United Kingdom

British student visa

UK visa for long-term educational program

About visa

The UK Student Route Visa is for Georgian citizens who wish to study in the United Kingdom. This visa allows students to enrol on courses offered by a licensed educational institution, whether it is a university, college or school. It is not intended for short-term courses or general English language learning programmes, which require a short-term visitor visa. If your purpose is only tourism or a short visit, you should consider a UK Long-Term Visitor Visa .

To apply for this visa, the applicant must have an unconditional offer (CAS - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a sponsoring university or educational institution licensed by the UK Home Office. The CAS number is a unique reference code that confirms your acceptance and course details. The UK student visa requires the applicant to prove that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their tuition fees and living expenses, which includes both tuition fees and a monthly living allowance. This requirement is stricter than, for example, the Japanese student visa , where the financial criteria may be less detailed, although, like the Canadian student visa , financial stability is crucial.

The duration of a student visa depends on the length of your course. For higher education courses, the visa may be granted for a number of months plus the duration of the course, allowing you to prepare for the start of your studies and to complete them after your studies. Visa holders are allowed to work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays. However, there are restrictions on certain types of work, such as self-employment or professional sports. Unlike Australian student visas , where the working hours limit can vary, in the UK these rules are strictly regulated.

The application process involves filling out an online form, collecting the required documentation and visiting the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Tbilisi to collect your biometric data. It is important that you apply no earlier than 6 months before your intended departure to the UK. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient financial resources, submission of false documentation, insufficient English language skills, lack of genuine intention to study or previous immigration offences. GetVisa will assist you in preparing the documentation and completing the application to minimise the risks of refusal.

If your aim is not to study but to work, you should consider a UK Skilled Worker visa , or if you are looking to join your family, a UK Family (Partner/Spouse) visa . Each of these categories has different requirements and procedures. A student visa does not give access to public funds and requires the applicant to leave the UK after the visa expires, unless it is extended or transferred to another immigration category.

2-4 weeks

£524

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport: Must be valid for the entire period of stay in the United Kingdom and have at least one blank page for a visa.

Valid passport

Completed online application (UKVI)

Biometrics appointment and submission

Proof of tuition and living funds (as required)

Translation of all documents: If any document is not in English, an official translation is required.

💰Financial Documents

Proof of financial resources: You must prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes tuition fees (if not already paid) and a minimum of £1,334 per month (for studies in London) or £1,023 per month (for studies outside London), for a maximum of 9 months. The money must have been in your account for at least 28 days before you apply.

English language evidence (as required)

Academic documents (diplomas/transcripts)

Parental consent (if 16–17)

optional

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Letter of Consent from Parents/Guardians (for applicants under 18 years of age): If you are under 18 years of age, you will need written consent from your parents or legal guardians stating their agreement to your studies, living arrangements, and financial support.

🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Certificate: If you are applying from Georgia and are travelling to the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to undergo a TB test at an approved clinic.

📋Other Documents

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Number: An unconditional offer from a licensed UK educational sponsor. This is the most important document for a UK student visa.

Proof of English language proficiency: This can be a result from a recognised test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) or a statement in your CAS stating that your educational institution has assessed your language skills. CEFR level B2 is required for higher education.

Translations to English (if documents are not in English)

Documents proving previous academic qualifications: diplomas, certificates and mark sheets as indicated in your CAS.

ATAS certification (if applicable): If your course involves sensitive subjects (e.g. engineering, technology, science), you may need an ATAS certification. This information will be provided to you by your educational institution.

optional

Application Process

Get a CAS from a licensed sponsor

First, you need to receive an unconditional offer from a licensed UK educational institution. They will provide you with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number, which is required for your UK student visa application.

Prepare the necessary documentation

Gather all required documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of English language proficiency, documents of previous academic qualifications, and a tuberculosis screening certificate. Make sure all documents are translated into English and notarized.

Fill out the online application.

Visit the official UK government website and complete the online visa application form. Fill in all fields accurately and include your CAS number. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Supplement (IHS).

Book an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Center

After completing your online application, book an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Center in Tbilisi. At this appointment, you will present your documents and undergo biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph).

Wait for the decision.

After submitting your application and passing biometrics, your application will be forwarded for review. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a notification and will be able to collect your passport from the visa application center. The standard processing time is approximately 3 weeks.

Important Tips & Advice

Check your CAS carefully: Make sure that all information on your CAS (course title, duration, tuition fees) exactly matches your application and supporting documents.

Verify CAS details (course dates, sponsor) before applying.

Prove your financial stability: Your bank statement must show the required funds for at least 28 days. This is one of the most common reasons for a UK student visa to be rejected. As with a US visa , financial transparency is essential here.

Prepare complete documentation: Gather all required documents, including previous academic records and English language certificates. All non-English documents must be translated and certified.

Keep finances clean and explain any large deposits with evidence.

Demonstrate your true intention to study: Your application should clearly state that your main purpose is to study in the UK. Avoid any information that might suggest that your purpose is something else, such as immigration.

Align your study plan with your background and future goals.

Consider your visa history: Having a positive visa history, especially in countries like Canada or Australia, will strengthen your application. If this is your first visa, make sure all other requirements are met flawlessly.

Prepare English language evidence early if required.

Pay attention to timing rules (apply window, arrival window).

Processing Fees

Visa application fee

This is a mandatory fee for applying for a UK student visa . The amount is subject to change at the discretion of the UK Home Office.

£490 GBP

Immigration Health Supplement (IHS)

This fee provides access to the NHS (National Health Service) during your stay in the UK. The amount is paid for each year for which the visa is granted. For example, if your course is 3 years, the IHS fee would be £776 x 3. Please note that official rates are subject to change and should be checked with the embassy or Home Office website.

£776 GBP per year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAS and why is it important <a href="/en/country/uk/student/">for a UK student visa</a> ?

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique reference number issued by a UK licensed educational institution to confirm your acceptance and course details. It is required for your student visa application and you will not be granted a visa without it.

Can I work <a href="/en/country/uk/student/">with a British student visa</a> ?

Yes, student visa holders are allowed to work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays. There are some restrictions on the type of work, for example, you cannot be self-employed or a professional athlete.

What financial resources do I need <a href="/en/country/uk/student/">for a UK student visa</a> ?

You must prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes your tuition fees (if not already paid) and a minimum of £1,334 per month (for studies in London) or £1,023 per month (outside London) for 9 months. The money must be in your account for at least 28 days before you apply.

How long does it take to process <a href="/en/country/uk/student/">a UK student visa</a> ?

It usually takes 3 weeks to process a student visa application if it is submitted from outside the UK. This may take longer during peak periods or if additional checks are required. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Can I bring family members with me <a href="/en/country/uk/student/">on a UK student visa</a> ?

Yes, under certain conditions you can bring your spouse/partner and children to the UK. This is possible if you are studying for a Masters or PhD, or your course is longer than 9 months and you are financially supporting them. They will need to apply for a separate family visa.