Aspiring to study abroad in the UK? Youâre probably aware that the government will implement a points-based immigration system from 2021 Onward for students applying for a the UK student visa, as announced by the Home Office in September. This new Student route replaces the Tier 4 (General) student visa on Oct. 5, 2020.
The Student route will be open to anited numberless of international students, including those from Europe coming to study after the Brexit transition period ends. Hereâs what you should know as an international student:
How do I qualify for a UK student visa?
International applicants must achieve the required 70 points to be granted a visa to study at a UK university. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they:
- have been offered a place on a course
- can speak, read, write and understand English
- have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course
When should I apply for a UK student visa?
The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before you start your course when applying from outside the UK â up from the three month window previously under Tier 4. Youâll usually get a decision on your visa within three weeks.
If youâre applying from within the UK, the earliest you can apply is three months before your course starts. Do note that you must apply before your current visa expires. Gov.uk notes that your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring; you can expect to get a decision within eight weeks.
