How To Apply For Long Term Study Visa, UK

April 23, 2025

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

For international students, obtaining a UK study visa can act as the initial step towards enjoying top-notch education, international career prospects, and cultural diversity in a learning environment. The UK is home to renowned universities that entice thousands of students every year. A long-term study visa not only provides you with permission to study but also grants you work rights, access to healthcare, and even a possible pathway to settlement.

You will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution, present poof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs (maintained for a minimum of 28 days), and possess English language proficiency at the CEFR B2 level as demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or other equivalent tests. A UK study visa for the long term has many advantages, such as the entitlement to work part-time (20 hours/week), access to the NHS, a two-year post-study work visa, the possibility of bringing dependents (for Master’s/PhD students), and a possible route to long-term settlement in the UK.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step UK student visa application process, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to studying in the UK.

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What is a Long-Term Study Visa?

A long-term study visa enables international students to study at degree level (undergraduate, postgraduate, or research studies) in the UK for a prolonged duration, typically for more than 6 months. The UK provides various study visas, but the most popular for long-term studies is the Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General Student Visa) under the Student Route.

Types of UK Study Visas:

Student Visa (Student Route – Replaced Tier 4)
For international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs.

Child Student Visa (For Under-18s)
For students under 18 studying at an approved independent school in the UK.

Short-Term Study Visa (6-11 Months)
For English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months; work is not permitted.

Standard Visitor visa
For short courses (up to 6 months); does not allow work or extendable stay.

Student Visa (Student Route) – Key Features

The UK Student Visa (Student Route), which substituted the Tier 4 (General) visa, is for international students enrolling in full-time degree courses at accredited UK universities. The visa extends throughout the course period, with an extra 4 months for undergraduate/master’s students or 6 months for PhD researchers, providing sufficient time for graduation and job hunting. In order to qualify, you need to attend a UKVI- licensed institution (listed on the official sponsor list) and meet financial and English language requirements. One of the biggest plus-point is the work permit—students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week in term time and full-time outside of term time, along with further possibilities for internships or placements as part of the course. On graduation, the students are eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa (PSW), which allows 2 years of post-study work for undergraduate and master’s students, and 3 years for PhD graduates, thereby making this visa a door to education as well as career development.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Study Visa

Offer from a Recognized UK Institution

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you need to secure an admission offer from a UKVI-licensed education provider. This is made official by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – a unique reference number from your university. Students are required to apply for their visa within six months of obtaining their CAS. The CAS is given six months prior to the course start date. Until then, the student is issued an offer letter, which can either be conditional or unconditional.

Financial Requirements

In order to fulfil the financial requirements, candidates need to provide proof of having enough money for tuition and living costs. Such funds may be demonstrated through a balance of a savings account that has been maintained for a period of 28 days, a fixed deposit (FD) of at least 28 days, or an education loan in the student’s name. Although the education loan does not have to be kept in the account for 28 days, it should be supported by a disbursement letter, and it is still advisable to keep funds for 28 days. Forms such as mutual funds, property, or shares are not accepted. The FDs and savings account may be in the name of either the parents or the student, and joint accounts belonging to parents or grandparents are also acceptable. Proof of funds may be given in the form of a minimum balance letter or an account statement, though both should preferably be submitted.

Minimum financial requirements must be met for living expenses, which are different based on whether the student will be staying in London or outside London. Tuition fees and living expenses are two key aspects considered for financial requirements. The legal living expense to be demonstrated for studying in London for visa purposes is £13,347 for 12 months, determined at £1,483 per month. While the living expense amounts to £17,796 a year (based on £1,483 multiplied by 12), only the living expense of the teaching period of the course is taken into account, and not the final semester of dissertation. Thus, the general calculation of living expenses is £1,483 multiplied by 9 months. At the time of visa submission, students must show funds for one year of living expenses and one year of tuition fees.

English Language Proficiency

To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, candidates need to demonstrate their English language proficiency at CEFR Level B2 (for degree-level programs) or B1 (for below-degree programs). The UK Home Office accepts a number of standardized tests, and the most commonly accepted one is IELTS for UKVI.

You do not need to prove English proficiency if:

You are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland).
You have completed a degree-level qualification (equivalent to UK Bachelor’s/Master’s) taught in English—however, not all UK universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) letters for an IELTS waiver. Only select institutions offer this exemption.

Documents Required for Long-Term Study Visa

Applying for your UK student visa requires careful preparation of documents. Here’s the complete checklist to ensure a smooth application process:

Passport and Travel Documentation

Valid passport and travel documents. Ensure your passport has blank pages for the visa stamp.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your university will issue this document after you:
- Accept your unconditional offer.
- Pay any required tuition deposit.

Financial Proof

You must provide original documents showing sufficient funds. You may submit your bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, education loan disbursement letter from approved bank, scholarships, or sponsorship letters.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

You will need to demonstrate you are able to read, write, speak and understand English to a minimum standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This can be done through IELTS or equivalent test results.

Additional Documents

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Parental consent for applicants under 18 years.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for UK Study Visa

1. Receive Your CAS

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique electronic reference number given to you by your UK university after you confirm the unconditional offer, pay any necessary tuition fee deposit, and have submitted the required documents such as your copy passport. This visa critical document includes your university’s sponsor details, course details (title, level, duration), tuition fee breakdown (indicating paid/unpaid amounts), English language qualification you used for admission, and a list of documents the university used to make your offer.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary documents for filing for your visa to make the process of submitting smoother. These are your CAS reference number, proof of financial support, proof of your English language proficiency, a valid passport and recent passport-sized photograph, and also a tuberculosis test certificate.

3. Complete the Online Visa Application

Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and fill out the Student Visa application form online. You will need to create an account, enter your CAS number, personal and course details, and upload necessary documents.

4. Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

As of 1st April 2025, the UK student visa fee in the general category is £524 (around ₹60,000). In addition to the cost of the visa, students will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £776 for each year. The IHS provides access to the services of healthcare under the NHS while in the UK as a student.

5. Attend the Visa Application Center

As part of applying for the UK student visa, you will need to visit a Visa Application Center for biometric enrollment, which involves fingerprinting and a digital photo. You will also have to submit all the supporting documents you need for your application at this appointment.

6. Wait for the Decision and Visa Processing Times

Standard processing time for UK study visas is 3 weeks (15 working days). However, for quick processing, the Priority service enables you to get a decision in 5 days with an extra cost of ₹52,000, and Super Priority service delivers a decision within 1 day with an additional cost of ₹1,10,000.

7. Receive Your Visa and Travel to the UK

After your visa is granted, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport that you can use to travel to the UK. Set up your UKVI account to access your eVisa, which shall serve as your online immigration status.

Costs Involved in Applying for a UK Study Visa

Visa Application Fee

From 1st April 2025, the standard Student visa application fee is £524 (approximately ₹60,000).

Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during your stay. From February 6, 2024, the IHS for students is £776 annually.

Other Associated Costs

Other associated costs may include travel expenses, official document translation, tuberculosis (TB) testing (if applicable), and fees related to biometric enrollment at the Visa Application Center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Study Visa

1. Incomplete Documentation

One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation. Make sure to double-check the visa checklist provided by the embassy or immigration authorities.

2. Insufficient Financial Proof

You must prove that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and living costs during your stay. Providing old or unclear financial documents can raise red flags and cause visa rejection.

3. Late Visa Application

Timing is everything. Applying for your visa too near your course start date can cause undue stress and even lead to missing your enrollment deadline.

4. Incorrect Information in Application

Even tiny errors in your application—such as misspelled names, wrong passport numbers, or wrong CAS details—can slow down the process or lead to rejection. Double-check your entire application before submission and make sure everything is correct and matches the documents you have submitted.

Visa Interview: What to Expect

The UK student visa credibility interview is a phone/video interview in which UKVI officers confirm your study intentions, financial ability, and post-study plans. UKVI officers will ask questions regarding your choice of university, course applicability, source of funds, and career aspirations—responses should be consistent with your CAS and application documents. Prepare by going over your SOP, rehearsing common questions, and having clear financial proofs. Dress professionally, speak confidently, and avoid contradictions to prove you’re a genuine student.

After Visa Approval: Next Steps

When your UK student visa is granted, you will have a visa vignette in your passport to enable you to travel to the UK. You should also set up your UKVI account to be able to access your eVisa, which is your digital immigration status.

While planning your travel, book your accommodation well ahead and ensure you carry all important documents such as your passport, visa, CAS letter, university offer letter, evidence of finances, and academic transcripts. Take suitable clothes, medicine, currency, and personal possessions for ease upon arrival.

Once you arrive in the UK, complete your university registration in person by submitting your visa documents, verifying your address, and attending orientation sessions.

FAQs

1. How long does the UK student visa take to process?

Standard processing time is around 3 weeks (15 working days) after your biometrics appointment. Priority and Super Priority services are available for faster decisions.

2. Can I work while on a student visa?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

3. Is IELTS mandatory for the visa?

Not always. If your university accepts your previous education as proof of English, or if you’re from a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt. Otherwise, an approved English test like IELTS for UKVI is required.

4. Can I bring dependents with me?

Yes, if you’re studying a postgraduate course (Master’s or PhD) of 9 months or longer, your spouse/partner and children can apply as dependents.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK long-term study visa involves several key steps—receiving your CAS, gathering financial and academic documents, proving your English proficiency, completing the visa application, paying the necessary fees, attending your biometric appointment, and finally preparing for travel. Each stage requires careful attention to detail and timely action.

To avoid delays or complications, it’s essential to ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Starting early and staying organized can make your entire journey—from visa approval to settling in the UK—much smoother and stress-free.

If you’re ready to begin your UK education journey, come to Fateh Education for expert guidance at every step of the way. With years of experience and trusted partnerships with UK universities, we will help you navigate the entire visa process and set you up for success abroad. Start your future with Fateh—your journey begins here.