Wants to know how to apply for a UK student visa from Sri Lanka?
Whether you’ve already set your heart on a university in London, Manchester, or somewhere else like Edinburgh, you’re probably wondering, “Okay, but how do I actually get there?”
Honestly, the process isn’t that simple, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
In fact, applying for a UK student visa from Sri Lanka might sound a bit overwhelming at first, but once you break it down step by step, it’s totally something easy to do.
Whereas we are here to walk you through the whole thing in a stress-free way.
Why Study in the UK?
Let’s start with the big question, “why.”
Why even go through all this visa hassle?
Well, for starters, the UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, and many more that consistently rank high globally.
But it’s not just about the name. The education system in the UK is rigorous, respected, and often more flexible than you’d expect.
Whereas you can usually specify your degree to match your interests pretty closely.
Furthermore, UK degrees are typically shorter than those in other countries. For example, most bachelor’s programs are just three years long, and master’s programs are one year.
That means you can save time (and money!) without cutting corners on quality.
Plus, the cultural experience is a huge bonus, too.
As in from historic castles to busy music concerts, rainy afternoons in small cafés to world-class museums (many of which are free!), life in the UK is rich, diverse, and full of opportunities to grow—not just academically, but personally too.
Moreover, international students are genuinely welcomed in this country.
As a matter of fact, the UK government and universities put some effort into supporting students from all over the world, including Sri Lanka.
And once you graduate, there’s even a post-study work visa (called the Graduate Route) that lets you stay and work for up to two years if you apply on or before 31st of December 2026 and 18 months if you apply on or after 1st of January 2027 (three if you did a PhD or other doctoral qualification). Pretty sweet, right?
Types of UK Student Visas
Alright, let’s talk about visas now.
The UK doesn’t just have one “student visa”. In fact, there are actually a few types, but don’t panic!
For most Sri Lankan students heading to university or college, you’ll be applying for what’s called a Student Visa. In other words, this was previously called as the Tier 4 visa, but they renamed it a while back.
This is the main one for full-time degree courses at recognised institutions.
In case, if you’re under 18 and planning to study at a school in the UK, you must definitely apply for a Child Student Visa instead.
And if you’re just doing a short course—like an English language program lasting less than six months—you might not even need a Student Visa; a Standard Visitor Visa could work.
But for anything longer or more serious (like a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), the Student Visa is your option.
Conversely, if you’re taking a short course that lasts over 6 months but under 11 months—say, an intensive English prep course- in that situation, you must go for a Short-term Student Visa.
But again, most Sri Lankan students aiming for degrees will be in the main Student Visa category. So that’s the one we’ll focus on.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Students
Now, here’s where things get a little more detailed—but still totally manageable!
To apply or be eligible for a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka, you need to meet a few key requirements.
First and most importantly, you must have an offer from a UK university or college that’s officially licensed by the UK government.
These schools are called “Student Sponsors,” and you can check if yours is on the official list on the UK government website.
Secondly, you’ll need to prove that you can support yourself financially while you’re there.
That means showing you’ve got enough money in your or your sponsor’s bank account to cover your tuition fees (for at least the first year) and living costs.
For instance, in London, that’s £1,483 per month for up to 9 months. While outside of London, it’s £1,136 per month.
Note: Don’t worry—we’ll talk more about how much you actually need to show in the FAQs.
Thirdly, you’ll usually need to prove your English language ability.
As a matter of fact, most universities require an IELTS score (more on that soon), and that same score often satisfies the visa requirement too.
For that reason, make sure your IELTS test is from an approved provider and taken within the last two years.
Moreover, you’ll also need a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and sometimes a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate—yes, Sri Lanka is on the UK’s list of countries where you must take this test before applying.
Note: It’s quick, painless, and done at approved clinics in Colombo or other major cities.
Oh, and one more thing: your money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply. So don’t just deposit a big sum the day before!
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka
Okay, let’s get into the actual steps. Think of this as your friendly roadmap:
Step 1: Get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Once you accept your offer and meet all conditions (like paying a deposit or submitting final transcripts), your university will send you a CAS number.
This is basically your ticket as it’s a unique reference that proves you’ve got a real place waiting for you.
Therefore, keep it safe!
Step 2: Book and pass your TB test (if required).
As mentioned, Sri Lankan applicants need this.
So, head to an approved clinic, like the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Sri Lanka, and get tested.
Once you go through that, you’ll get a certificate if all’s clear, and that’s valid for 6 months.
Step 3: Gather your documents.
This includes your passport, CAS letter, bank statements or balance confirmation letters which show sufficient funds (held for 28+ days), academic certificates, IELTS results, TB test certificate, and maybe a photo.
Tip: Make digital copies of those, as you’ll upload these online.
Step 4: Apply online.
Go to the official UK government visa website, create an account, and fill out the Student Visa application form.
Trust us, it’s pretty easy to do, where you just need to answer honestly and double-check everything before submitting.
Plus, you must pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge here too.
Note: If you have any doubts, you know where to find us.
Step 5: Book a biometrics appointment.
After applying online, you’ll schedule a visit to the UK Visa Application Centre in Colombo (run by VFS Global).
Whereas in there, you’ll give your fingerprints and photo, in other words, biometrics.
Step 6: Attend your appointment.
At this stage, make sure to bring all your original documents.
Sometimes they’ll scan them on the spot; other times, you might need to submit them separately.
Note: The staff are usually helpful, so don’t stress!
Step 7: Wait for a decision.
Once your biometrics are done and documents are submitted, it’s just a matter of waiting.
We’ll talk about timing in a sec!
Step 8: Get your passport back with the visa!
If approved (fingers crossed!), your passport will come back with a vignette (sticker) that lets you enter the UK.
Then, once you arrive, you need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from your university or a local post office.
How Much Does a UK Student Visa Cost in Sri Lanka?
Money talk time!
As of 2025, the Student Visa application fee from Sri Lanka is USD 727.
That’s roughly LKR 200,000–220,000, depending on the exchange rate.
But wait—there’s more (the good kind!). You also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, or in short “IHS”, which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Services.
In fact, the IHS is £776 per year. So if your course is 1 year, that’s £776. If it’s 3 years, it’s £2,328.
Remember that you pay this upfront when you apply. For that reason, make sure you budget for both the visa fee and the IHS together!
Note: Don’t forget small costs too, like the TB test (around LKR 17,000–19,000) and maybe printing or courier fees. But compared to tuition and living costs, the visa fees are actually quite reasonable.
Suggested Reads:
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka?
Great question! Officially, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) says they aim to process Student Visa applications within 21 days from the date of your biometrics appointment.
However, in practice, many Sri Lankan students get their decisions in 10–15 working days, especially when applying during quieter months (like January or November).
Nevertheless, during peak season—say, June to September, when everyone’s applying for autumn intake—it can take closer to 3 weeks or even a bit longer.
For that reason, it’s smart to apply as soon as you get your CAS, but no earlier than 6 months before your course starts.
Also, if your application is perfect (clear documents, enough funds, no red flags), it’ll move faster.
Conversely, if something’s missing or unclear, they might ask for more info, which adds time.
So double-check everything before hitting “submit”!
Tips to Increase Your UK Student Visa Approval Chances
Want to boost your odds? Well, here are a few friendly tips:
First of all, be honest and consistent.
In fact, your CAS, bank statements, and application form should all tell the same story.
In case, if your university says your course starts September 15, don’t write September 1 in your visa form.
As for the second point, show clear, traceable funds.
For instance, use a regular savings or current account—not a fixed deposit that just matured last week.
Also, the money should look “natural,” like it’s been building up over time.
That is because if you deposit a large amount at once, that might raise concerns for the visa officer.
As for the third point, apply early but not too early.
As mentioned, you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
Therefore, aim for 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date. Whereas that gives some time if anything goes sideways.
As for the fourth point, practice your English—not just for IELTS, but for potential interviews.
While not common, UKVI sometimes calls applicants for a short credibility interview.
Where they might ask why you chose that course or the university.
Lastly, use official sources only. Don’t rely on random blogs or agents who promise “guaranteed visas.”
Trust us, the UK government website (gov.uk) has everything you need.
Besides, if you do use an agent, make sure they’re registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
Conclusion
So there you have it—your guide to applying for a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka!
Yes, there’s paperwork. Yes, you’ll need to plan ahead. But millions of students (including plenty from Sri Lanka!) have done it before you, and you can do it too.
Don’t think too much, just take it step by step and trust the process.
That is because studying in the UK is a life-changing adventure.
Where you’ll learn, grow, make friends from all over the world, and maybe even find your future career path.
And hey—if you ever feel stuck, remember: every big journey starts with a single step.
Whereas yours starts with that CAS email. You’ve got this!
TEVS a leading UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka takes the hassle out of the equation by guiding you through each procedure step to guarantee its success.
FAQS
You need to show enough to cover your first-year tuition (as listed on your CAS) plus living costs. For instance, in London, that’s £1,483 per month for up to 9 months. While outside of London, it’s £1,136 per month.
Usually, yes—but only if your university requires it. In fact, most do, and they’ll specify the minimum score (often 6.0–6.5 overall).
Typically, 10–21 working days after your biometrics appointment.
Yes! With a Student Visa, you can work up to twenty hours per week during academics, and full-time during holidays.
Only if you’re on a postgraduate course (like a master’s or PhD) that’s 9 months or longer at a recognised institution. Or a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months.
Editorial Staff at TEVS a experts in student visa.
