Study in UK | UK Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Processing | Y-Axis

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in the UK

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  • Get complete support with student visa process.
  • Option to work in UK after graduation.

Pursue Your Higher Education In One Of The UK Universities

The UK has traditionally been one of the world’s leading educational destinations boasting of centuries-old universities that have a legacy of producing the finest minds in the world.

Today, the UK remains one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education in a welcoming environment.
Y-Axis helps students at every step of their UK admissions process. We have the experience and comprehensive service package to make your student journey stress-free.

Y-Axis provides expert guidance for UK Student Visa, assisting you to begin your education at the right time, in the best possible university.

The UK is second to the US as the favored destination for international students. The UK has some of the best ranked universities in the world, some of which appear in the world university rankings.

Many sectors of higher education in the United Kingdom, such as engineering, business, management, art, design, and law, are world leaders.

Every year, over 600,000 international students come to the country to pursue a variety of academic programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs.

The degrees offered by the UK higher education institutes are recognized worldwide. Students from UK universities get an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge at competent levels.

There are options to continue with post-graduate studies in most UK universities with some of them even promising to sponsor Tier 4 visas.

Acquiring a UK Student Visa can help you put your best foot forward, in terms of a brilliant career post your study abroad in the UK.

Why Study In The UK ?

The United Kingdom (UK) and its universities have an undisputed reputation for academic excellence and quality. Thousands of courses are available for international students that want to study in UK. The UK is an ideal destination for many decades, for over a million international students from all over the world.

  • Affordable education
  • Internationally recognized courses and qualifications
  • Innovative and abundant research opportunities
  • Healthy and safe communities
  • Scholarships and financial support
  • Multicultural nation
  • The best possible place to study and learn English
  • Choose from over 50,000 courses in more than 25 subject areas
  • Shorter courses which indicate reduction in tuition fees and accommodation costs
  • Possible to work while you study

Cost Of Studying In The UK:

The tuition fees vary between 4 countries that comprise the UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The fees for study in UK depend on the type of program you choose and the university you decide to study at as well as where in the UK do you plan to study. Studying in the United Kingdom is a good return on investment, the average costs in the UK are comparatively lower than in Australia or the United States.

UK graduates are among the most employable in the world.

With an overall score of 96.7, University of Oxford is at #7 among the Top 10 universities in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.

International students can expect to pay somewhere between £10,000 and £26,000 annually. Another £800 – £1,300 a month will be required by the international student monthly for covering accommodation and other living costs.

Typically, a study in UK undergraduate degree course will last for 3 years.

Medical degrees at UK Universities might cost more.

Many of the UK Master’s degrees might be completed in 1 year, thereby amounting to lower living costs and subsequent faster entry into employment. Do check the cost of course fees with the UK college or university you are applying to. Generally, the information will be mentioned on their official website.

Study Program Average Tuition fee in GBP (£)
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree £6,000 to £16,000 yearly
Postgraduate master’s degree £10,000 to £20,000 yearly
Doctoral Degree £13,000 to £29,000 yearly
Upcoming Intakes In The Uk

The academic year in the UK runs from September to July. Generally, UK Universities and Colleges have 3 intakes. Some of them might also refer to an intake as a term.

The 3 intakes available in the UK are:

Intake 1: Term 1 – It commences in September/October and is the major intake

Intake 2: Term 2 – It commences in January/February intake is also available

Intake 3: Term 3 – It commences in May/June and is available for selected Courses.

Work Authorization For Students:
Student Applicant:
  • Students must be over 18 years of age
  • International students who study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at a recognised university on a Student Visa are allowed to work part-time during term for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during the holidays.
  • Each higher education institution has clearly defined semesters throughout the academic year, including specific breaks for holidays. During these breaks, you can work full-time at your job if you wish.
Spouse:

Dependent Visa holders can work freely in the UK however they are not allowed to work as a doctor in training. If your dependent spouse is highly skilled and secures sponsorship with a Tier 2 licensed employer on his or her own account please note that they will not be able to ‘switch’ in country to a Tier 2 General Visa.

UK Student Visa Requirements:

  • A valid passport or any other documentation for travel
  • Proof of funds to cater to your living costs during your course
  • Funds need to be maintained for 28 days (tuition fees + living cost)
  • CAS reference number – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
  • Documents used for obtaining the CAS
  • Color photographs of passport size
  • If needed, screening for Tuberculosis
  • Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application

Post study work options

  • International students in the UK on a valid Tier 4 visa are allowed to stay in the country after finishing their education if they have a job offer worth at least GBP 20,800 per year.
  • To stay in the UK, such students can move from a Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 2 General Visa with a five-year validity period.
  • Students’ post-study work experience will assist them apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom.
Bringing Dependent Family Members To The UK:

On the dependent visa, your family members including your spouse and dependents will be able to join you or stay with you while you study in UK.

Definition of dependent:

  • Husband, wife or civil partner
  • Same-gender partner
  • Children under the age of 18 and children born in the UK during your stay

You will be eligible to bring a dependent provided you are:

  • Sponsored by a higher education institute for a Level 7 course with a duration of 9 months or more
  • Doing a government-sponsored course that has more than 6 months duration
  • Doctorate students on an extension scheme
UK Student Dependent Visa:
When to apply for a dependent visa

A dependent can apply at the same time as the UK Student Visa applicant or after the student has obtained the result of their application for a visa.

When the applicant has applied for further leave to stay in the UK after their study in UK and has not yet obtained a ruling, family members will have to wait until his permit is approved before submitting their permit for entry clearance.

Where to apply

Like for a Student Visa application, dependents should apply for nationality or country of residence in their country. The application will be filed online. For each dependent, a separate application must be completed.

In most countries, an appointment to attend the visa application center for biometrics enrolment and submission of supporting documents is booked as part of the online applications.

Financial requirements

Dependents who apply for a visa must have ample funds to meet the cost of living in the UK. It is £680 per month for which the visa is valid, up to a maximum of 9 months. That is a total of £6,120 per dependent if the visa is granted for a period of 9 months or more (9 x £680).

A bank statement or bank letter can be required to satisfy this requirement, and the funds must be kept in the name of the student or the name of the spouse/partner. If the UK Student Visa holder has an official sponsor that covers the living expenses of any dependent, a letter from the sponsor stating this may be submitted to meet the financial criteria.

After You Graduate:
  • Graduated international students in the UK on a valid student visa are permitted to stay in the UK if they hold a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP 20,800
  • The students are needed to switch to a Tier 2 General Visa after study in UK which lasts up to five years in order to stay in the UK upon completing their studies
  • The work experience students gain while working may help them in qualifying for permanent residence, provided their annual income must be at least GBP 35,000

How can Y-Axis help you

  • Advise you on the documentation that will be required for the visa
  • Advise you on how the funds needed for the visa need to be shown
  • Complete the application process
  • Review your documents needed for the visa application
Top UK Universities

Top universities in the UK as per QS World University Rankings.

QS Ranking University Name
2 University of Oxford
3* University of Cambridge
7 Imperial College London
8* UCL
16 The University of Edinburgh
27* The University of Manchester
35 King’s College London
49 The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
61 The University of Warwick
62 University of Bristol
73 University of Glasgow
77 University of Southampton
82* Durham University
90 University of Birmingham
91 University of St Andrews
92 University of Leeds
95 The University of Sheffield
103 University of Nottingham
117 Queen Mary University of London
132 Lancaster University
134 Newcastle University
149 The University of Exeter
151* Cardiff University
151* University of York
166 University of Bath
189* University of Liverpool
202 University of Reading
205 University of Aberdeen
216* Queen’s University Belfast
226* University of Sussex
231 Loughborough University
236* University of Leicester
270* Heriot-Watt University
272* University of Surrey
302 University of Strathclyde
307 University of East Anglia (UEA)
322* University of Dundee
330* City, University of London
332* Birkbeck, University of London
334* Royal Holloway University of London
351* Brunel University London
383* University of Kent
391* SOAS University of London
429* Oxford Brookes University
439 Essex, University of
440* Swansea University
461* Goldsmiths, University of London
471* University of Stirling
485* Aston University
541-550 Aberystwyth University
601-650 Bangor University
601-650 Coventry University
601-650 Kingston University, London
601-650 University of Plymouth
651-700 Ulster University
651-700 University of Hull
651-700 University of Portsmouth
701-750 Middlesex University
701-750 Northumbria University at Newcastle
701-750 University of Bradford
701-750 University of Huddersfield
701-750 University of Westminster
751-800 Bournemouth University
751-800 Keele University
751-800 University of Greenwich
801-1000 De Montfort University
801-1000 Edinburgh Napier University
801-1000 Liverpool John Moores University
801-1000 London Metropolitan University
801-1000 London South Bank University
801-1000 Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
801-1000 Nottingham Trent University
801-1000 Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
801-1000 Robert Gordon University
801-1000 University of Brighton
801-1000 University of Central Lancashire
801-1000 University of East London
801-1000 University of Hertfordshire
801-1000 University of Lincoln
801-1000 University of Salford
801-1000 University of the West of England

*Tied.

Top Courses
FAQ
What exams are required to study in the UK?

Overseas students must pass one or multiple tests prior to being considered for admission by the majority of the Universities in the UK. These include standardised college and graduate admission tests like SAT, GMAT, and GRE. English language tests like IELTS and TOEFL are also included.

What are the requirements to study in the UK?

The entry requirements for studying in the UK are diverse based on the type of study you have selected.

Degree

  • Qualifications on par with 2 or 3 UK A-levels, 3 or 4 Scottish Highers, Diploma or Higher National Certificate, or National Diploma BTEC or an overseas foundation year
  • IELTS bands score 6.0 to 6.5

Pre-master’s

  • Undergraduate degree
  • IELTS bands score 5.0 to 5.5

PG Dip /PG Cert

  • Undergraduate degree
  • IELTS bands score 5.0 to 5.5

Master’s degree

  • First/ Upper second class Undergraduate degree
  • IELTS bands score 7.0

MBA

  • First degree
  • IELTS bands score 6.0 – 7.0
  • 2-3 years of business experience

PhD

  • Master’s degree

•    IELTS bands score 6.5 – 7.0

How much does a UK student visa cost?

For the General Student Visa [Tier 4], the applicant will have to pay £348 when applying from outside the UK. An additional £348 per person will have to be paid for any dependents that will be accompanying the principal applicant to the UK.

How long does it take to get a UK student visa?

You can expect a decision within 3 weeks of submission of your UK student visa application.

How can I go from India to London to study?

In order to go to London from India for studies you must:

  • Identify a course from out of the 30,000 plus courses that the London City has to offer
  • Prepare and submit an application for admission and the application process for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees is not the same
  • Check if you qualify
  • Submit an application with all the required documents
How can I get the UK Study Visa from India?

UK Student Visas are offered based on a system of points. You can apply for the Visa maximum 3 months prior to the commencement of your course. You will have to provide the following for fulfilling all the requirements for the UK Study Visa:

  • Your passport details
  • Latest photograph
  • An unconditional offer of a place on a course provided by an accredited Tier 4 Sponsor that is evidenced by a CAS – ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ from the course provider
  • Evidence of adequate skills in the English language by passing in one of the authorized tests such as IELTS with required band scores
  • Evidence of having adequate monetary support through the entire stay in the UK
  • You may also require an ATAS certificate if you are studying a sensitive subject and are Swiss/EEA/non-EU student
  • Evidence of monetary support can be in the form of statements from the bank or a letter from the sponsor demonstrating that you can cater to living costs, accommodation and tuition fees
  • You may also be needed to offer documents for your academic qualifications and to attend an interview/biometric test including a digital scan of your fingerprints
  • You may also be needed to have specific medical vaccinations or undergo a test for Tuberculosis based on your nation of origin
Can I work in the UK with Student Visa?

You are permitted to work in the UK with the Student Visa if you study at a College or University that is listed both on the list of accredited bodies and the official list of UKVI Sponsor.

Overseas students are permitted to work part-time for 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during vacations. They must be studying a full-time Post-graduate or Undergraduate course at a recognized University.

What are the post-study work options?

International students who complete their undergraduate or postgraduate degree would be able to stay back in the UK for up to 2 years to look for work. They can take up any type of job with no restrictions.

Are colleges and universities in the UK accepting applications from overseas students?

Colleges and universities in the UK are open and are accepting online applications from international students.

Which tests are required to study in the UK?

Study in the UK requires one or multiple tests prior to admission in the majority of the Universities in the UK. These include standardized college and graduate admission tests like SAT, GMAT, and GRE. English language tests like IELTS and TOEFL are also included.

Exams

Average Score

IELTS

6 and above

PTE

65-75

GRE

Score Over 163/780


*Note:
The IELTS score test differs based on the type of UK student visa you apply for

Visa type

IELTS requirement

Tier 4 (General) student visa – below degree level and pre-sessional courses

IELTS 6 or more /IELTS for UKVI more than 4.0 –  overall, and in each of the four skills

Tier 4 (General) student visa – UG, PG, Ph.D. courses

IELTS 6-7 and IELTS for UKVI 4.5-5.5 – overall, and in each of the four skills

What are the requirements to study in the UK?

The requirements to study in the UK differs based on the type of study course you have selected.

Undergraduate level

  • Original academic transcripts of 10+2 education (Recommended to have a minimum of 55+%)
  • IELTS bands score 6.0 to 6.5 or UKVI IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 
  • Commendable CV
  • LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • Passport and other ID proof
  • Proof of the Funds
  • Biometric residence permit
  • COVID vaccination certificate

Master’s degree

  • Original Academic transcripts of Undergraduate levels (Recommended to have a minimum of 55+%)
  • IELTS bands score 7.0 or UKVI IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 
  • Commendable CV
  • LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • Passport and other ID proof
  • Proof of the Funds
  • Biometric residence permit
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
  • COVID vaccination certificate

MBA

  • Original Academic transcripts of Undergraduate levels (Recommended to have a minimum of 55+%)
  • IELTS bands score 6.0 – 7.0
  • 2-3 years of business experience
  • Commendable CV
  • LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
  • Passport and other ID proof
  • Biometric residence permit
  • Proof of the Funds
  • COVID vaccination certificate

PhD

  • IELTS bands score 6.5 – 7.0
  • Original Academic transcripts of Undergraduate levels and Graduate levels (Recommended to have a minimum of 55+%)
  • Commendable Resume
  • LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • Passport and other ID proof
  • Proof of the Funds
  • Biometric residence permit
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
  • COVID vaccination certificate
How much does a UK student visa cost?

For the General Student Visa (Tier 4), the applicant must pay £348 when applying from outside the UK. An additional £348 per person will have to be paid for any dependents accompanying the principal applicant to the UK.

Type of Visa

Visa Duration

Who can Apply

Application Fees

Short-term study visa

6 months

Applicants above 16 years

97 GBP for 6 months

11 months

Enrolling in 6-month Short Course  in UK institution

186 GBP for 11 months

Enrolling in 11-month English Language Course

Tier 4 student visa (General)

Duration of the program + 1 month

Applicants above 16 years

348 GBP

Enrolling in course longer than 6 months

Tier 4 student visa (child)

Under 16: 6yrs + 4 months

Applicants aged between 4 and 17 years

348 GBP

How long does it take to get a UK student visa?

Generally, the processing time for the UK student visa is a minimum of 3 weeks after the submission of the visa application.

How can I go from India to London to study?

Indians can study in London by following the below steps:

  • Identify the right course and the university offered in the London City
  • Arrange the list of requirements
  • Submit an application for admission in the Universities you choose in London city. You need to make a note that the application process for undergraduate and postgraduate courses is not the same.
  • After receiving admission, you need to apply for a Student visa based on the curse duration.
  • Attend the visa interview.
How can I get a UK Study Visa from India?

UK Student Visas are offered based on a system of points. You can apply for the Visa maximum three months prior to the commencement of your course. You will have to provide the following for fulfilling all the requirements for the UK Study Visa:

  • Your passport details
  • Latest photograph
  • An unconditional offer of a place on a course provided by an accredited Tier 4 Sponsor that is evidenced by a CAS – ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ from the course provider
  • Evidence of adequate skills in the English language by passing in one of the authorized tests such as IELTS with required band scores
  • Evidence of having adequate monetary support through the entire stay in the UK
  • You may also require an ATAS certificate if you are studying a sensitive subject and are a Swiss/EEA/non-EU student
  • Evidence of monetary support can be in the form of statements from the bank or a letter from the sponsor demonstrating that you can cater to living costs, accommodation, and tuition fees
  • You may also be needed to offer documents for your academic qualifications and to attend an interview/biometric test, including a digital scan of your fingerprints.

You may also be needed to have specific medical vaccinations or undergo a test for Tuberculosis based on your nation of origin.

Can I work in the UK with Student Visa?

You are permitted to work in the UK with a Student Visa if you study at a College or University that is listed both on the list of accredited bodies and the official list of UKVI sponsors.

Overseas students are permitted to work part-time for 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during vacations. They must be studying a full-time Post-graduate or Undergraduate course at a recognized University.

What are the post-study work options?

As per the recent updates from the UK Visas and Immigration, from 1 July 2021, international students who have completed an Undergraduate or Master’s degree will be able to benefit from two years of post-study work options.

International students who complete their undergraduate or postgraduate degree would be able to stay back in the UK for up to 2 years to look for work. They can take up any type of job with no restrictions.

Are colleges and universities in the UK accepting applications from overseas students?

Colleges and universities in the UK are open and accept online applications from international students.

What is the Academic percentage required to study in the UK?

To study in the UK, you need to score above 55 percent in your academics. Because of the universities in the UK will consider candidates having more than 55 percent for any type of courses. 

Do UK universities accept 15 years of education?

Yes, because the minimum years of education required to study in the UK is 12 years. Hence, UK universities will accept 15 years of education. 

Do the UK universities accept the profiles with a long education gap and backlogs?

Yes, these profiles are accepted with a proper statement of purpose. But you need to note that highly reputed universities will not consider the applicants with backlogs even though they have good GRE/GMAT scores. UK universities are quite lenient while accepting applicants with backlogs.

Do the UK universities accept the profiles which are holding distance education?

Yes, most UK Universities accept Distance education, but it should be from a recognized university. 

Can the student waive off the IELTS exam if the student holds more than 70 percent in the 10th and 12th standards?

An interview is conducted based on the university requirement of IELTS score. There is NO waiver of the IELTS exam, and it is mandatory to score at least 6.0 overall or any other equivalent test. IELTS waiver is not possible because your profile will be shortlisted mainly based on the IELTS score.

Is there a one-year Master's course in The UK?

Yes, many universities are offering 1-year courses for Masters in the UK. Select one among them that suits your requirements. 

How many intakes are offered in the UK?

There are two intakes in the UK:  

  • September/October (Major)
  • January /February (Minor)
  • Some universities may offer April /May intake for the limited courses
What is the cost of the application fee for UK universities?

Most UK universities are not charging any application fees. 

When can I receive the decision of admission from the UK universities?

Generally, it takes 10-15 days to receive the admission decision. But some universities in the UK take 30 days to give their decision on admissions. As the UK study application system is quite sorted and simple, you can receive the decision within a few days. 

What is CAS in the UK, when it is required, what is the procedure to get it, and who will provide it?

CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

According to the UK immigration rules, the University has to sponsor your application for a student visa (this is not the same as financial sponsorship). For this, you need a CAS number to apply for a student visa, which allows you to study in the UK. After receiving the admission letter, students need to confirm their acceptance at the preferred university as per the timelines mentioned by the university.

Some universities may ask for tuition fee/admission confirmation fees. They will also request students to show the financial documents that will cover their tuition fees. Once the student confirms their admission, universities will release the CAS letter. After receiving the CAS letter, students can apply for their respective student visas.

Is it possible to submit the visa application without a CAS number?

It is not possible to apply for a student visa without a CAS number. CAS number is mandatory to get your student visa.

Do UK universities accept Duolingo scores?

Recently few UK universities are accepting Duolingo test scores. So, you need to go through the UK university requirements carefully before filling out the application.

What is the estimated tuition fee for one year to study in the UK?

The fee for UG and PG courses are given approximately

  • Free for UG: GBP 10,000 to GBP 25,000 per year
  • Fee for PG: GBP 13,000 to GBP 20,000 per year 
What is the estimated living cost for one year in the UK?

It depends where you reside in the UK. If you reside in

  • Inside London: 9 Months funds (1334*9) =12006 GBP.
  • Outside London : 9 Months funds(1023*9) =9207 GBP.

Note: For visa purposes- 1 YR + 1 Yr living expenses should be maintained for 28 days consecutively in your account.

Can students apply for a Master's in the UK if they have already done a Master's in India/some other country?

Yes, they can apply for the Master’s program again, but they need to present proper justification for it in their SOPs.

Can students work part-time in the UK?

Yes, students are allowed to work in the UK for 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. 

What are the different types of Student Visas?

There are four different types of student visas 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
  • Tier 4 (Child) student visa: Students aged between four and 17 who have been offered a course at a UK educational institution
  • Short-term study visa: Students who have been offered a place in a short-term course in the UK, such as an English language course or training course
  • Tier 4 (General) student visa: Students who have been offered a place in a course at a UK educational institution.
How to find part-time jobs in the UK?

The best way to find a part-time job in the UK is on campus. The on-campus work opportunities include administrative jobs at the university or teaching assistants. You need to stay connected with your unit’s placement or career center. They regularly update their notice board.

For off-campus jobs, look for vacancies on online portals like:

  • Student Job
  • Employment4Student
  • Careers Group London, etc.

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