Seeking higher education at a UK university?

Don’t know where to start with the visa submission and other procedures?

Fret not! Here’s all the help you need.

Previously, those universities did not accept ETS language examinations like TOEFL as a share of their application process for a student visa. Nonetheless, the institutions for higher education now evaluate your English proficiency with customised skill-testing processes.

Coming back to the application for visas, the rules differ as per your origin country. If students belonging to one of the European Union countries apply to a UK university, they wouldn’t need visas.

Contrarily, a non-EU student has to apply and submit an application for permissions to both enter and attend school in the United Kingdom. This is a lengthy procedure; nonetheless, following the steps of submission chronologically will ensure a hassle-free admission to your much-desired University.

A change in the rule (for the EU students)

After March 2019, candidates from EU nations may require an entry permit for studying in a UK institution. However, if you’re applying before that, you don’t have to get worked up with any of these.

For non-EU candidates

For them, the student visa is a mandatory stipulation. The visa kind will obviously depend on your course programme. But, the procedure for application and having access to the visa is the same for both types, except for the application forms that are essentially different.

CAS for visa application

Getting accepted to an affiliated UK institution gives you access to the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) reference number. This is an essential document while applying for student visa.

Then, all you have to do is fulfil the following three steps; it will take you a step closer to your dream institution:

• Complete that CAS application form online and pay its application fee of £348.
• Visit the respective application centre to provide copies of your photograph along with your fingerprints.
• Print that application with its supporting evidence. You’ll need these during the interview appointment.

Note: If the applicant is based in North Korea, Zimbabwe, or Cuba, then contacting the British embassy in their locality to submit the form in hand is more advisable. In such circumstances, provide them with the following papers:

• Your valid passport
• CAS form
• Academic transcripts mentioned on CAS application
• Documents supporting your biometric info confirmation
• Proof of tuition fee payments
• Translate all documents (if necessary) into English with the translation date and translator’s signature

More details about the application form of CAS

The CAS form contains critical information concerning its acceptance terms that include details of your programme, personal info, and tuition fees. It also comprises your prevailing academic qualifications’ references – transcripts of high school and Bachelor’s Degree grades.

This application does not falter to mention if you must appear for English language tests as per the university rule you’re applying. All documentation mentioned along with the CAS reference number must be provided while completing your visa application. Also, the candidate has to present the hardcopy of CAS form with the completed visa application during his/her appointment for visa interview.

Is your course for six months only?

If yes, or less than that, then apply for ‘Student Visitor Visa’ that has an application fee of £97. Coming to complete a course of English in the United Kingdom for 11 months or less also requires you to have this visa. Its fee is £186.

Non-EU candidates generally do NOT require visas for such short duration courses. The Student Visitor Visa will allow them to enter the country a week before their programme’s commencement.

Make sure you apply for the visa online three months prior to the time you’ve decided to touch the UK’s land.

The general student’s visa or Tier 4 visa

Other students coming to this island nation for regular courses must have Tier 4 (general) student visa. Qualifying for this entry permit necessitates your host university to have a Tier 4 Sponsor license.

Immigration system of the United Kingdom follows the point-based structure; thus, you must have 100% score (out of 40) to be eligible for this general visa. The info appearing on that CAS in addition to those documents that CAS referenced will help you garner 30 points. The rest of its scores are given on showcasing that you can support your abroad education financially.

Note: Students applying for higher studies in Technology and Science have to accrue an ATAS accreditation, the Academic Technology Approval Scheme. And, this is necessary before completing their student visa procedure.

On submitting the application with the essential documents, the officials will decide and transmit their decision to you within 2 to 3 weeks.