FAQs

How much does it cost to study in the United Kingdom?
Undergraduate and postgraduate tuition costs in the United Kingdom can range from £12,600 to £22,000 each academic year.

Is it possible to study in the United Kingdom without taking the IELTS [or another English] exam?
It depends on which country the student is from. Some countries with English as their first language are exempt. Students who do not have an IELTS or other SELT (Secure English Language Test) will need to prove their language levels, and /or study a pre-sessional English course. To learn more, please contact us.

Is it necessary to have health insurance in the United Kingdom?
Yes, it is. Students need to get health insurance before entering the country and this will cover all their medical expenses during their stay. It is known as an Immigration Health Surcharge and is paid during the visa application process. (Additional travel insurance is also recommended).

What examinations are required to study in the United Kingdom?
To gain admission to a university in the UK, you will need certain qualifications which will differ depending on what level of education you already have, and what you wish to study. You may need to take a range of additional tests, ranging from the GMAT to a SELT test. To learn more, please contact us with your background and requirements and we can advise.

Can I work in the UK with a student visa?
Yes, as an international student in the United Kingdom, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holiday periods.

Can I study in the UK with a scholarship?
Yes, it is possible. Universities in the UK offer a wide range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students to cover their tuition fees, and sometimes their accommodation. However, they are in high demand and competition is fierce. The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most well-known for postgraduate studies and covers all tuition, accommodation, and visa fees. Contact us for more information on our scholarship search service which is subject to a fee.

How much maintenance is required to be shown as a bank balance for a UK student visa?
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either:

• £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London e.g. 9 x £1334 =£12,006
• £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London e.g. 9 x £1,023 = £10,239

Is a medical test required for a UK student visa?
Generally, no medical tests are required, however, the UK requires nationals of some specified countries to take a TB test at a UKVI-approved test centre. Information can be found on their website.

How long does it take for a UK student visa to be processed?
Average processing time is generally 15 working days from the point the application is submitted. However other factors can determine how long it takes. If further information or documents are required, this can delay the decision. Once you receive the visa vignette you have 90 days to arrive in the UK where you will then collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit.)

Is an interview compulsory for a UK student visa?
Before confirming an offer, many universities undertake a credibility interview to ascertain that the student is genuine and sometimes to verify that their English language levels are adequate.

Can you bring your family on a student visa?

From 1^st January 2024 your married spouse (husband or wife) and children (‘dependants’) can apply to come to the UK on a Dependent visa providing and only if you are studying a Postgraduate Masters of Research course. Other permitted routes are for those studying a PhD, or other doctoral qualification. The applicant and dependants must be financially sponsored by the UK or an overseas government.

To apply for this visa the main student must have an offer with a UKVI Sponsor institution, generally a university, college, or boarding school. A limited number of language schools also have Student Visa licences. The main Student must be granted a visa for the dependant visa to be successful. A dependant cannot apply independently.

You must be one of the following:

• a full-time student on a Postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer, as is a research level course.
• a Doctorate Extension Scheme student
• Undergraduate students are not normally permitted to bring dependants, and this has not changed.

When can you apply for a visa?
If you are applying from outside of the UK, the earliest you can apply for a Student visa is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

If you are applying from inside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

When can you travel to the UK?
You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months.

What is a CAS?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, and this can only be issued by a UKVI-approved education sponsor. UK immigration rules require the University to sponsor your application for a Student Visa (this is not the same as financial sponsorship). A CAS number confirms that the University has made you an Unconditional offer of a place to study with them and that you have accepted this and met all the relevant academic and financial conditions for your offer.