Student visa : How do I get one for the UK?

The UK remains the 2nd favorite destination for international students, attracted by its prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge. With the Brexit, the question of how to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland now arises. Rest assured, it’s still possible to study in these countries, but you’ll need a solid application, both for university admission and to obtain your student visa. And don’t forget the importance of taking out student health insurance. This will be important in covering your medical expenses during your stay. Indeed, the NHS no longer covers all European students since the Brexit.

Understanding student visa types

There are several types of visa for studying in the UK, depending on the length of stay and the age of the student. Here are the different types of student visa available in England:

• Tier 4 (General) student visa The Tier 4 General Visa is the most common student visa. This type of visa is designed for students aged 16 or over who wish to study at university for more than 6 months in England.

• Tier 4 Student Visa (Dependent) The Tier 4 Visa (Dependent) is a type of student visa intended for family members, known as dependents, wishing to accompany or stay with the student in the UK during their period of study.

• Level 4 student visa (Child) This option is reserved for children (aged between 4 and 17) wishing to study in England at an independent school.

• The standard visitor visa Reserved for student visitors under 17 years of age and for a study period not exceeding 6 months.

• Short-term study visa Open to students over the age of 18 wishing to undertake a short-term study program in England. This can be up to 6 months for a short-term study program, and up to 11 months for English language studies or a short research period.

Conditions of eligibility

To be eligible for a student visa, you must meet several criteria:

• A confirmed offer of admission: You must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a recognized educational establishment in the UK.
• Proof of financial resources: You must demonstrate that you can cover the cost of tuition and living in the UK (approximately £1,334 per month for London and £1,023 per month for other regions).
• Sufficient level of English: You’ll need to take an approved English test, such as IELTS, and meet the minimum requirements.
• A valid passport: Your travel document must be up to date.

The cost of a student visa in England

The cost of a student visa in England depends on the type of visa and the duration of the study program chosen. As a general rule, for a Tier 4 (general) visa, the application fee is £363. In addition, an annual fee of £475 is charged for the “immigration health surcharge”. This surcharge gives access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Can I work in the UK on a student visa?

Many international students in the UK choose to work part-time or do an internship alongside their studies. For most programs, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. Before looking for a job, it’s important to check the conditions of your visa and biometric residence permit. You should also check your university’s rules on the types of work you can do and the number of hours you can work.

European students: if you are considering part-time employment in the UK, this could affect your entitlement to reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge. Make sure you take this information into account when thinking about working alongside your studies.

For more information on permitted hours and types of work, visit the UKCISA website.

Common challenges and solutions

Students can face a number of challenges when applying for a visa, but solutions exist for all of them. If you lack financial proof, check the amounts required and make sure your bank statements cover the required period, usually 28 consecutive days. To avoid delays in processing your application, submit it in advance. If necessary, choose a priority processing service. Finally, if your visa application is refused, analyze the reasons for the rejection and take appropriate action by appealing or submitting a new application after correcting the problems identified.

How do I get a scholarship?

Enrolling in a university often involves substantial tuition fees, plus the financial requirements for obtaining a visa, including the amount of money you’ll need to prove in your bank account. To meet these expenses, it is possible to apply for a scholarship. In the UK, several scholarships are available, such as Chevening Scholarships or Commonwealth Scholarships. To be eligible for these scholarships, you need to meet two main conditions. Firstly, you must register as a full-time student at a university in your home country, and then be accepted at a university in the UK. These scholarships can ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

International health insurance for French students in the UK

Since the UK left the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) no longer covers French students studying in the UK. Consequently, it is imperative for French students to take out international health insurance before their departure. This insurance must cover medical expenses, including consultations, hospitalization and emergency care, which the NHS (National Health Service) does not cover for foreign students. Some health insurances for international students include additional coverage. This may include dental care, private medicine and other health services. It’s important to find out what options are available. Taking out the right insurance will ensure that you are adequately covered for the duration of your studies in the UK.

Insurers and rates for a French student in the UK

For French students going to the UK, taking out international health insurance has become essential since the expiry of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Several insurers offer suitable solutions, including Mondassur, Chapka Assurances, April International, Assur Travel and ASFE, with packages covering medical care, repatriation assistance and civil liability. Rates vary according to the coverage chosen, but generally start from €27 per month for basic coverage. Compare offers to choose the one that best suits your needs during your stay in the UK.