Securing admission to study in the UK is yet one of two crucial milestones to fulfilling your British education dream.
The second, and arguably the more onerous, is obtaining a study visa that gives your permission to legally enter and study within British borders.
This article will review the requisite documentation for your visa application process, handy tips for the process as well as potential pitfalls that could prejudice the strength of your visa application.
The Basic Documents Required for UK Study Visa Application include:
• Your current valid International passport.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university or course provider.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (living costs) and pay for your course – subject to variation depending on the course of study
• Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent, if you’re under 18 years of age and proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian.
• Tuberculosis test results
• A written consent for your application from your financial sponsor, if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
• In some circumstances, you may need to present a valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course and nationality require it.
To augment the strength of your application, the following tips are recommended:
• It is highly exigent that you provide proof of sufficient funds in line with the requirements of your visa. This cannot be overstressed as most UK Study Visa rejections are consequence of failing to meet financial criteria.
• It is important that the funds are proven to be accessible and is present withun yout account or that of your sponsor(s) for at least 28 continuous days prior to submission of your visa application. It is important that the amount is not compromised such that it drops below the required level.
• If you are funded by a loan or Sponsorship, provide evidence directly form the company.
• You must prove your knowledge of English when you apply. You can do this by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18.
It is possible to have depenedents including your spouse, common-law partner or children join you in the UK if you fall under the following categories:
• You are a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that is for a period of 9 months or longer.
• You are a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months.
• You are Doctorate Extension Scheme student
You will have to provide additional proof of financial evidence for each of your dependents.
The following are common pitfalls culminating in UK Study Visa rejections:
• Not complying strictly with visa requirements especially as related to proof of funds.
• Not submitting ALL the required documentation. Ensure your provide ATAS if required.
• Failure to include original documents and only providing photocopies or printouts.
• Failure to respond to email or telephone queries from the UK Home Office during th application process.
Contact JAPAFORA on our official channels for assistance on your UK Admission and Study Visa Applications.
