As of the beginning of 2021, access to British higher education institutions for international students, including the student visa process, will be slightly more challenging. Indeed, everything is related to Brexit – the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will also affect candidates applying to English universities. Do you have to put the dream of studying in the UK in a fairy tale? Not necessarily! You will face a few more formalities, including securing a student visa, and several mandatory fees before departure, but you can still apply for a place at a foreign university without any obstacles. Go to the next part of the article and find out what new things await you in January 2021.
What does Brexit change in the application for studies?
The most important thing you will have to take care of when applying for studies in England is a student visa. These are, of course, additional costs – you must include them in your budget. The application process is very straightforward. You will only need a few additional documents – we have listed them below. By participating in the January Intake 2021, you also have the opportunity to take advantage of a student loan that covers your tuition fees! It’s worth taking it into account because after Brexit, tuition fees for for foreigners can be up to four times higher than those for the British. Also, take advantage of the last opportunity to apply for a maintenance grant.
What documents do you need?
Due to the upcoming changes, from January 2021, applying for studies in the UK will require completing additional formalities. An essential requirement to study at a foreign university is a student visa. Are you wondering what conditions you must meet and what you need to complete the procedure successfully? We will be happy to advise you!
If you have
- a proposal for a place on a specific course with an unconditional offer (with an assigned CAS number).
- a copy of a valid passport,
- proof that you will be able to support yourself financially (January Intake 2021 still allows for applying for maintenance support).
- certification of your ability to communicate effectively in English (e.g., IELTS certificate).
- consent from parents or legal guardians (for individuals aged 16-17 years).
without hesitation, apply for the visa. If you live outside the UK, you can apply for it no earlier than 6 months before the start of your studies, and you will wait about 3 weeks for the decision on its granting.
How will UK studies recruitment proceed?
Starting at universities in the UK on new terms, students will still have thousands of courses of various profiles to choose from. A significant change is the fact that the CAS number, i.e. the reference number, which is the official confirmation of admission to study, will be required to start the visa procedure. You will receive it once your application for a specific course reaches the status of an unconditional offer. Starting from the beginning of 2021, commencing studies in the UK (if you live outside the UK) without a valid student visa will be impossible. Additionally, you also need to pay the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Remember that both the visa and IHS are not optional – they are integral parts of the application process.
Visa and compulsory healthcare costs
Are you wondering if the costs you have to bear at the beginning will allow you to study in England? This question is entirely valid because, in the beginning, you will have to reckon with quite significant expenses. Also, remember that if you do not have a valid passport, the first step must be obtaining a new document – from January 2021, an identity card will no longer be sufficient. The visa application fee is £348, but you will only incur this expense once. The immigration health surcharge is different as you will have to pay the amount of £470 each year. Having private health insurance does not exempt you from the immigration health surcharge (IHS).
Trust our experts and apply with us!
If you’re feeling a bit lost and worried about successfully completing all the formalities, don’t hesitate to ask us for help! We offer you expert advice and support at every stage of the recruitment process for British universities. The dream of studying abroad is within your reach. Seize the opportunity while you can!
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