Learn everything you need to know aboutÌýUK
Student Visa and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Learn everything you need to know about ±«°ÌýStudent Visa and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in UK
UK Student Visa
The UK has been one of the most popular study destinations for Filipino students due to its high quality of education. With prestigious universities like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, it’s no surprise that the UK consistently ranks among the best for higher education. According to the UK Home Office, 446,924 total study visas were granted to main international applicants in the year ending March 2024, drawn by the opportunity to study in one of the world’s leading academic destinations.
A UK student visa offers several benefits beyond world-class education. It allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies. Upon completion, you can apply for the Graduate Route (also known as the post-study work visa), which lets you stay and work in the UK for up to two years. This not only extends your stay but also provides valuable international work experience, enhancing your career prospects in the global job market.
Types of UK Student Visas
Filipino students applying for a UK visa usually choose between two main types, depending on their course and study duration:
1. Student Route Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa)
The Student Route (formerly known as Tier 4 Visa) is the most common visa for Filipino students aged 16 or older who want to pursue higher education in the UK, such as a university degree, postgraduate studies, or foundation courses.
Key features:
The UK’s most commonly chosen study route for international students pursuing their undergraduate, graduate and recognised pathway programmes.
You can work part-time during study periods (typically 20 hours per week) and full-time during breaks.
On completion of the course, you will qualify for the Graduate Route, allowing you to stay back in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) for work opportunities.
2. Short-Term Study Visa
The Short-term Study visa is designed for international students planning to pursue specific short-term courses. This visa category has strict rules about course duration and what you can and cannot do.
Key features:
Valid for up to 6 months for general short courses or up to 11 months for an English language course.
Cannot be extended or switched to another visa type within the UK.
Does not allow any work or internships.
Best suited for students taking standalone English language courses or other short-term courses.
UK Student Visa - Overview
Visa Type |
Student Route |
Short-Term Study Visa |
Duration |
For the entirety of the course/degree, the student is pursuing, with an additional 1-4 months provided after graduation to help students transition to work or travel back home. |
6 to 11 Months |
Best For |
All full-time degrees or foundation courses. Or any course longer than 11 months. |
For students pursuing English language or short-term courses lasting a duration of 6 to 11 months in England. |
UK Student Visa Requirements for Filipino Applicants
Before you apply, you must prepare to meet several key requirements. Below is a checklist broken down into categories to guide your preparation.
UK Student Visa Academic Requirements
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in the UK.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This is issued once you have accepted your offer and met the conditions set by your chosen UK university or college. This is a document you must have to start your visa application.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: You will usually need to show that you can speak English by sending in test results from a recognised test that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts. For example:
IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
TOEFL (if accepted by your institution)
UK Student Visa Financial Requirements
You must prove that you have enough funds to cover:
Tuition fees for your first year (as specified in your CAS)
Living costs depend on where you study in the UK:
£1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London
£1,023 per month for up to 9 months if studying outside London
Among the acceptable financial proofs that you should provide are:
Proof of having sufficient funds for a 28 consecutive-day period, with the end date of that period being no more than 31 days before you submit your online visa application.
Official letters from a student/scholarship fund, loan, or any official letter that confirms it.
UK Student Visa Health and Other Requirements
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: If you are planning to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you must have a Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate granted by a UK Home Office-designated clinic.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You pay this when you pay for your visa, allowing you to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while in the country.
Having all your documents in English or officially translated into English will help you speed up your application process and reduce the chances of rejection due to miscommunication.
UK Student Visa Application Process
Once you have received admission to a UK university, the next step is to apply for a student visa. Filipino students are recommended to start the process at least 6 months before the start of the course in order to leave enough time for approvals and preparations. Here is a simple step-by-step post to help you navigate the application process.
Receive Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before applying for a visa, you must receive a CAS from a UK university. This document includes your course details, start date, tuition fees and a unique CAS number.
Compile documents for Student Visa Application
Documents like your valid passport, proof of funds, English test result, TB test certificate, academic transcripts, and CAS should be gathered and compiled.
Fill out the Online Student Visa Application
Visit the official government website, i.e. www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online, confirm your identity as part of the application, and follow the instructions to fill out the online application form for UK student visas.
You must provide your biometric information, i.e. a photograph and fingerprints, at an official visa application centre (VAC) approved by the UK government. You can also choose to use the “UK Immigration: ID Check†app to scan the identity document along with creating/signing in to your UK Visas and Immigration account.
Pay Student Visa and IHS Fees
Before you can apply or come in for your interview, you must pay both the visa fee (£524) and the IHS (£776 per year of study) online through the official website, i.e. www.gov.uk.
Book your Biometric Scanning Appointment
To schedule an appointment, visit the VFS Global website and schedule your appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre.
Appear for Appointment with Specified Documents
Attend your VFS appointment in the Philippines to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) and submit the required documents such as a valid passport, appointment confirmation letter from VFS, and other supporting documents.
Await Visa Processing Results
After the appointment, your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will process your application, which should take around 3 weeks to be completed.
Cost of a UK Student Visa and Other Expenses
Applying for a UK student visa comes with a host of different expenses, along with the application fee, which has been detailed below. Recently, the UK government hiked the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £524 to £1,035 per year, a nearly 66% hike. In addition to the application and IHS fee, fees related to the TB test, courier delivery and priority services will be charged separately.
Outlined below is a breakdown of the estimated costs for a UK student visa application:
Item |
Cost in GBP |
Visa Application Fee |
£524 |
Immigration Health Surcharge |
£776/year |
TB Test Fee |
£65 / ₱3,600 |
Note: Candidates are advised to check the official website for additional fees that may be chargeable for visa applications at different locations as well. The Immigration Health Surcharge is typically paid annually and is required for the duration of your visa. These fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to check the official UK government website or consult with our counsellors for the latest information.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Student Visa from the Philippines?
The waiting period for the approval of a UK student visa application is stated to be within 3 weeks of submitting the application form. However, VFS Global, an official partner to UKVI, offers a range of priority services that help reduce approval wait time, at a premium. While these offers exist, applicants are advised to plan and start their application process at least 6 months before the start of their course.
Important Reminders
- The processing time begins only after biometric information is submitted.
- Delays are common during June to September, the peak university intake period.
- Informed and properly planned preparation can help prevent unnecessary delays.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Can Filipino Students Work While Studying in the UK?
Yes, Filipino students on a UK Student Visa can engage in part-time and full-time work under specific conditions. These work rights are designed to allow students to support themselves while ensuring that their academic commitments remain the primary focus.
Key UK Work Conditions for Filipino Students:
- Up to 20 hours per week during active academic periods
- You can work up to regular full-time hours, i.e. 40 hours a week, during official university holidays
- Part-time work in the UK for Filipino students must comply with visa conditions and institutional regulations
- Only employment with a registered employer is allowed
- The primary focus of any student must be their commitment to their studies; therefore, their work must not interfere with their studies.
Restrictions:
- Self-employment is strictly prohibited
- Full-time jobs during the academic term are not allowed
- Certain professions, such as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, are not permitted
Benefits of Part-Time Work for Filipino Students:
- Helps manage living expenses and reduce financial burden
- Offers exposure to the UK work culture and professional environment
- Provides opportunities to develop skills and build a network for future employment.
Filipino students should check their visa vignette or biometric residence permit (BRP) for specific work permissions and consult with their university’s international office for any clarifications.
Tips to Successfully Apply for a UK Student Visa
Obtaining a UK Student Visa can initially look hard, but getting ready properly will help you greatly. You can do the following to have a strong and thorough application:
- Download or obtain a checklist from the UK government site or the visa application centre to ensure you possess all the documents and complete all the necessary steps leading to your UK Student Visa application.
- Start planning by compiling the necessary documents well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Ensure complete and proper documentation for your financial qualification check. Gather official and valid documents proving your ability to pay your tuition fees and other bills for a minimum period of 9 months.
While following these steps can significantly improve your chances of success in your visa application process, seeking professional help from a trained study abroad consultant can significantly boost them even more.
The commencement of your journey to study in Great Britain begins with applying for the UK student visa. From understanding the different types of student visas available to the steps leading to completion of the visa application, several elements need to be taken care of to increase your chances of travelling to, living and studying in the UK.
Throughout the process, keeping a keen eye for detail and adhering to the regulations stipulated by the UK government is incredibly important. Therefore, with every step, it is crucial to revise the decisions and steps taken as well as scrutinise all the documents. The UK has been, for centuries, a destination for many aspiring leaders, businessmen and industry experts from around the world, and the next could be you.
Ìý
Frequently asked questions
Ìý
You will be required to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees for the first year (as stated on your CAS) and living costs for up to 9 months. The living cost amounts are £1,334 per month if living in London or £1,023 per month if living outside of London. You must show that these funds have been held for a consecutive 28-day period.