【2025 Updated】UK Student Visa Application Guide

Step by step Process, Required Documents & Financial Proof, All You Need to Know!

If you’re planning to study in the UK, whether in secondary school, a foundation programme, undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student Visa to enter and begin your studies legally.

While the application process may seem complex, it can be completed smoothly and efficiently if you’re well prepared and understand what’s required.
This guide will walk you through the 2025 UK Student Visa application process, including timeline, costs, required documents, and important steps, so you can get everything sorted with confidence.

UK Student Visa Application: Step-by-Step Overview

UK Student Visa Application Timeline & Steps

  1. Complete your school application and pay the deposit

  2. Receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

  3. Prepare all required visa documents

  4. Submit your UK Student Visa application online

  5. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

  6. Book an appointment and submit documents at the visa center (VFS Global)

📌 According to UK regulations, international students can apply for a Student Visa up to 6 months before the course start date.
Visa processing usually takes 2–3 weeks, so it’s recommended to apply at least 1 month before your course begins to avoid delays.

Types of UK Student Visas

1. Student Visa

For students aged 16 or above who have received a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a UK recognized institution. Applies to Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Foundation programmes

2. Child Student Visa

For students aged 4 to 17 enrolling in a course longer than 6 months at a UK independent (private) school.

3. Short term Study Visa

For short English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months.
⚠️ Not valid for formal degree programmes or visa extensions.

➡️ For standard study programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), students must apply for a Student Visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General visa).

Documents Required for UK Student Visa Application

Mandatory Documents

  • Valid original passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • All previous passports

  • CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, single use, valid for 6 months)

  • Proof of funds (original)
    ⚠️ Not required for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau passport holders, except for rare random checks.

Additional Documents

  • Original diploma and transcripts in English

  • English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

  • Household registration record in English (if applicable)

  • Parental financial sponsorship letter in English

  • Entry and exit records for the past 10 years

  • Previous UK visa application or refusal records (if any)

✅ Recommended to start preparing at least 3 months in advance!
To avoid delays due to incomplete documents or insufficient bank statement duration affecting visa approval.

Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa

Calculation of Required Funds:

Tuition fees + Living costs (up to 9 months)

Living cost standards:

  • London area: £1,483 per month, total £13,347 for 9 months

  • Outside London: £1,136 per month, total £10,224 for 9 months

If you have already paid a tuition deposit or received a scholarship, the amount can be deducted from the required financial proof.

If you have a pre-sessional course, you need to add the tuition fees and living costs for that period separately.

Important Notes for Financial Proof:

  • Only bank deposit accounts in TWD or foreign currencies are accepted. Stocks, funds, bonds, or other assets are not accepted. The account holder can be the student or the parents.

  • Funds must be held continuously for at least 28 consecutive days without dropping below the required amount.

  • The required amount must be deposited at least one month before the visa application.

  • There must be transaction records (such as any deposit) in the account within one week before submitting the visa application to show recent activity.

  • Within 1-2 days before the visa application, you must obtain an official bank statement in English (including transaction details and balance) or have your passbook pages translated by a professional agency.

  • If using a parent’s account, an English copy of the household registration and a financial support consent letter signed by the parent must be provided.

  • If applying for a bank loan, an English loan certificate can be submitted as proof.

    Financial Evidence Monthly Living Expenses Living Expenses for 9 Months
    London Area £1,483 £13,347
    Outside London Area £1,136 £10,224

Important Points for Applying for a UK Student Visa

  • Applicants must submit one photocopy of all original documents, including passport, highest academic transcript, CAS, financial evidence, and English proficiency test scores.
  • All original documents will be returned to the applicant after review.
  • If any documents are not in English, a certified translation must be provided.
  • Visa processing time typically takes 5 to 15 working days.

UK Student Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Prepare Basic Documents

  • CAS Statement (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

  • Credit card for online payments

  • Household registration translated into English

  • Parent details in English: names and dates of birth

  • UK residence address during your studies

  • Valid passport, including all previous passports

Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application Form

  • Visit the UK government website (UKVI) via the link to register and fill in the appropriate form:

    • Child Student Visa ：for applicants under 18 enrolling in courses longer than 6 months

    • Student Visa ：for those enrolling in undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee and IHS

  • Submit your visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) securely online using your credit card.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents Online

  • Prepare and attach digital copies of your documents as required in the application portal.

Step 5: Schedule a Submission Appointment

  • Book an appointment at VFS Global (Taipei visa application center)

  • Print the VFS appointment confirmation and document checklist

Step 6: Submit Documents In Person

On your appointment day, bring:

Required Documents:

  • Original passport and copy

  • Secondary ID (e.g., national ID or health insurance card)

  • Printed VFS appointment confirmation and document checklist

Supporting Documents (bring as available):

  • Translated transcripts and diploma

  • English language test score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

  • CAS statement

  • Proof of your UK accommodation

  • Optional: translated household registration, financial documents, etc.

On site Process:

  • Submit documents

  • Provide biometrics: fingerprints and photograph

UK Student Visa Application Fees

  • UK Visa Application Fee: £524

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
    (Paid in full based on total visa duration)

  • Visa Document Delivery Fee: NT$331 per application
    (Waived if you choose in-person collection)

  • Priority Visa Processing Fee: NT$20,800 per application

Frequently Asked Questions | UK Student Visa

Q1: I have paid my full tuition. Do I still need to provide proof of funds?
A1: Yes. Even if you have paid the full tuition, you are still required to show proof of sufficient funds for living expenses.

Q2: Does the bank statement have to be from a savings (current) account? Can I use a fixed deposit?
A2: Yes, fixed deposits are acceptable as long as the funds are immediately accessible and meet the 28 day holding requirement.

Q3: How early can I apply for a UK Student Visa?
A3: You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date, but it’s recommended to start preparing at least 3 months in advance.

Q4: Do I need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate?
A4: Taiwanese passport holders are generally exempt. However, if you have stayed in a high risk country for more than 6 months, a TB test may be required.

Conclusion: Prepare Early, Get Your UK Student Visa Smoothly!

The key to a successful UK student visa application lies in having complete documents, meeting the financial proof requirements, and following the correct procedures.
Financial proof for the UK student visa can be quite detailed and strict, so it’s highly recommended to prepare early to avoid last-minute deposits that might cause rejection or delays.
If the process feels overwhelming, consider seeking professional consultant assistance to ensure a smooth and successful application on the first try!

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