study visa for matric students

A study visa is a document which allows foreign students to conduct their studies in a country of which they are not nationals. It will be relevant to you if you are foreign and want to move, visit or study in South Africa.

Studying abroad is a unique experience that can be the highlight of your life, but making sure you do it properly requires the help of a knowledgeable advisor who has plenty of experience. Not only will they help you acquire visa records and arrange for you to sit for international exams, but they will also walk you through the application process for every destination consulate. In order to ensure that you’re applying for the best study visa when you are in South Africa, consult with experts in the field such as Touriago. This study visa service provider is trusted by hundreds of students each month who come to them for help when traveling abroad to study.

Studying abroad is a complete change of lifestyle. Although it opens new paths, it is not an easy task to get through. It will be a long process to apply for a study visa and to find accommodation; among other things, you also need to consider enrolling in a language school and even learning the basics of the language that you are planning to study. All in all, there are many steps to follow.

Study visa for matric students

If you’re a South African high school student looking to study abroad, you’ll need a study visa. These are available for a range of countries around the world, but we’ve put together this guide to help you through the process.

What is a study visa?

A study visa is an official document issued by the immigration department of a country that allows the holder to study there. It allows them to enter the country, live there while they study, and leave at any time without needing to obtain further permission.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a study visa once you’ve been accepted into your program. Some universities require you to have applied before they’ll accept your application (this is why it’s so important to double-check with your university if they have any requirements). If this is not an option, then it’s best to apply as soon as possible because it can take some time before your application is approved.

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, getting a student visa to study in the UK can be quite challenging and time-consuming.

To make it easier for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK, there are new provisions that will come into effect from 2022. These include faster processing times and streamlined application processes as well as an increased number of routes available for Indian students wanting to study in Britain.

This article explores all the new UK Study Visa requirements in 2022 that you must know about, to receive a UK Student Visa. Read on.

Top 7 UK Study Visa Requirements in 2022

To study in the UK and a foriegn national you must be above 16 years of age. You are also required to have an offer from a reputed institution or a licenced student sponsor. Having a strong financial plan or sponsor to  fund your education and living expenses is also important. 

The United Kingdom is one of the leading countries attracting students from all across the globe. Despite the pandemic, there has been a good rate of visa approval in the UK, especially for Indian students. 

These are the main UK visa requirements for a UK student visa applications in 2022:

UK Student Route Visa Requirements
General requirements	a valid passport (original)a passport-sized photograph meeting UKVI requirementsConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
English Language proficiency for visa(University requirements could be higher)	UG course: you must be proficient to at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS 5.5)PG course: at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS 4.0)Below degree level: one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) certificates
Financial requirements	You must prove funds for one of the following: First year tuition fees; ORComplete tuition fee for courses less than one year; ORFee for next academic year, or outstanding fees (if you are extending your visa for further studies) For living costs: Have at least £1,023 per month to up to 9 months
Evidence of qualifications	Current certificates or official transcripts with Your name, the name of the institution, the course title, and the date awarded.
English Translations	All documents should be officially translated to English. A fully certified translation includes: Original documentsConfirmation of accuracy in translationDate of translationFull name and signature of the translator The translator or translation company’s contact details

1. Offer from an Educational Institution

You must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor. As proof, the educational institution will give you the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). 

You must have the CAS before you apply for a UK Student Visa. Moreover, you have to apply for the student visa within six months of receiving the CAS.

There are various courses that you can select from : 

• A part-time course that will qualify you above degree level (RQF level 7 or higher). In this case, you might need the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
• A full-time course that will qualify you for a degree level or higher (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
• A full-time course that will qualify you for a degree level or more (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
• A full-time course that will qualify you for a below degree level (RQF level 3.4 or 5)
• An English language course at level B2 or more in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale
• An approved foundation programme that is sponsored for dentists and postgraduate doctors 

What is a CEFR ?

CEFR is also known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment. Its main aim is to provide a structural method of learning, teaching, and assessing that applies to Europe’s languages. 

Here is the CEFR table for English Qualifications:

2. Proficiency in the English Language

You must prove that you are fluent in the English language. The level is measured on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale.

As proof, you must pass the Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Level of study	English skill level (CEFR)
Below degree level	B1
Degree level or above	B2

Note: If you have applied for a course of degree level or more, then:

• The provider can evaluate your English language skills.
• You might have to take a different test. But, still, the test results have to be equivalent to the B2 level.

3. Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for the UK student visa requirements are:

• The applicant must be of 16 years of age or more
• The candidate must have enough funds to pay the course fee. They must also be able to support themselves during their stay
• The applicant must have an offer from an approved educational institution
• The candidate must be at a certain level in the English language test results

4. Documents Needed

The documents needed for the student visa are:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport-sized recent photograph
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee/ visa application fee
• Proof of funds/financial evidence
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) 
• Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (If needed)
• Medical test results for tuberculosis
• Payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
• Written agreement from financial sponsor (in case of sponsorship)
• Police clearance certificate

However, if you are under 18 years of age, some additional documents are needed. These are:

• Proof of consent from parents or legal guardian
• Evidence of relationship with parents or legal guardian
• Copy of birth certificate or any government document that displays the names of parents

Note: The offer letter for your study programme will mention whether the programme requires an ATAS certificate.

5. Tuberculosis Test Results

The main medical examination that you need to undergo is for tuberculosis. It is required if you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months. The test is a must for visa applicants from the specified list of countries.

For this examination, you have to take the chest x-ray test. But, if the results are uncertain, then you have to provide a sputum sample.

Only approved clinicians can perform the tests.

If the results are negative for tuberculosis, you will get a certificate. The certificate will have validity for six months from the date of the test.

6. Proof of funds

The sufficient funds required is £1,265.00 to support your living expenses and pay the UK’s tuition fees.

In the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the funds required are: 

• £1,015 per month as living costs if your course is outside London
• £1,265 per month if your course is in London
• £2,530 for the course in London (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme)
• £2,030 for the course outside London (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme)

Note: Proof of funds are not required if:

• You had a valid visa previously for the UK
• The visa must have been for a minimum of 12 months
• Your country is listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’
•  Your application states you as a student union sabbatical officer

7. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

You must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS). It is mainly for those who want to stay in the UK for more than six months. The amount of money that you have to pay depends. It is dependent on the amount of time you live in the UK.

If you are granted leave for less than six months, you need to pay half the annual amount. If you are granted leave for more than six months, you need to pay the full yearly amount.

You can use the NHS (National Health Service) after you have paid the IHS. But, you will still have to pay for dental treatments, prescriptions, assisted conception, eye tests, and so on.

Types of Student Visas in 2022

Study Visa Type	Who is eligible?	When to apply?	When to arrive in the UK?
Student VisaIt replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa	For students aged 16 or above who are offered a course at a UK University or collegeAllows you to stay as per your course lengthProcessing time: 3 weeks	3 months before the course starts	1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewerUp to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months
Child Student VisaIt replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa	Students between 4 and 17Processing time: 3 weeks	3 months before the start of your course	Up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewerUp to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months
Short-term Study Visa	Students  in a short-term course (for 6 to 11 months)Processing time: 3 weeks	3 months	Depends on  travel dates

New immigration rules regarding the UK student visa

To make things easier for international students, the UK government has made some changes. The new rules are:

From 1 January 2022, free movement will end and be replaced with the UK’s new points-based immigration system. 

5 October 2020, brought the ‘new points-based system’ Student route into force. There would be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK under the route.

Priority will be given to highly skilled individuals, such as those with scientific, academic and technology-related qualifications. 

There are changes in the new post-study work (PSW) visa. The changes are:

• It will enable the students to work and live in the UK for 3 years after completing a Ph.D. 
• They can stay and work for 2 years after completion of the Master’s degree.
• The government can extend the PSW limit for the Master’s degree holders from 2 years to 4 years.

The new rules are aimed at increasing the total number of international students choosing to study in the UK higher education system each year to 600,000 by 2030.

British Council highlighted that the change would have a positive impact on the number of Indian students choosing the UK as a higher education destination.

All migrants looking to enter the UK to work or study will need to apply for permission in advance.

Indian students starting a UK course in autumn will be eligible to apply even if they need to start their UK course online due to COVID-19.

Conclusion

For those students who received their high school diplomas and are ready to continue studying abroad, a study visa is the first step. The second step to take advantage of this opportunity is to choose an institution that will prepare them for their career. With enough research, a candidate can soon apply for a study visa.