Summary of UK Student Visa Guide
Eligibility:
- Age 16 or over
- Course offer from a licensed student sponsor
- Sufficient funds for support and course fees
- Proficient in English
- Parental consent if 16 or 17
Application Timing:
- Outside UK: Apply up to 6 months before course; decision in 3 weeks
- Inside UK: Apply up to 3 months before course; decision in 8 weeks
Duration of Stay:
- Up to 5 years for degree-level courses
- Up to 2 years for below degree-level courses
Extending Stay:
- Possible to extend visa, switch visas, or get a Graduate visa
Travel:
- Arrive up to 1 week before course (6 months or less)
- Arrive up to 1 month before course (more than 6 months)
- Do not travel before visa start date
Fees:
- £490 application fee
- Additional healthcare surcharge
Dependants:
- Can bring partner and children
Permissions:
- Study
- Work as student union sabbatical officer
- Possible limited work
Restrictions:
- No public funds or pensions
- No professional sports jobs or self-employment
- No studying at academies or local authority-funded schools
For detailed information, refer to the UK government’s official website.
