Student visa – a requirement to study in the UK after Brexit if you’re an EU national without the (pre-)settled status

As you may already know, due to Brexit, all EU nationals who don’t have a (pre-)settled status in the UK, similarly to all international (non-EU) applicants, need a visa to be able to live, work and/or study in the UK. 

If you are not a British citizen, nor have a (pre-)settled status, and are willing to start studying at a British university (and will be able to cover all the costs described in this article by yourself), you’ll have to apply for a student visa, previously known as a Tier 4 Visa.

In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for it, when to do it, what requirements you need to meet to get it, how much it will cost you as well as what you can and cannot do in the UK once you arrive there on your visa.

Requirements

Here’s the list of everything you need for your visa application:

  • your passport;
  • a letter confirming your place at the British university;
  • passed IELTS UKVI test proving that you meet the minimum requirement regarding your command of English.

Additionally, you may have to prove (however, it happens very rarely) that you possess sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs.

Visa application – costs

There are 3 things that you have to pay for as part of your visa application:

  • application itself: £348;
  • health insurance for all years of studies upfront: £470 per year;
  • IELTS UKVI: £190

This means that if you apply for a 3-year-long Bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to pay £1,948 in total. A 1-year-long Master’s degree, on the other hand, will cost you a bit less – £1,008 in total.

How and where to apply?

In most cases, you can do it using a special app on your phone. The same applies to verifying your identity – if you have a biometric passport, your phone will be enough. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to the visa centre in your current country of residence.

When should I apply?

You can start the process no earlier than 6 months before the start of your academic year, and you’ll wait around 3 weeks for the decision. It’s wise not to leave it until 1-2 months before the start, though.

When can I move to the UK?

Assuming that your degree takes more than 6 months to complete, you’ll be able to move to the United Kingdom no earlier than a month before the start of your first academic year.

What can I do in the UK? And what can’t I?

On your student visa, you are obliged to study. You can work during your studies, too. However, all the details (such as when and how often), depend on your chosen course, time of the year, etc. 

Here’s the list of all the things you’re not allowed to do while living in the UK based on your student visa:

  • do certain jobs;
  • work as a self-employed person
  • receive benefits;
  • study at the institution other than your university based on which you received your student visa.

Don’t worry, though. When receiving your visa, you’ll get all the details about things you can and cannot do in the United Kingdom.

What happens after I graduate?

As a graduate of the British university, you can apply for a graduate visa which will enable you to stay in the UK:

  • for 2 years after your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree;
  • for 3 years after your PhD studies.

In the meantime, you can work and/or look for a job.

Alternatively, you can switch your student visa to some other, depending on your circumstances.

Any questions?

We know it’s not an easy and nice topic. That’s why you can always text us via messenger (or e-mail [email protected] for Bachelor’s degree-related questions or [email protected] in case of your interest in a Master’s degree) to discuss all your problems, questions, and even the smallest doubts. Our post-application support includes support with visa application.