Visa to study in the UK

Foreign students wishing to study in the UK must first obtain a UK student visa. This visa is for international students wishing to follow a long-term course in the UK. Academic training can be a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral program.

What are the criteria for obtaining a student visa?

The main eligibility criteria for a student visa are as follows:

Enrolment in an accredited establishment

The foreign student must have been accepted onto a course by an accredited educational establishment in the UK. The establishment must provide you with a certificate of sponsorship for the British visa application.

Have an adequate level of English

International students must prove their ability to understand, speak, read and write English at a level appropriate for the chosen course of study. Students take internationally recognized tests to validate their level of English, such as the GMAT or TOEFL.

Prove sufficient financial means

A student wishing to obtain a study visa in the UK must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient funds to :

• Pay visa fees;
• Paying tuition fees;
• Financing day-to-day living during the first year of study.

How long does a student visa last?

The student visa allows you to stay in the UK before the start of your course. The period allowed depends on the length of stay in the United Kingdom:

• The student may arrive in the UK one week before if the course lasts less than 6 months;
• He can plan to arrive a month early if the course lasts more than 6 months.

The length of validity of the visa depends on the duration of the course in the UK. The visa allows you to arrive before and leave a few weeks after the end of the school program.

How do I get a student visa?

Foreign students wishing to obtain a visa must follow the UK visa application procedure. This process is carried out online from the official gov.uk website. The final step is to make an appointment at the British embassy for the final interview to obtain the student visa.

Can I study in the UK with a UK ETA?

The ETA for the UK cannot be used by a student for a school trip. This travel authorization can replace the UK tourist visa in certain situations, or enable business travel to the UK.