bachelor's Degree:

Two or three UK A-levels, three to four Scottish Higher Degrees or a National Certificate or Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year with IELTS range 6.0 – 6.5

What are the entry requirements for a postgraduate or MBA course for a UK Student Visa?

Entry requirements for studying in the UK for a postgraduate or MBA course:

Pre-masters's degree: An under-graduation with IELTS 5.0-5.5
PG Certificate/PG Diploma: An under-graduation degree or a pre-masters course with an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0
Master's Degree: First or Second class under-graduation degree or premaster's course with IELTS scores of 7.0
MBA: 2-3 Years Business Experience, First Class degree with IELTS range of 6.5-7.0
Ph.D.: Master's Degree with IELTS range of 6.5-7.0

What are the entry requirements for pre-university professional courses in the UK?

BTEC National Diploma: High school education equivalent to four GCSEs grades A-C, with IELTS range of 4.5-5.0
AS/A-levels: General high school education equivalent to five GCSEs grades A-C, with IELTS range from 4.5-5.0
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher: General high school equivalent to six Standard Grade qualifications grades 1-3, with IELTS range 4.5-5.0
International Foundation Year: Twelve years of school education or equal in your own country, with IELTS range 4.5-5.0
Higher National Diploma(HND): One or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year with IELTS range 5.5-6.0
Foundation Degree: One or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year with IELTS range 5.5-6.0

Top Study Courses in the UK

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa in 5 Steps?

To obtain a UK Student Visa, you are needed to follow a step-by-step process. Usually, the UK student visas are processed within a time span of three weeks from the application lodge.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

You provide a "confirmation of acceptance for studies"(CAS). Also, you need to prove your financial status, i.e., your maintenance or funds for covering your course fees, tuition fees, and living costs.

Step 2: Get your documents ready

Submission of all required documents is mandatory. Hence, be sure while gathering all documents.

Step 3: Apply for the visa online

Get registered on the official UK Visa website and create an account. Then, complete your online application form and take a print for signing on them. Make use of the online appointment calendar and fix an appointment at the visa center.

Step 4: Fee Payment

You can make your payments in four ways, i.e., through Payment at Standard Chartered Bank, Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank or payment at the visa application center, or by paying online.

Step 5: Visiting the Visa Application Center

Do not fail to visit the visa application center on your appointment date. Submit your application now by submitting the required documents, photographs, and fingerprints.

Related FAQs

Can you study in the UK without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in the UK without taking the IELTS. Though, English proficiency is one of the most important requirements for obtaining a Tier 4 (General) Student visa.

There are a few UK universities that can waive off the IELTS Test.

Here are a few of the cases, where you can be exempted from taking the IELTS test:

If the university considers your English score in high school, i.e., with 60% in 10th and 12th, you can get your application accepted by the university.
If your prior education is in the English language only.
An online interview can help you skip the IELTS test. A few UK universities allow candidates to take up an online interview through Skype.

Costs Involved for a UK Student Visa?

The fee requirement for the Tier 4 General Visa is £348. And, if any dependents are added, you need to pay £348 per person (any dependent)

You can make the payment for the Tier 4 visa by the following methods of payment:

Online by using a Visa Card or Master Card
Demand Draft
Paying cash at the Visa Application Center

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You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, and application drafting to post-visa services with Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy. If you are confused about filing the AIPP application, you can contact us immediately. We will be pleased to help you in any way we can.

Don’t wait. Begin your visa application today!

Other Important FAQs

1. What are the Top Ten non-EU sending countries?

The below table shows the yearly data on the number of non-EU students migrating to the UK:

2. What are the types of UK Student Visas?

To obtain a student visa first, you need to choose the visa type as per your eligibility and needs. The Government of the UK is popularly known for providing better opportunities for Indian students to study and work.

Here are the types of UK Student Visas:

3. Can a UK Student Visa be extended?

Yes, a UK Student Visa can be extended. It is possible if you are in the UK, meet the required eligibility requirements, and have a sponsor for your sponsorship.

Eligibility requirements for the sponsor

In order to meet the eligibility of visa extension, your sponsor would be a:

A Higher Education Institute (HEI)
An embedded college offering various courses
An overseas HEI
An independent school

4. Can you work in the UK with a student visa?

Yes, you can work on a UK Student visa if you are moving to the UK on Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa. Also, you are eligible for taking up a work placement as part of the course.

With Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, you can take up for almost all forms of employment as per your course level and from where you are studying.

However, there are a few restrictions for you to choose a job type:

In order to work on Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa, you need to be 16 or more
You will be able to work for up to 10 hours per week during full-time and term-time vacancy.

Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, We neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.