Types of Student Visas
There are three different types of Student Visas for adults. The Borders Agency Quick Guide is very helpful in outlining the differences between them and how exactly to apply for each.
I. Adult Student Visa
This is the standard Visa for studying for an MBA in Britain, and will last for the duration of your course. Assuming your MBA course is at least 12 months long, it will also allow you to stay for 4 months afterwards. If your course is shorter than 12 months, your Visa allows you to stay for 2 months afterwards.
II. Student Visitor Visa
This is the Visa for studying for 6 months or less. If you want to stay in the UK for longer you will first have to leave and apply for a different type of Visa.
III. Prospective Student Visa
It is possible with this Visa to enter the UK and stay for up to 6 months, and while still in the UK apply for an Adult Student Visa. You might want to do this if you were entering the UK some time before your course began, or visiting different universities with the intention of staying and studying at one of them.
You will need an appointment at a registered centre in your own country , where you will be asked to provide biometric information (fingerprints and retinal scan) to go alongside your Visa application.
Preparation for Student Visa
Documentation required for Adult Student Visa
1. Your passport.
2. Photographs that fit the official requirements . Note that they cannot be digitally altered.
3. An official letter from your university or college in the UK confirming that you have an unconditional offer of acceptance (for the same programme outlined on your application!).
4. Evidence from your bank that you will be able to afford to pay your fees and living expenses.
[As of 2009, for a course such as an MBA that is longer than 9 months, adequate financial provision is considered to be the first year’s fees plus £7,200 for the first 9 months’ living expenses if you will be in London, or fees plus £5,200 if you will be outside London. The money needs to have been in your account for 28 days before you apply].
5. Your college/higher secondary certificates, your graduation degree certificate along with marksheets - all originals.
6. A letter of support from your employer if they are sponsoring your education partly or fully (make sure you have a contact number on the employer’s/company’s support letter incase the British Consulate want to verify any information before issuing you a visa.
7. Evidence or supporting documentation that your primary motive is to study and NOT TO SEEK EMPLOYEMENT in the UK during or after studies.
[This is a very important factor as international students believe that so long as they have applied to study in the UK, they also have a right to work. Remember - your Adult Student Visa is for STUDYING ONLY. Although the visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week, this is supplementary. You do not have the RIGHT to work unless you switch your visa category (see work permits section for more details)].
Evidence can be in form of a letter from your employer stating that your job position will be available to you after your studies. It can also be that you are leaving your family behind who depend and they will need your support as soon as you finish your studies.
8. Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statements for last 3 years along with tax papers if you are self-employed or in business of your own. Be prepared to answer questions like - Who will look after your business during your studies? How will the Masters qualification help your business?
9. Documentation of your family that you would be taking with you to the UK and although your spouse may be granted an authorisation to work yet you would need to provide evidence of funds to support them while they are there.
Interview at the British High Commission
You may be granted a visa without an interview if you have travelled to the UK in the past 10 years, and if you have paid 100% of your tuition and have the receipt to prove it. However, if you are called for an interview, here are some of the questions they might ask you to help you prepare your answers.
Step 1. Be ready to explain how this course is relevant to your previous studies. Why did you choose this institute in the U.K.? How did you find out about it?
Step 2. Be prepared to give the location of the university, and explain why you picked this university and not one in your home country.
Step 3. Be thoroughly knowledgeable about the course you will be studying: what it is, why you’re studying it, the structure of the course, its contents, the benefit of going to this school and the money you hope to make after you graduate - you can use some data from websites such as payscale.com to support this.
Step 4. Explain your potential career path. They may want to know if you plan to work in the UK after graduating - the answer to this is usually NO. As your prmary motive is to enter the UK is to study!
Step 5. Go prepared with information about your sponsor. They may ask who is sponsoring you, where you will stay, proof that your sponsor can support you, the income source of the sponsor, their relation to you, how many other dependents the sponsor has and how many brothers and sisters you have.
Step 6. Give them an outline of financial commitment and period of study. They will want to know when the course begins, and the total cost.
Step 7. Have a list of any friends or family you have in the U.K. They may ask about that and where/how you will spend your semester breaks.
Any more questions? Talk to one of our counsellors. Join us on facebook.
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