Big News for UK International Students ~ Study in UK 2024

According to the British Council, international students won’t be significantly impacted by recent policy changes. You may be aware of the modifications to the UK student visa if you’ve been keeping up with updates on UK visas. This article will investigate whether or not international students will be impacted by the change in the visa regime.

The entry of dependents for overseas students, particularly those enrolled in postgraduate research programs, is restricted under the new visa regulations announced by the UK. Experts from the British Council claim that because of the programs’ brief duration and the availability of other Visa routes, the impact is negligible.

Everyone was speculating about how the significant revisions to the visa regulations, which included student visas, would affect immigration. Although most people think it’s a scenario to wait and watch, the British Council believes the impact will be minimal.

Changes in the UK Student Visa Rule

The new regulation states that foreign students enrolled in postgraduate research programs will no longer be permitted to enter the nation with their families or dependents as of January 20, 24. However, this restriction does not apply to students pursuing a Master of Research (Ms) or a PhD.

How can the Visa Rule Changes Affect International Students?

The Indian Director of Education of the British Council, says the effects are negligible. She said that the UK would have less of an influence than other popular destinations for international education because postgraduate programs only last a year. Thus, neither the educational opportunities nor the experience in general have changed significantly in the UK.

Furthermore, she stated that students now have other options because this regulation would not affect other visa pathways such as the Graduate route, the Young Professional Scheme, visitation visas, or skilled work visas—as long as undergraduate students are not permitted to bring dependents.

She continued by saying that it is commonly misunderstood that this modification to the dependent visa policy targets a particular group of international students and programs that offer exemptions for particular student categories.

In summary, the UK is a top choice for education because of its highly regarded research facilities and universities. With 133,134 study visas granted in 2023, Indian students are among the most prevalent countries studying in the UK, and their number is steadily rising.

Cost of UK Student Visa for International Students

The price of an international student’s student visa for study in the United Kingdom. Do you intend to apply for a student visa to the UK? Are you aware of the accompanying costs? To get the specifics, read this article.

Both in-country and entry clearance applications for a student visa require an official cost of £490. Alternatively, for an extra £500, you can expedite the processing of your application by making use of the priority services available in certain countries.

Additionally, to conveniently access the National Health Service (NHS) while they are in the UK, applicants must pay a healthcare premium. That, as of February 2024, the annual healthcare surcharge for students is £776.

Furthermore, as these amounts are subject to change, we advise you to confirm the most recent rates before applying. In addition to the costs owed to the Home Office, the candidates must show that they have access to enough money to pay for both the cost of living in the UK and the tuition for at least the first year of the study.

These sufficient amounts are determined by the Home Office using a predetermined formula that varies based on the city in the country where you will be staying.

In conclusion, to reduce the possibility of your application being rejected, we advise thoroughly preparing it before submitting it. Stated differently, aside from the expenses and time invested in applying for a UK student visa, it is important to remember that not all application fees are refundable

Changes made to the UK Student Visa

The number of learners who can acquire a visa under the new Student Visa program is reportedly infinite, as stated by the British government. Among the most significant modifications to the UK Student Visa that went into force are:

• To begin, the Student Route (for students over the age of 18) and the Child Student Route (for students aged 4-17) are separated.
• Additionally, citizens of the EU/EEA also must apply for a visa to visit the UK.
• Besides that, you have up to six months before the start of classes to apply for a student visa.
• Also, a point-based system determines whether you qualify for a visa (70 points minimum)
• Lastly, graduates of British educational institutions can apply for a post-graduate visa.

Who is Eligible for a UK Student Visa?

The new UK Student Visa is available to nationals of the EU, EEA, and non-EEA countries who have earned 70 points under the point-based system. The system evaluates whether you satisfy the prerequisites for studying in the UK, including:

• Most importantly, attaining admission to a recognized institution
• Additionally, have the means to pay for your stay
• Last but not least, know English

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

• Before going to a Visa Application Office in your country to submit your biometrics, you must begin the online application on the UK government’s website.
• Contingent on your country of residency, you will request assistance on how to proceed after submitting an online application.
• Applicants for child student visas will require parental or guardian approval.

Can one switch to a UK Student Visa?

As long as your present visa does not fall under one of the following categories, you can convert to a student visa if you are currently in the UK:

• Firstly, a visit permit
• Secondly, a temporary student visa
• Thirdly, a student visa for a parent of a child
• Fourthly, a seasonally employed visa
• Lastly, a visa for a domestic worker in a private home