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Looking for UK student visa requirements for Sri Lanka guide?Some of the world's most renowned universities are in the UK. Students from Sri Lanka have the opportunity to apply and learn from respected professors in their field. However, if you want to study in the UK you first must have a student visa. How do you get one? What documents do you need? Keep reading as we go deeper into everything a Sri Lankan student needs to get a UK student visa!

Type of UK Student Visas

For Sri Lankans coming to the UK to study, there are 3 types of visas they can apply for:
  • Student Route Visa (formerly Tier 4) – Students over 16 years old who’ll study for up to 5 years in higher education.
  • Child Student Visa – Students between 4 and 17 who’ll study in an independent school in the UK. 
  • Short-term Study Visa –  To study English in the UK for 6–11 months.

Eligibility Criteria

Depending on the type of UK student visa, the criteria may differ, but in general, you’ll need:
  • Have a place in a school
  • Have financial stability while in the UK (and be able to pay for the course)
  • Speak, write, read, and understand English
  • Have parental consent (for students younger than 18)

Required Documents for UK Student Visa Application

When you apply for a student visa in the UK, you’ll have to submit several documents. These include the following:
    • A valid passport – You must have a valid passport when applying for a student visa in the UK. Usually, it’s required that the passport has a validity of more than 6 months.
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies – Every school issues a unique CAS that confirms the offer and acceptance of the student.
  • Financial Proof – Have prepared financial documents that will serve as proof of your financial stability. This can be bank statements, proof of a scholarship, or a sponsorship letter.
  • English Language Proficiency Certificate – Usually this is IELTS or TEFL for the UK. 
  • Tuberculosis Test Results – Some schools may require a TB test.
  • Academic Documents – Prepare graduation certificates or any other relevant documents.
  • Photographs – Sri Lankan students also have to submit passport-sized photos, following the requirements of the UK Home Office.

UK Student Visa Application Process

Now that you know everything you’d need to apply for a visa in the UK as a student from Sri Lanka, let’s go over each step of the process:
  1. Decide on the course and educational institution: If you want to go to the UK and study, you first have to choose where you’ll be doing that. There are plenty of resources online that you can use to go over available schools and their courses. Of course, it’s always best to contact the school directly if you’re interested.
  2. Gather the needed documents: Collect all the documents the school requires such as passport, CAS, TEFL or IELTS certificate, financial proof, etc. 
  3. Apply online: Using the documents you have, apply to the school via an online application form. 
  4. Pay for the visa: You can pay for the visa online. It costs £490.
  5. Schedule a visa appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest visa application center in your area to provide biometric data for the visa, such as fingerprints and photos.
  6. Have an interview (if necessary): Although not always needed, you may be required to go for a visa application interview at your country’s UK embassy or consulate. 
  7. Submit your visa application and wait: Once you go through all the previous steps, you need to apply for the visa in the embassy or consulate and wait. Depending on the type of visa, Sri Lankan students can apply 6 months before they start the course and should wait around 3 weeks to get a reply. 
  8. Collect your visa: Once a decision has been made, you will receive your passport with a visa in it. Depending on the delivery services, you’ll either have to go to the embassy/consulate to pick it up or have it delivered to your address. 
Wrap UpGetting a UK student visa for youngsters in Sri Lanka may seem like a tedious task. But with the right information and preparation, you have nothing to worry about. Do your research before you apply for a school, choose the course, and start the process. It’s wise to have all the documents prepared even before you begin searching for a school. Also, remember to be honest and fully transparent on your school and visa application process. And if you need any help, turn to your school’s international student support services. Good luck with your UK student visa application process!Contact Travelco Education & Visa Services a UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka to get UK Student Visa.