A Study Visa is required for students to obtain an education in the UK. These visa holders are able to live and study in the UK for the duration of their educational program or degree. In case you are 16 or 17 and wish to study at an independent school in the United Kingdom, you may well be eligible for a Child Student Visa.

If you are 16 or older and meet the following criteria, you can apply for Student Visa in the UK: 

• You have been offered a course place by a licenced student sponsor.
• Have sufficient money to pay for the course and support yourself. Note that the amount to pay for the course may change which depends on circumstances.
• Can speak, read, write, and understand English. Also you have parental consent if you're 16 or 17 - you'll need proof of this when you apply.

When applying for a Student Visa, provide the following information: 

• A valid passport or other travel documentation.
• Your course provider's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You may also be required to provide: 

• Proof of enough funds to support yourself and pay for the course you applied for - this will differ depending on your situation.
• If your course and nationality require it, you must have a valid ATAS certificate.
• Provide proof of parental or legal guardian consent if you are under the age of 18.
• If you are 18, you must provide proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian. 
• Your tuberculosis test results are written consent from your financial sponsor for your application if you have gained sponsorship for your living expenses and course fees in the last 12 months.

Apply for a Student Visa online. You need to prove your identity as part of your application process. It is determined by which type of passport you have and where you belong. 

You'll need to provide either:

• Provide your photograph (biometric information) and fingerprints at the visa application centre.
• Identity documents need scanning with the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app - you'll also create or sign in to your account of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

When you apply, you'll be given instructions. You can save your form and return to it later once you've started your application. They will contact you if the application is complicated and will take a longer time. 

When to Apply
It depends on whether you're applying from inside the UK or outside.

If you're applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before starting your course.

If you are inside the UK at the time of applying for a visa, you can apply 3 months before your course starts. Also, apply before the expiration of your current visa. Further, your new course should begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

Visa Processing Time
If you apply from the outside of the UK, you'll know about decision on your visa within 3 weeks. And 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.

Duration
The length of your course and the studies you've already completed in the UK will determine how long you can stay. If you are 18 or older and studying at the university level, you can generally remain in the UK for 5 years. If it is less than a degree, you can usually stay in the UK for two years. 

Fees 
Fees are as follows.  

• A student visa application from outside the UK - Fee: £348.
• Prolong or turn to a Student Visa from within the United Kingdom - Fee: £475 

Each person who joins you must pay the visa fee. Also, you need to pay the healthcare surcharge. The length of your visa determines the amount you pay.

You may extend this visa to stay longer and continue your studies or start a new one. It includes if you currently possess a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. 

To extend your visa, do the following: 

• Be on a Student Visa or a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa in the United Kingdom.
• Get an offer of a place on the course from a licenced student sponsor - And it is shown by "Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)". 
• It would be best if you showed that your studies are of a higher academic level than your current course (also called the "academic progress requirement" - some exceptions are there).

In case you have lived in the UK for less than a year and have a valid visa, you'll need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself. To extend their visa, your partner or children must apply separately. They can apply either concurrently with you or before their current visa expires. 

After finishing your course, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for two years.

Work
You may work on a this visa. What work you can do depends on what you're studying. Also, that if you're working in or out of term-time. 

Business
You cannot be self-employed.

Extension
If eligible, you can apply to extend your visa.

Dependents
You may bring your partner and children (who are financially dependent on you).