The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its globally recognized universities and diverse academic opportunities. International students from Bangladesh must obtain a student visa to study in the UK. This visa allows you to live and study in the country for the full duration of your course.
If you are 16 years or older and plan to study a higher education course in the UK that lasts more than six months, you must apply under the Student Route visa (previously known as Tier 4 – General). For short-term English language courses or short research programs lasting 6 or 11 months, students may apply for a Short-Term Study Visa.
This article focuses on the Student Route visa and explains the step-by-step application process.
The standard student visa application fee is £490 per applicant. While priority and super-priority services exist, they are currently unavailable in Bangladesh.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Student Visa
Step 1: Receive Your CAS from the University
Once you receive an unconditional offer from a UK university and accept it, the institution will issue a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). This is a crucial document required for your visa application.
Requirements (may vary by institution):
Scanned copy of a valid passport
CV and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of English language proficiency
Unconditional offer letter
Deposit fee payment confirmation
Financial statement and bank solvency certificate
Pre-CAS interview (if required)
Medical certificate (if required)
Cost: Deposit fee (varies by institution)
Where: Online (via university portal or email)
Step 2: Apply for the Student Visa Online
After receiving your CAS, you can apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Applications can be submitted up to six months before the course start date.
Requirements:
Valid passport
CAS statement
National Identification Document
Cost: £490
Where: UKVI website
Step 3: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Students staying in the UK for more than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
IHS Charges:
£470 per year for each full year
£235 for 1–6 months
£470 for 6–12 months
For example, a 12-month master’s course usually results in a total IHS fee of £705, as the visa duration typically includes additional months before and after the course.
You can calculate the exact amount using the IHS fee calculator on the UKVI website.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Book a VAC Appointment
After paying the IHS, you must pay the visa application fee and book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your documents and biometrics.
Requirements:
Credit card (Visa/MasterCard) or dual currency card
Cost: £490
Where: UKVI website
Step 5: Submit Documents and Biometrics at the VAC
Attend your VAC appointment on time. During the visit, your fingerprints and digital photograph will be taken. Visa processing usually takes at least three working weeks, so avoid last-minute applications.
Required Documents:
Valid passport
CAS statement
Academic documents
Financial statement and bank solvency certificate
Proof of English (if required)
Medical certificate
IHS payment receipt
Printed visa application form (PDF)
Additional Cost: Local service fees (for document scanning)
VAC Locations in Bangladesh:
Dhaka: VFS Global Bangladesh Pvt. Ltd., Delta Life Tower (4th Floor), Madani Avenue
Sylhet: Nirvana Inn, 7th Floor, Mirza Jungle Road
Chattogram: World Trade Centre, 5th Floor, Agrabad C/A
Step 6: Attend UKVI Interview (If Required) and Await Decision
In some cases, UKVI may request a credibility interview to assess whether the application is genuine. If required, you will be contacted via email to attend a video interview.
Once processed, the UK Home Office will issue a decision. If approved, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport. Applicants can track their visa status through the VFS Global “Track Your Application” service.
Step 7: Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
After arriving in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days. The collection location—either your university or a nearby post office—will be stated in your decision letter.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a UK student visa may seem complex, but understanding each step makes the process manageable. Proper preparation, accurate documentation, and timely submission are key to a successful application. With careful planning, Bangladeshi students can smoothly begin their academic journey in the UK.
