International students are drawn to the United Kingdom for its prestigious educational institutions, diverse population, low cost of living, and abundant employment opportunities. Students from Ireland do not need a visa to study in the United Kingdom. Those of a different nationality need to apply for one of the three UK student visa categories (short-term, student, or child visa) to study in the UK.

1. Step By Step Guide to UK Student Visa Process

2. UK Student Visa
International students are drawn to the United Kingdom for its prestigious educational institutions, diverse population, low cost of living, and
abundant employment opportunities. Students from Ireland do not need a visa to study in the United Kingdom. Those of a different nationality
need to apply for one of the three UK student visa categories (short-term, student, or child visa) to study in the UK.
UK Student Visa Categories
The United Kingdom offers three distinct categories of study visas, each distinguished by factors such as the applicant’s age, the duration of the
chosen course of study, and the type of program selected.
Student Visa
Overview: It is a prerequisite for individuals aged 18 or above, who have been accepted into courses lasting 6 months or more, or who have
enrolled in English language programs with a term of 11 months or longer. A student visa is required for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate
programs in the UK. This visa allows an applicant to stay during the length of the program and work while attending school.
Duration of Stay: Under this category, if you are pursuing a course at the degree level, you are typically permitted to remain in the United
Kingdom for a maximum duration of 5 years. Those whose academic program is not degree-level are usually only allowed to stay in the UK for a
maximum of two years. After completing the program, individuals can extend their stay in the UK by applying for a visa extension, and meeting
eligibility criteria. This may involve further studies, transitioning to a Student visa, or a Graduate visa, which allows a minimum stay of 2 years after
course completion.
Employment opportunities: The UK student visa designated for full-time degree-level programs permits students to engage in employment for a
maximum of 20 hours per week during “term time,” which is the duration specified by the student sponsor for academic pursuits. This
employment may involve both paid and non-paid positions with single or multiple organizations. However, eligibility is contingent upon various
factors including age, term time, the track record and other credentials of the sponsor, and internships and work placements required by the
program, among others.

3. Short-term Study Visa
Overview: It is a mandatory requirement for individuals aged 16 or above who have been accepted into English language courses with a program
duration of less than 11 months. To pursue your English language course within the United Kingdom, it is essential to enroll in an accredited
institution either within the UK or an authorized overseas education provider, given you meet the eligibility criteria for studying in the UK as part
of your program. This visa category does not allow for visa extensions.
Duration of Stay: As long as your stay in the UK does not exceed 11 months, you are permitted to stay in the country for the duration of your
course plus in addition to an extra 30 days.
Employment opportunities: You are not permitted to engage in any employment activity under this visa category, including paid or unpaid
positions, apprenticeships, or work experience.
Child Student Visa
Overview: It is a requirement for students aged 4 to 17 who have secured admission to a UK-based educational institution and have a valid Tier 4
sponsor. You must have received an unconditional offer of admission to an independent school program. Furthermore, you must be able to
demonstrate that you have enough means to finance your stay and studies in the UK, as well as the agreement of your parent or guardian to
study in the UK.
Duration of Stay: The child visa category provides for a program term of up to 6 years for students under the age of 16, and up to 3 years for
those aged 16 or 17, with a 4-month extension after the program expires. The duration of stay is determined by the applicant’s age, application
date, and program length.
Employment opportunities: You cannot work full-time or be self-employed under this visa type. If you are 16 or older, you may work up to 10
hours per week part-time during term, full-time during holidays, or on a work placement as mandated by your program.

4. UK Student Visa – Eligibility to apply
To secure admission into your preferred program in the United Kingdom, it is imperative to have the following:
● An unconditional offer from an accredited student sponsor
● Sufficient funds on hand to cover your living expenses and the cost of your education
● Consent from parents (if an applicant is aged below 18)
● Proven command over the English language
UK Student Visa Fee
Student Visa/Child Visa: The fee for a student/child UK visa application is £363 for individuals residing outside of the United Kingdom, while
those seeking to extend or transition to a Child Student visa are required to pay £490. The health surcharge fee is a necessary component of the
visa application process, with a variable amount that is dependent upon the validity of the visa.
Short-term Visa: Short-term student visa application in the UK costs £200, with a £470 healthcare surcharge for National Health Service access.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
Student Visa/Child Visa: The application process for a Student Visa/Child Visa outside of the United Kingdom allows individuals to submit their
applications up to six months before the commencement of their intended study. Following the submission, applicants are likely to get a decision
within three weeks. Applicants from the United Kingdom can submit their applications for the program up to three months before the
designated start date. Typically, they can expect to receive a decision regarding their application within a period of eight weeks. It is necessary to
submit your application before the expiration of your current visa.

5. Short-term Visa: To obtain a short-term visa in the UK, you must submit your online UK visa application for the UK at least three months before
your intended arrival date. To establish your identification and supply documentation, you must schedule an appointment at a visa application
center. The officials at the center may retain your passport and accompanying documents. Typically, an outcome is released within three weeks of
the application, with the provision of expedited decision-making for an additional fee.
Document Checklist
● A valid passport
● Completed UK visa application form
● Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
● 2 recent passport-sized photographs
● Parental or legal guardian consent (if the student is under the age of 18)
● University letter of acceptance along with the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number (provided by the university)
● Financial sponsor documents (if applicable)
● Police clearance certificate
● Tuberculosis Test Results (if applicable)
● Polio and COVID vaccination certificates (specific cases only)
● Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if required for your program)
● Original mark sheets or provisional certificates
● English Proficiency Test Scores – IELTS/PTE etc.
● Standardized Test Scores – GRE/GMAT etc. (if applicable)
● Immigration Health Surcharge
● Statement of proof for funds: You need proof you can pay tuition fees for the first year of education and your cost of living for up to 9 months.
-Tuition fee payment receipt for the first academic year or full course fees if the course is less than 1 year (usually reflected on CAS Letter)
-Living expenses: if living in Inner London, an amount of £1,334 per month/if living anywhere else in the UK, an amount of £1,023 per month
-Additional living expenses of any eligible family members, at a rate of £680 per person per month

6. Supporting Documents (Financial Proof)
-Bank letter, Payslips, Bank account statement (applicant/parents)
-Financial sponsorship from a UKVI-approved international organization or Government Scholarship (if applicable)
-Student loan Letter from an authorized bank (if applicable)
To demonstrate proof of maintenance, it is necessary to provide evidence that the funds have been retained for a duration of at least 28
consecutive days. The end of that 28-day window cannot be earlier than one month before the date of your UK visa application.
UK Student Visa Process Step by Step
● Determine your eligibility for the UK student visa along with the student visa category applicable in your case.
● Apply to and obtain an unconditional offer letter and CAS reference number from an institution of higher learning that you want to attend.
● Prepare a checklist and get your documents ready. The Commonly-required documents include the unconditional offer letter, CAS Letter,
academic qualifications, Proof of English language proficiency, Proof of funds (including supporting documentation), and so on.
● Apply for a student visa by filling out an online Application Form and paying a UK Student Visa Application Fees and an Immigration Health
Surcharge Fee.
● To apply for a visa, schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre, submit your application, photographs, and fingerprints, or use
the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app. You may also be selected for a five-minute credibility interview.
● After processing, your decision letter and passport will be returned with a vignette allowing you to enter the UK within 30 or 90 days.
● Upon arrival, collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) within ten days, bringing your passport, entry vignette, and visa decision letter.
Ultimately, a successful visa application requires systematic steps taken at the right time. Although we outlined the essentials – eligibility, visa
categories, needed paperwork, and visa procedure – do not hesitate to seek specialized guidance from our UK education specialists at Manya-
The Princeton Review while navigating the UK student visa process for Indian students.

7. 7. Financing and Scholarships:
By default, all applicants who are selected will be automatically considered for a merit-based waiver. However, if you are specifically interested
in applying for a tuition waiver, there is an application available on the portal for you to fill out. If you are applying under the Early Entry Option,
you will have the opportunity to apply for a tuition waiver only after you have been selected and in the year you will be enrolling into.
The ultimate admission decision will be made through a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of the candidate’s profile, including their
academic background, work experience, essays, recommendations, and interview performance. A holistic evaluation will be conducted to
determine the final admission outcome.
SUMMARY
ISB has a well-established reputation as a premier MBA school with a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Its consistent
rankings in national and international surveys, along with its recognition for innovation and industry engagement, further solidify its prominence
in the field of management education. Understanding the admission process and requirements for the MBA program at ISB Hyderabad is vital for
prospective applicants. By carefully preparing your application, showcasing your strengths and experiences, and understanding the evaluation
criteria, you can increase your chances of being admitted to ISB’s prestigious MBA program. Start early, gather the necessary documentation,
and present your best self to embark on a transformative journey at ISB.