The UK Government provides an opportunity to international students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first.
The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the UK. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
Type of student visa
Who it’s
for
When to
apply
Arrival in
the UK
Tier 4 (General) student visa
Students aged 16 or over who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution with a valid Tier 4 sponsor
Three months before the start of your course
Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer.
Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months
Short-term study visa
Students offered a place in a short-term course in the UK, such as an English language course or training course
Three months before your date of travel to the UK
Depends on your nominated travel dates
*For detailed information, please visit the Gov.UK website
To be eligible for a Tier 4 student visa, you must:
Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor
Be able to speak, read, write and understand English
Financial proofs i.e., exhibiting enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
For short term study visa, you must show the intention to leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your study (i.e., before the end of date of your immigration permission)
Documents required for Tier 4 student visa
When applying for your Tier 4 visa, you will generally need:
A current passport or other valid travel documentation
Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS
Additional documents may also be needed if you are:
Not a citizen of the country you are applying from
Under 18 years of age
Have family (dependents)
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to have it translated. Each translated document must be dated and include the translator's name and signature and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document.
Applying for your visa online
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the British Government’s official Gov.UK website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
How can IDP help in your visa applications?
If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in the UK, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.
Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest application forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate and courier your documents.
Visa fee
Visa fee depends upon the visa that you will apply for:
Visa type
Visa fee
General student visa (Tier 4)
It costs BDT 37,480 as the application fee for the visa from outside the UK. Also, you must pay BDT 37,480 per person for any dependants.
*Please always check the official website for the latest fee, or check with your IDP counsellor
Mode of payment
Online mode i.e., MasterCard or Visa card
Through demand draft to be submitted at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank
Through Cash payment at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank
English language requirements
To gain your UK student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
IELTS for UKVI is an IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. This applies to everyone coming from a non-English speaking country. While there is no change in the content, format or level of difficulty and scoring, IELTS for UKVI simply follows certain extra security protocols to ensure the authenticity of the test taker.
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the UK embassy or consulate.
It depends upon the type of visa that you will apply, as it will include the minimum requirement of IELTS exam:
Visa type
IELTS requirement
Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level and pre-sessional courses
IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above
IELTS/IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skill
Biometric residence permit
As part of your application, you must also obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) from the UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with the UKVI to have your fingers and thumbs scanned and a digital photo taken of your face.
You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.
Note: Given the current COVID-19 situation, there might be some changes in the 2020/21 intakes. Don’t worry, our international education experts are here to guide you with the latest updates to help you apply to your desired course and institution. Feel free to connect with our experts for a free counselling session and keep posted about the latest COVID- 19 updates.
