What Visa Do You Need To Study In The UK?
You need a student visa to study in the UK if you plan to study for longer than 6 months, however there are different types of visa available.
There are various things to know when applying for a visa including the type of visa you need, the documentation needed for a visa application and certain restrictions associated with the visa.
If you’re planning to study in the UK it can be difficult to know where to start. Planning your move is a great place to begin and, at The Box Co., we make it easy. We specialise in student moves and ship from 150 countries around the world so that you can get your belongings to the UK efficiently and affordably. Talk to our team today to see how we can help!
What Types Of Visa Are Available To Study In The UK?
There are a few types of visa available to study in the UK depending on your needs.
Student Visa
This is the most common visa used by people studying in the UK. The student visa is for anyone over 16 coming to the UK who:
Has been offered a place on a course by a UK institution that is a licensed student sponsor.
Can demonstrate enough money to pay for the course and support them while in the UK.
Has an acceptable level of English.
Has consent from their parents or guardian (if 16 or 17).
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
Child Student Visa
The child student visa is available for international children aged between 4-17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.
Children are eligible for the child student visa if they:
Hold an unconditional offer to study at an independent school in the UK.
Can demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for the course and to support them while in the UK.
Have the consent of their parents or guardian to study and live in the UK.
Short-Term Study Visa To Study English In The UK
This visa is suitable for those looking to study short-term in the UK on an English language course. To be eligible, the course must last longer than 6 months but not exceed 11 months. If it’s shorter, you’ll need a visitor visa whereas longer courses will require a student visa.
Short-term study visas to study English in the UK permit you to stay for the duration of your course plus an extra 30 days. However, you cannot exceed more than 11 months in total in the UK on this visa. It also does not permit you to study any other course or in any other institution during this time. Students are also not permitted to do any work outside their studies.
Visitor Visa
If you want to study in the UK for fewer than 6 months, it may be a better option to get a standard visitor visa which permits you to stay in the UK for half a year. Not all nationalities will need to get a visa to visit the UK for a short-term stay, but it is always worth checking.
This could be a good option for those looking to study in the UK for less than 6 months, take part in a school exchange programme or do a short-term recreational course.
Who Needs A Visa To Study In The UK?
Most international students coming to study in the UK will require a visa, normally a Student visa. However, there are certain exceptions if you:
Hold a full UK passport (British national (overseas) passports do not count).
Have an Irish passport.
Are entitled to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Have Settled or Pre-Settled Status in the EU Settlement Scheme.
Hold an existing visa of a different type that permits you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course.
What To Consider Before Applying For A Visa To Study In The UK
If you’re thinking of applying for a visa to study in the UK, you might want to consider the following first.
Destination
There are certain parts of the UK that are best for international students when it comes to affordability or things to do. When researching where you want to study, take into account where you want to live as well as what you want course you want to do.
Money
Living in the UK can be expensive and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’re able to support yourself financially. It’s good to have an idea of how much it costs to live as an international student in the UK so that you can make a rough budget.
Visa Restrictions
On a UK student visa, there are certain rules for international students about what they can and cannot do. Being an international student on a student visa could also make it hard to get a job. Before deciding to apply for a visa, make sure you’re clear on any restrictions so that you’re prepared.
Affordable & Flexible Student Storage in The UK With The Box Co.
Getting a visa to study in the UK can open doors to some incredible opportunities but keeping costs low during your studies can be a challenge. At The Box Co., we understand the need for affordable solutions which is why we offer student storage between terms or during the summer holidays starting from just £3.56 per box.
Our solutions are especially designed for students to offer them full flexibility, whatever their needs. And, we’ll even collect your items and deliver them straight back to your door when you need them.
Whether you’re looking for summer storage, short-term storage between moves or a secure solution between term times, we can help. Contact us today to get a quote!
