8 Common Student Visa Questions

Student visa requirements vary according to your country of residence, circumstances, and the rules in your study destination.

1. Where do I start?

You must be accepted onto a course in that country to apply for a student visa.

If you have not already, apply for the program, you want to study. Ensure your degree meets the country's visa requirements. The following factors will determine your student visa acceptance:

• Your study destination
• The program you want to study
• The institution you wish to study at
• Your country of residence
• How do you plan to fund your study

The visa systems and acceptance rules vary between countries. We offer guidance on the similarities between the student visa processes in the USA, Europe, the UK, and Australia.

2. Where do I apply for my Student Visa?

Typically you will apply for your student visa in your country of residence, where you must visit an application center to submit your application documents.

How you apply for a Student Visa varies between countries:

• For a US student visa, you must attend an embassy or consulate interview.
• Australian visa applications can be submitted online, and you can submit biometric information at an Australian visa application center.
• You can submit a student visa application in the UK at a UK visa application center.

4. How much Money will I need for a Student Visa?

You must show enough funds to cover your program fees and living costs. This sum will vary according to your study country and the region within that country. Note some countries will want you to show funds to cover the entirety of your program. In contrast, some countries will only want proof of funds for the 1st year of your program.

Applicants for a student visa in the UK need to show they have funds to cover the following:

• Course fee for one academic year (up to 9 months), which is
  • £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
  • £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

Applicants for an Australian student visa need to:

• Show bank statements or evidence of grants or scholarships to show you have enough money to cover all your costs for your studies.

Applicants for a US student visa need to show:

• proof of liquid assets to cover the first year of study and living expenses
• proof of funds to cover remaining years of study

5. How good must my English be to apply for a Student Visa?

You will need to show you have a good understanding of English. You can complete an English language certificate such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

7. How long can I stay in my Study Country with my Student Visa?

On a student visa, you can remain in your study country for the duration of your program, as detailed in your visa application. Depending on your study destination, you can stay from 60 days to 4 months after completing your program.

8. Can I bring my Family with me if I have a Student Visa?

Your family can travel with you to meet your study destination's visa requirements. Student visa applicants for the UK must be in a postgraduate program, such as a Master's degree, for at least 12 months.

Student visa applicants for the USA will need to prove their relationship to their dependent; they will need to apply for their visas.

If you apply for a student visa in Australia, you must show enough money to support each dependent.

We hope these tips have helped you navigate the common questions regarding applying for a student visa. It's essential to check the specific requirements for your study destination.