What Is a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa is the official authorization that allows Bangladeshi students to study in the UK institutions. It enables students to enroll in full-time courses at recognized UK universities and colleges approved by the UK government. This visa permits Bangladeshi students to live legally in the United Kingdom for the entire duration of their academic period. In many cases, it also allows international students to work part-time during their term time and full-time during holidays. The UK Student Visa plays a significant role in starting a successful academic journey and accessing world-class education and global career opportunities in the UK.
UK Student Visa Requirements from Bangladesh
Applying for a UK student visa from Bangladesh requires a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Bangladeshi students must meet specific academic qualifications, financial requirements, and English language proficiency standards to be eligible for a UK student visa. Understanding these UK student visa requirements for Bangladeshi students in advance can help avoid common mistakes, reduce the risk of visa refusal, and ensure a successful application process.
Academic Requirements
The academic qualifications for a UK student visa are flexible and accessible for Bangladeshi students. Rather than focusing just on good scores, universities in the UK evaluate applicants’ previous education, topic relevance, and academic development.
For undergraduate courses, students usually need HSC with GPA 3 or 3.5+, while postgraduate courses typically require a recognized bachelor’s degree with CGPA 2.5–3.0.Requirements may vary by university and course.
Low academic marks! No problem.
The UK also offers pathway programmes such as Foundation Year, International Year One, and Pre-Master’s that accept lower GPAs These programmes allow direct entry into a UK University, which is helpful for Bangladeshi students with lower results.
Choosing the right course and pathway from a licensed UK institution greatly improves student visa success rate.
English Language Requirements (IELTS / MOI)
Bangladeshi students applying for a UK Student Visa must demonstrate English language proficiency to study at UK universities. Strong English skills are essential not only for visa approval but also for academic success in the UK.
Key Points to Know:
- IELTS Scores: Most UK universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0–5.5 and higher. Certain pathway programs may accept a minimum score of 5.0, but It should be UKVI IELTS.
- Alternative English Tests: In addition to IELTS, students can submit scores from recognized tests such as PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge English, depending on the university and program.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): Some universities still accept a Medium of Instruction certificate as proof of English ability, but the UK government and most institutions prefer official English proficiency tests over MOI.
Financial Requirements (Bank Statement)
To apply for a UK Student Visa from Bangladesh, students must submit a valid bank statement showing enough money to cover one year of living expenses and the remaining tuition fees for one academic year. Any tuition fee deposit already paid can be deducted from the fund.
If the applicant have a scholarship, the scholarship amount can be excluded only if it is clearly mentioned on the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
The required funds must be maintained in the bank for 28 consecutive days. The bank statement’s closing balance date must be within 31 days of the visa application date. UKVI accepts both savings accounts and fixed deposit accounts, as long as the money is accessible. However, It is very important that the bank is UKVI-approved and not on the blacklisted bank list, as statements from unapproved banks will not be accepted.
This financial requirement is mandatory for all the Bangladeshi students applying for a UK Student Visa.
TB Test & Health Requirements
Bangladeshi students who want to apply for a student visa to the UK must meet the health and TB test requirements specified by UK immigration officials. A tuberculosis (TB) test is compulsory for students planning to stay in the UK for more than six months. This test must be held at a UK government-approved medical center in Bangladesh. Candidates must submit a valid TB test certificate with their application for a UK student visa..
Required Documents for UK Student Visa
Planning to study in the UK is exciting ! One of the most important steps in the visa application process is ensuring that all the required documents for a UK student visa are ready. Proper preparation can save time, prevent delays, and increase the chances of smooth visa approval. From the passport and offer letter to financial documents and medical certificates, having a complete and accurate UK student visa documents checklist is crucial for a successful visa application.
UK student visa documents checklist
● Passport
● Offer Letter
● CAS
● Financial documents
● TB certificate
UK Student Visa Application Process (Step by Step)
- University admission :
The first step to getting a UK Student Visa is university admission. Applicants must apply to their preferred university and chosen programme through the university’s official application portal or via an authorized agent. Students must receive an offer letter by meeting the required academic and English language requirements for their selected course and University.
- CAS letter
After accepting the offer letter, some universities may require an interview. Once the interview is successfully completed and the required tuition fee deposit is paid, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The CAS is a crucial document for the UK Student Visa application and contains important details about the course and sponsoring institution.
- Online visa application
The first and most important step in the UK student visa application process for Bangladeshi students is completing the online application through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. After completing the online UK student visa application, applicants receive a GWF number. This is a unique reference number generated by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system. Applicants must carefully enter their personal details, passport information, course details, and the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number issued by their UK university. The online visa application form can be saved and updated, allowing applicants to change or correct information at any time before making the final payment.
During the online application stage, Bangladeshi students are required to upload all supporting documents and pay both the UK Student Visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The current UK Student Visa fee is approximately £490, which is around 85,000–96,000 BDT, depending on the exchange rate. In addition, students must pay the IHS fee of £776 per year, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). For Bangladeshi students, this is approximately 1,85,000–2,00,000 BDT per year with all processing and International transaction charges, and the full IHS amount must be paid upfront to cover the entire duration of study, whether for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate (PhD) programs.
Accuracy is extremely important at this stage of the UK student visa application .Any kind of incorrect, incomplete, or inconsistent information may result in visa processing delays or refusal. Carefully reviewing all details before submission significantly increases the chances of a successful UK student visa outcome.
- Biometrics
After completing the online application, the applicant must book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bangladesh on an available date. Students can choose either the regular service or priority visa service, depending on their preference and urgency.
On the appointment date, the student’s fingerprints will be collected, and all supporting documents will be verified by the visa centre. This step is a mandatory requirement of the UK student visa process from Bangladesh and is used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm the applicant’s identity.
All applicants must attend the biometrics appointment on time and bring all required documents to avoid delays or complications in UK student visa processing.
- Visa decision
Once the biometrics appointment is completed, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will begin assessing the visa application. UK student visa processing times may vary, and some Bangladeshi students may be invited to attend a credibility interview. This interview usually focuses on the applicant’s study plans, financial capability, chosen course, university, and future career goals. If an interview is required, the applicant will receive an email notification with the interview date and time. Previously, after a visa decision was made, applicants received a notification to collect their passport with a UK student visa vignette (visa sticker).
From 15 July 2025, the UK has started replacing physical immigration documents with digital eVisas. As a result, Bangladeshi students applying for a UK student visa may no longer receive a visa vignette in their passport. Instead, successful applicants will receive a UK student visa approval email, after which they must log in to their UKVI account to access and manage their eVisa online. The UK eVisa will serve as official proof of immigration status.
Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection
UK Student Visa applications are commonly refused due to poor UKVI interview performance, where applicants fail to clearly explain their course choice, country or university selection, or future study plans. Another major reason is not meeting financial requirements, including incorrect bank statements, failure to follow the 28-days maturity rules, or using a UKVI-blacklisted bank.
Visa refusals can also occur because of inappropriate information, missing or incorrect documents, or doubts about the applicant’s genuine student intention. Careful preparation and accurate documentation are essential to avoid any kind of visa refusal.
How to Apply to Study in the UK from Bangladesh
To apply for a UK Student Visa from Bangladesh, students must first secure a CAS Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a UK university. Once the CAS is issued, students can apply for the visa online at the UK Government website GOV.UK.
Students must prepare the following documents: a valid passport, the CAS letter, proof of sufficient funds (including bank statements), and academic certificates. .After collecting the documents, students must upload them and give biometric information at VFS Global Bangladesh, after which the application is assessed by UKVI.
For students planning to study in the UK, consulting with Eduvisors, one of the most trusted education consultancies in Bangladesh for UK studies, can make the process significantly easier. Eduvisors offers end to end support from university selection and admission to visa guidance and document preparation, helping students make informed decisions and apply with confidence.
