UK Study Visa

The UK has traditionally been one of the world's leading educational destinations. It boasts of centuries-old universities that have a legacy of producing the finest minds in the world. Today, it remains one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education and a welcoming educational environment. It is second to the US as the favored destination for international students as it has some of the best ranked universities in the world, some of which appear in the world university rankings.

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.

•   Affordable Education

The UK is considerably a cheaper study destination than other English-speaking study abroad destinations such as the US and Australia when it comes to paying for higher education.

•   Internationally Recognized Courses & Qualifications

The UK has retained its position as a popular destination among international students owing to its long standing tradition of providing quality education. The quality of the universities in the UK means that your degree will be held in high regard by employers the world over, giving you an edge over other applicants. 

 Innovative and Abundant Research Opportunities
 The fields of clinical sciences, health & medical sciences, social sciences, business and humanities command strong emphasis in UK research 

•   Free healthcare and Healthy and Safe Communities

The National Health Service in the UK ensures that if you are studying in the UK for 6 months or more, you are able to access healthcare completely free of charge. 

•   Scholarships and Financial Support

Students who find tuition fee expensive ,for them ,the good news is there are many scholarships that you can apply to, especially at postgraduate and research level, to support your study and cost of living costs.

•   Multicultural Nation

Studying in UK is an opportunity to experience a multicultural environment, meet new people and fellow international students from across the world and discover new places.

•   Shorter courses

 In contrast to countries like the USA, you'll be able to graduate sooner, and save money on fees and accommodation too — what a great reason why you should study in the UK!

•   Work opportunities while studying –

International students who study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at a recognized university are allowed to work part-time during term for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during the holidays.

INTAKES IN THE UK
The academic year in the UK runs from September to July. There are 3 intakes in the Universities and Colleges and some of them may also refer to intake as a term.

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.

•   A valid passport or any other documentation for travel
•   Proof of funds to cater to your living costs during your course
•   CAS Letter – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
•   Documents used for obtaining the CAS
•   Colour photographs of passport size
•   If needed, screening for Tuberculosis
•   Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application

BRINGING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE UK:
On the Tier 4 dependent visa, your family members including your spouse and dependents will be able to join you or stay with you in the UK during your course of study.
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

When to apply for a dependent visa
A dependent can apply at the same time as the Tier 4 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 under Tier 4 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.

Like a Tier 4 student 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.

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 student 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.

•   Graduated International students in the UK on a valid Tier 4 visa are permitted to stay in the UK if they holds a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP 20,800
•   The students are needed to switch from a Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 2 General Visa 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