Studying in the UK is a dream of many international students. Surprisingly, every year, the percentage of the UK student visa application rate is higher than the previous year. And Why not? From quality education, living conditions, part-time work to the immense advantages like PSW- Post study work permission, an international student will get everything while studying in the UK. Every year, the UKVI faces a considerable demand for the student visa. So as per the candidates’ huge demand, in this article, we will know how much is the UK student visa fee in 2024?
Eligibility to get a UK student visa 2024
You can apply for a UK student visa in the UK if you are 16 or over. Besides,
- You must have been offered a course by a licensed student sponsor. You will get an unconditional offer letter from your education provider. To prove your position, they will send you a reference number called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This number you need to mention in your visa application form.
- Sufficient money to support yourself and pay the tuition fees.
- Enough English language proficiency.
- If you’re 16 or 17, you must have consent from your parents. In this age group, you will be eligible for the Child Student Visa.
When to apply for a UK student visa 2024?
There is a time frame depending on whether a student is applying inside or outside of the UK.
Applying from inside the UK
You can apply at least 3 months before your course begins. You must apply before the expiry date of your current visa and start your new course within 28 days of the expiry of your current visa.
When can I expect a decision on the visa application?
Well, you can expect to get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.
Applying from outside the UK
You can apply for at least 6 months before the starting date of your course in the UK.
When can I expect a decision on the visa application?
You can expect to get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
How long can I stay in the UK with the student visa 2024?
Well, it depends on the length of your course duration. If you are 18 or over, and your course is at degree level, you will be able to stay in the UK for up to 5 years. Besides, a below-degree level course will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years. However, if you want to stay longer in the UK, you can extend your visa or switch to a graduate route visa.
When can I travel to the UK with a student visa?
Again, when you can travel to the UK will depend on the course duration. If your course length is six months or less, you can travel to the UK up to 1 week before. However, if your course duration is more than 6 months, you can travel to the UK up to 1 month before. But don’t travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.
How much is the UK student visa fee in 2024?
The UK student visa fee 2024 will cost around-
- £363 to apply for a student visa outside of the UK.
- £490 to extend or switch to a student visa inside of the UK.
Moreover, you must pay the student visa fee 2024 for each person that joins you. However, as the pound rate fluctuates from time to time, these rates can be changed also. So it is better to see the latest visa fee rate through the Gov.UK portal for the latest update.
What about the Healthcare surcharge fee?
As an international student, you must pay the healthcare surcharge fee as part of a student visa fee. By providing the Healthcare surcharge fee, you will be able to use the National Health Services in the UK.
How do I know if I need to pay the Healthcare Surcharge fee?
Well, you need to pay the Healthcare Surcharge with the student visa fee if you are applying for a visa for more than 6 months from outside of the UK. And it is for any length of time, if you are applying inside from the UK.
How much do I need to pay for the Healthcare Surcharge fee?
The amount usually depends on the length of your visa. However the estimated cost of per year would be around-
- £470 per year for a student visa fee as healthcare surcharge. For a 2-year visa, it will be £940.
- £470 per year for a student visa fee as IHS if you are under the age of 18 when making a visa application.
- £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications.
However, if you are applying outside of the UK for 6 months or less, you do not need to pay the surcharge.
How much do I need to pay the IHS fee if my visa is more than 6 months but less than a year?
Well, in this case, you will need to pay the full year’s healthcare surcharge fees. You cannot pay half year’s fees there.
How much IHS fee do I need to pay if my course is more than one year?
If your visa is more than a year, you may need to pay-
- If it is 18 months or less, you may need to pay the yearly cost plus half the yearly cost.
- If it is more than 18 months but less than 2 years, you will need to pay the cost of a full 2 years.
And what about the dependents? Dependents aged 18 or over, need to pay the same amount as you.
These fees are based on the latest visa fees rate. But as I mentioned before, fees ranges are inconsistent. It can be changed with the pound rate or for other reasons. So, when you apply, to make sure about the latest fees, visit the UK’s Government website. Besides, you can take help of an expert counselor from AIMS Education. He/she will update you with up-to-date information.
FAQ
How long can I travel in and out of the UK with a student visa?
Ans: As long as your visa is valid, you can travel in and out of the UK with a student visa.
What I cannot do on a student visa?
Ans: Self-employment is not allowed with a student visa. To confirm your employment status in the UK, you should be given a formal document by the employer known as ‘contract of employer’ or a ‘workers agreement’.
Can I get a UK student visa without an interview?
Ans: It depends on the circumstances actually. There are no hard and bound rules that every candidate will be interviewed before providing a visa by the UKVI.
How long does it take to get a decision on a UK student visa when applying outside of the UK?
Ans: When applying from outside of the UK, it will usually take 3 weeks to get a decision on a UK student visa.
What are the 70 points for a UK student visa?
Ans: The 70 points of a UK student visa are-
• 50 points- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
• 10 points- Financial requirements
• 10 points- English language proficiency
Do I need IELTS to get a UK student visa?
Ans: Well, IELTS is not mandatory to get a UK student visa. But when you are from a non-English speaking country, you must show the required level of English language proficiency to get the UK student visa. Besides IELTS, there are other English language proficiency tests too.
How much do I need to pay my UK student visa fee?
Ans: When you are applying outside of the UK, you need to pay £363 as a student visa fee.
Can UK student visa fees be refundable?
Ans: If you have not yet given your fingerprints and photo, you can cancel your application online and your fee will be refunded.
