A1.1 Student Visa

Student visa

 

Application Timeline & Key Data

Period / Cycle	Data & Trends	Notes & Changes
2019 (Pre-pandemic)	• Total Chinese students studying abroad:   703,500   • UK undergraduate & postgraduate students: ~106,000 (46,000 UG, 60,000   PG)	The UK remained a key destination for   Chinese students.
2016–2019 (Cumulative)	• Total Chinese students studying abroad:   2.518 million   • Returnees after studies: 79.9%	Returning to China after studies became   the mainstream trend.
2020 (Pandemic impact)	• UK visas issued to Chinese students:   81,622   • Decrease vs. 2019 (119,231): 31%	Significant short-term decline due to   COVID-19.
2021 (Strong rebound)	• Annual visas: 119,334 (exceeded 2019   levels)   • UCAS applicants (to 29 Jan): 25,830, up 21.5% year-on-year   • 18-year-old applicants: up 33% (300% increase over 5 years)	Rapid recovery in demand; younger student   trend evident.
2022 (Continued growth)	• September UCAS applicants: 28,930   (Mainland China), up 12%   • Mainland + Hong Kong applicants: 34,940	Application numbers hit new highs.
2023–2024	• Visas (Oct 2023–Sep 2024): 103,995	Demand remained strong.
2025 (Latest)	• UCAS undergraduate applicants (Mainland   China): 33,870	Large applicant pool; sustained interest.

 

Key Trends in UK Student Mobility

1. Main Applicants: Undergraduate and      postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) applicants form the vast majority.

2. Younger Students: Rapid growth in      18-year-old applicants – more students enter UK undergraduate courses      directly after high school.

3. Regional Distribution: Significant      growth in students choosing Scotland (+87%), Northern Ireland (+79%), and      Wales (+35%), alongside traditional English destinations.

4. Popular Subjects: Fastest-growing      fields by application volume:

• Education & Teaching (+204%)

• Computer Science (+154%)

• Arts & Creative Design (+130%)

 

Current UK Study Visa Routes

• Student visa – for students      aged 16+ pursuing further/higher education.

• Child Student visa – for      children aged 4–17.

• Short-term Study Visa – for      English language courses (up to 11 months) or short courses.

• Standard Visitor Visa – for      short study periods (e.g., recreational courses ≤30 days).

Note: The Tier 4 visa was replaced by the Student visa in September 2020. Eligible applicants can switch from another UK visa to a Student visa without leaving the country, except those holding:

• Visit visas

• Parent of a Child Student visa

• Seasonal Worker visa

• Short-term Student visa

• Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa

• Leave outside the Immigration Rules

Applicants residing in the UK for ≥12 months do not need to submit financial evidence when applying.

 

Student Visa Overview

• Eligibility: Aged 16+; accepted      onto a course by a licensed UK education provider.

• Course Requirements: Must hold a      Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.

• Language Requirement: Meet the      required level of English.

• Financial Requirement: Sufficient      funds for tuition + living costs.

• Work Rights: Part-time work (max 20      hrs/week during term); full-time during holidays.

 

When to Apply

• Outside the UK: Up to 6 months      before your course starts.

• Inside the UK: Up to 3 months      before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must start within 28 days of your current visa’s expiry.

 

Processing Times

• Outside the UK: ~3 weeks (longer      during peak periods)

• Inside the UK: ~8 weeks

Priority services may be available for faster processing.

 

Length of Stay

• Degree-level+ courses (aged 18+):      Up to 5 years

• Below degree-level: Up to 2 years

 

Extending Your Stay

You may be able to:

• Extend your Student visa

• Switch from another UK visa

• Apply for a Graduate visa after completing your studies

 

When You Can Enter the UK

• Courses ≤6 months: Up to 1 week      before

• Courses >6 months: Up to 1 month      before

You cannot enter before the visa start date printed on your visa.

 

Costs

• Application fee: £524      (outside/inside UK)

• Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): Depends      on visa length – pay when you apply.

 IHS gives access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

 

Dependants

You can bring your partner and children (‘dependants’) if you’re:

• A government-sponsored student on a course ≥6 months, or

• Studying a postgraduate course ≥9 months.

 

What You Can and Cannot Do

Allowed:

• Study

• Work as a student union sabbatical officer

• Work (depending on course level and term-time)

Not Allowed:

• Claim public funds (benefits)

• Work as a professional sportsperson/coach

• Be self-employed

• Study at a council-funded school (state school)

 

Course Requirements

You must be studying:

• A full-time course leading to a qualification ≥RQF level 6      (degree level)

• A full-time course at RQF 3–5 with ≥15 hrs/week daytime study

• A part-time course at RQF 7+

• An English language course at CEFR B2+

 ATAS certificate required for certain sensitive subjects at RQF 7+.

 

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

• Your education provider will send a CAS reference number.

• Use this number in your visa application.

• Apply within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

 

Financial Requirements

Tuition fees: Enough for first year (up to 9 months) – shown on your CAS.

Living costs (unless you’ve been in the UK ≥12 months):

• Inside London: £1,534/month (max 9 months)

• Outside London: £1,023/month (max 9 months)

Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before you apply.

 

Exemptions from Financial Evidence

You do not need to show funds if you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for ≥12 months before applying.

Nationals of listed countries (including China) are eligible for differentiated evidence requirement – but UKVI may still request proof.

 

English Language Requirement

You must prove your English level is:

• CEFR B2 for degree-level+      courses

• CEFR B1 for below degree-level

Exemptions apply if you’re from majority-English-speaking countries or have a degree taught in English.

 

Required Documents

Essential:

• Current passport/travel document

• CAS reference number

Additional (if applicable):

• Financial evidence

• ATAS certificate

• Parental consent (if under 18)

• TB test certificate (if resident in China)

• Previous qualifications

• Translations of non-English documents

 

TB Testing

Required if:

• You’re resident in China

• Staying in the UK >6 months

 Use an approved clinic. Fee: ~¥550 (ages 11+), ~¥250 (under 11).

 

Application Process

1. Online Application

Ø  Complete the form at GOV.UK

Ø  Pay £524 fee + IHS surcharge

Ø  Print and sign the application

2. Attend Visa Centre

Ø  Submit documents

Ø  Provide biometrics (photo/fingerprints)

3. Decision

Ø  Standard: ~3 weeks (outside UK)

Ø  Priority service available

 

Important Reminders

• Check all details carefully before submitting – errors may      require a new application.

• Use a frequently accessed email address – important      notifications will be sent here.

• Keep your GWF number safe – needed for tracking.

• Translations must be from certified providers.

• You may be contacted for a video/phone interview.

• Once a visa is issued, you cannot enter the UK before the start      date printed on it.