Is The UK Still Accepting International Students?

Yes, the UK is still accepting international students as long as they have the correct visa and meet the specific requirements.

Not only that, the UK is a hotspot for international students, attracting people from all over the world with their prestigious courses, high-quality education and diverse offering.

If you’re an international student moving to the UK, why not make your student life as flexible as possible? At The Box Co. we organise affordable student storage from just £3.56 per month to keep your items safe during holidays, term time or whenever you need. Get a personalised quote today!

Who Can Be Accepted As An International Student In The UK? 

You can be accepted as an international student in the UK if you have a valid student visa and if you fulfil the following criteria:

1. You’re aged 16 or over (16 and 17-year-olds will need consent from their parents)
2. You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
3. You can demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself while you’re in the UK
4. You have a certain level of English (comprehension, verbal and written).

If you are thinking about studying in the UK on a course that is more than 6 months, you will need to apply for a student visa and meet all the requirements.

How Can You Get Accepted As An International Student In The UK?

There are a few steps to get accepted as an international student in the UK.

Choose Where To Study

You’ll need to choose to study at an institution that is registered by the UK government as a ‘licensed student sponsor’. When choosing where to study, there are a huge range of options for international students.

Whether you’re looking for prestige, a specific degree or a UK university with the most international students, there is something to suit everyone. 

Pick A Course

The UK offers a range of courses spanning hundreds of subjects. To apply as an international student, you’ll need to do a course that is either: 

1. Full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level with a minimum of 15 hours of study time a week
2. Full-time course leading to a degree-level or above qualification
3. Full-time course at degree-level or above equivalent to UK higher education but being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
4. Part-time course leading to a qualification higher than degree level
5. English language course at B2 or above level
6. Full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer

To apply for your chosen course, you will also need to meet the English language requirements.

Get An Offer

Before applying for a student visa, you’ll need to receive an unconditional offer to study on a course and be able to show a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your education provider. You need to apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

What Documents Do You Need To Be Accepted As An International Student In The UK? 

When applying for a student visa, you’ll need to provide certain documents to be accepted as an international student in the UK including:

1. A valid passport or other acceptable travel document
2. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen educational provider
3. Proof of sufficient funds to pay for your course and support yourself while in the UK (circumstance-dependent)
4. A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate (ATAS) where relevant
5. Proof of consent from parent or legal guardian and proof of your relationship to them if you’re under 18
6. Tuberculosis test results (for certain countries)
7. Written consent from your financial sponsor for those who have been sponsored for course fees and living costs in the last year.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply To Be An International Student In The UK?

There are various costs when it comes to applying to be an international student in the UK. First, you will need to pay an application fee to apply for a student visa. The price of this is £524 if you’re applying from outside the UK. If you’re already in the UK and applying to extend or switch to a student visa, the fee is also £524.

In many cases, you will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your visa application. The amount you pay will depend on how long your visa will be for.

As well as these up-front costs, you will need to consider your living costs while in the UK. Some areas in the UK are the cheapest cities for international students and offer more affordable living but it will depend what your priorities are. Before moving, have a set budget in mind to help keep your living costs in check.

You’ll also need to consider getting you and your things over to the UK. The Box Co. offers affordable international shipping to over 150 countries around the world and can also offer low-cost student storage if you’re between places. 

What Can You Do As An International Student In The UK?

There are certain things to be aware of during your time as an international student in the UK based on legal restrictions. As your visa is designed for you to study, you are of course permitted to study as well as work as a student union sabbatical officer. You may be able to get a job but there are restrictions around this so that it doesn’t affect your studying.

Here are some things you are unable to do as an international student in the UK:

1. Claim benefits or pension
2. Work in particular jobs that are restricted by the student visa (e.g. professional sportsperson)
3. Be self-employed
4. Study at an institution that is not approved by the government as a licensed student sponsor.

Flexible Student Storage For International Students With The Box Co.

If you’re moving to the UK as an international student, you’ll want maximum flexibility when it comes to storing your items between term time. 

At The Box Co., we understand that it can be tricky to find a safe space for your items between terms or during the summer holidays.

That’s why our student storage solutions are designed to be flexible and affordable. With prices starting from just £3.56 per storage box, including door-to-door collection and insurance, we’ve got the solution for you. Whatever you need, we can help. Contact us today to get a quote!