Visa Application Process for UK Master’s: Step-by-Step Guide

Visa Application Process for UK Master’s: Step-by-Step Guide

Every year, thousands of Indian students travel to the UK for higher education. As of November 2024, over 100,000 Indian students were studying in the country. 

Famous universities such as Oxford and Cambridge and their rich heritage make studying in the UK an unforgettable experience. However, before you can start your education at an esteemed institution in the UK, you need to thoroughly understand the UK student visa process. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the different requirements, and application process for a UK student visa.

Who needs a visa to study for a Master’s in the UK?

A visa is an official document that allows you to enter a foreign country legally. Students who are not citizens of the UK or Ireland need a visa to study for a Master’s degree in the UK.

Who needs a student visa for the UK: 

• Non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens will require a Student visa to study full-time.
• After Brexit (post February 1st, 2020) EEA citizens may also need a Student visa, depending on their residency status.
• Residents of some nations can pursue short-duration courses with a visitor visa but all full-time courses require a student visa. 

What was the Tier 4 Student Visa?

A Tier 4 Student Visa was a visa category in the UK that allowed international students to study at a higher education level in the UK. It required them to receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS from an approved institution before applying. 

The Tier 4 Student Visa has since been replaced by the current Student visa system. 

Student visa requirements for the UK

To apply for a UK Student Visa, you generally need: 

• CAS number: A reference number provided by your chosen UK university confirming your acceptance on a course. 
• Financial evidence: Proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs in the UK throughout your studies. 
• English language proficiency: Demonstrating your ability to understand and use English through a recognized test. 
• Academic qualifications: Transcripts and certificates proving your previous educational attainment. 
• Passport: A valid passport with blank pages. 
• Biometric information: Fingerprints and photographs may be required. 
• Other requirements depending on your circumstances:
• ATAS certificate: Required for certain nationalities and course subjects. 
• Tuberculosis test: This may be mandatory for certain countries. 
• Parental consent: If you are under 18 years old. 
• Sponsorship details: If you are receiving financial sponsorship from a government or other organization. 

Who Needs an ATAS Certificate? 

ATAS stands for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme. The following need an ATAS certificate for a UK Student visa.

• Students and researchers who are not nationals of the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the United States of America. 
• Students who wish to study certain subjects in MEng/MPhys/MSci undergraduate level, master’s, or PhD level.

Eligible courses for UK Student visa 

Not every course is eligible for a UK Student visa. You can apply for a Student visa if you are admitted to one of the following types of courses:

Degree Level Courses

Full-time courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 6 or above (equivalent to a UK degree). 

Below Degree Level Courses

Courses below degree level must have at least 15 hours of organized daytime study per week. 

Postgraduate Courses

Part-time postgraduate courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or above are eligible. 

English Language Courses

Courses which are at B2 level or above on the CEFR. 

Foundation Programs

Recognized foundation programs for postgraduate doctors and dentists are eligible for a UK Student visa. 

Important factors to consider:

Course Accreditation

Before applying ensure the course is offered by a recognized UK institution with a student sponsor license. 

Qualification Level

Check the required qualification level (RQF level) for your chosen course. 

Study Duration

For courses below degree level, there may be minimum study hours per week required. 

If you are applying for a master’s course, it will have an RQF Level 7 designation and most of the above conditions do not apply in your case. 

Language requirements for UK Student visa

To study in the UK you have to be proficient in English and demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of CEFR B2 level. 

What Are CEFR and B2 Levels? 

CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It has a scale of language ability levels:

A: Beginner

B: Intermediate

C: Advanced

Within each level, there is a one and two, with one being lower and two being upper.

So CEFR begins at A1 (novice) and ends at C2 (experts). A B2-level speaker is an upper-intermediate speaker. 

 At this level, you can:

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions
• Interact with native speakers fluently and spontaneously
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
• Explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, including the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Financial requirements for UK student visa for Master’s

To apply for a UK student visa for a Master’s degree, you need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. Typically this means showing proof of at least £1,483 per month for up to 9 months if you are studying in London, and £1,136 per month for up to 9 months if you are studying outside London. This is referred to as “maintenance funds” and needs to be maintained in your bank account for 28 days before applying for the visa. 

Key points about UK Student visa financial requirements:

Living Costs

The amount you need to show for living expenses depends on your study location – costs in London are higher than in other areas. 

Tuition Fees

You must also demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your full course tuition fees. 

28-day Rule

Your bank statements must show that you have held the required funds for a minimum of 28 days before applying for your visa. 

Dependents

If you are bringing dependents with you, you will need to show additional funds to support them. 

How to prove financial support when applying for a UK student visa for a master’s? 

• Bank statements: Provide recent bank statements demonstrating the necessary funds in your account. 
• Sponsorship letter: If you have a sponsor, submit a letter confirming their financial support. 
• Student loan details: If you are relying on a student loan, provide official documentation from your loan provider.

Calculation of Total Amount Requirement: 

For a one-year Master’s course starting in London with tuition fees of £17,000 (and assuming a £4,000 deposit has been paid), the total amount you must show is:

Total = Living Costs + Remaining Tuition Fees

Total = (£1,483 × 9) + (£17,000 − £4,000) = £13,347 + £13,000 = £26,347

If you gained admission to the University of Manchester, and all other things such as tuition were the same, you would need:

Total = (£1,136 × 9) + (£17,000 − £4,000) = £10,224 + £13,000 = £23,224

Which universities can sponsor UK Student visas?

Universities in the UK that hold a valid Student sponsor license from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can be student visa sponsors. 

Here are some reputed universities that sponsor student visas:

• University of Cambridge
• Middlesex University
• University of Westminster
• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)

These institutions are authorized to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letters to international students. CAS is a key document necessary for visa applications.

Finding the Right University and Funding Your Studies

With over 160 universities in the UK, deciding on the right institution can be overwhelming. From matching your career aspirations to considering costs and scholarships, the process requires careful thought. This is where GradRight’s university-search platform makes a difference.

Here’s how GradRight helps:

• It uses 8 million+ data points to recommend universities tailored to your subject, budget, and career goals.
• The platform allows you to compare institutions on multiple factors, ensuring you make the best choice.

Once you’ve shortlisted universities, GradRight’s loan-search platform steps in to simplify your finances.

• Submit a single loan application visible to 15+ trusted lenders.
• Compare multiple offers with competitive terms, and select the one that works best for you.

Together, GradRight’s university-search platform and loan-search platform make your UK study-abroad journey seamless and stress-free. Ready to take the next step? Let’s look at what else you need for a successful application.

Why study in the UK? 

From Sir Isaac Newton to Alan Turing, British scientists have revolutionized the modern world with their groundbreaking discoveries. UK universities provide a rich cultural experience alongside diverse academic programs. Here’s why studying in the UK is an excellent choice for Indian students.

Education System

The Indian education system is very influenced by the British system. We even use the same nomenclature of BA / BCom / BSc and MA / MCom / MSc, unlike the US system where one can earn a postgraduate degree in science by studying accounting finance (MS in Accounts / Finance degree). 

Research Opportunities

The UK offers a wide range of research opportunities across various fields, with renowned universities like Oxford and Cambridge attracting top researchers globally. Universities in the UK are recognized for their significant research contributions, producing a large volume of doctoral papers annually.

Cultural Diversity

It is exceptionally easy for an Indian student to fit in with British society and culture at large. Both nations have a shared fondness for cricket and football, as well as a love of tea. There are thousands of South Asians living in all parts of the UK, making it a home away from home. 

Now we shall answer a few FAQs about the UK student visa for Master’s. 

FAQs

1. What is the visa process for a UK student visa?

To apply for a UK student visa for a master’s, you must first receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution. Then you need to complete an online application through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

Here are the steps: 

2. Get an offer from a UK institution

Secure a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor, who will then issue a CAS number. 

Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the requirements regarding age, English language proficiency, and financial stability. 

Compile documents

Prepare documents like a passport, academic transcripts, proof of funds, English language test results, and your CAS number. 

Apply online

Create an account on the UKVI website and complete the online application form. 

Biometric appointment

Book an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photographs. 

Pay the visa fee

Submit the required visa application fee. 

Decision and eVisa

Wait for a decision on your application, and if approved, you will receive an eVisa electronically. 

You should ideally apply three months before your course is due to start. 

3. What type of visa is needed for a master’s in the UK?

To pursue a master’s degree in the UK, you would need a Student visa. Previously it was called a Tier 4 General visa. 

A Student visa allows you to study at a higher education level and includes the option to apply for a Graduate visa after completing your master’s degree to stay and work in the UK for a while following graduation.

4. What are the stages of UK visa processing?

Here is a brief summary of the various stages of UK visa processing: 

• Eligibility: Determine if you meet the requirements for the visa you want 
• Document compilation: Gather the required documents and submit them for review 
• Application review: Receive feedback on your application, including any challenges and how to address them 
• Application preparation: Draft the application form and prepare a letter of representation 
• Fee payment: Pay the IHS fee and UKVI fee 
• Biometric appointment: Provide your fingerprints, passport, and digital photograph 
• Visa application center visit: Submit your documents and undergo biometric verification 
• Visa decision: Receive a letter or email confirming the decision on your application 

You can track the status of your application online using the UKVI’s tracking service.

5. How long is a student visa in the UK for a master’s?

A student visa in the UK for a master’s degree lasts for the duration of your course, which is usually around 1-2 years.

Following your degree you can apply for a Graduate visa which allows you to stay in the UK for an additional 2 years after completing your studies to work or look for work.