How to apply for a UK Student Visa

On June 28th, 2022, the United Kingdom embassy in Kenya issued a new directive for a UK Student Visa application.

The embassy recommends that students submit their Visa applications before July 31st noting that this was to allow for approvals, as priority visas would be unavailable.

“Start thinking about your UK Student Visa application. You should apply in July if possible rather than waiting until August as Priority and Super Priority visas are currently unavailable globally,” reads the new directive in part.

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Normally, the UK embassy issues successful visa applicants with their visas within three working weeks after submission of relevant documents. To hasten the process, there is always an option to pay more.

If need be, there is the Priority service where one needs to pay 500 Sterling Pounds (Kshs. 71,344); the response to the applicant should be received within five working days.

There is also the option for the Super Priority visa where one needs to cash in an extra 800 Sterling Pounds (Kshs. 114,150) and the applicant receives a response within one working day.

Take note that the embassy takes applications only through their web portal; click here to visit the portal. Any person looking to apply for a UK Student Visa will require the following documents;

1. A valid passport or valid travel documentation. – In your passport, you will need a blank page for your Visa if you need to give your biometric information at a Visa application center
2. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution that accepted you.
3. Proof of enough money to support yourself and pay for the course
4. A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
5. Proof of parent or legal guardian consent for those under 18 years
6. Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you are under 18 years.
7. A recently conducted tuberculosis test result
8. Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

Those that are under 18 years of age, will require written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility). The consent must include the following:

1. The Visa Application
2. Living and care arrangements while living in the UK
3. The travel to the UK
4. A copy of the birth certificate or any other document showing the names of the parents.

In addition to this, an applicant must prove their level of English. They have to prove that they can read, write, speak and understand English to the certain expectations set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) scale.

This can be done by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or having done a GCSE, A-Level or a Scottish National Qualification level 4/5.