Thousands of Sri Lankan students like choose to take up the world class education on offer in the UK every year. Studying in the UK will be an exciting and memorable experience. There are a few things you need to be aware of before applying for a student visa.  

On March 31st 2009  new rules were introduced for student visa applications. If you would like to study in the UK, you now need to pass a points-based assessment under Tier 4 of the points based system. The visa application process is clearer and easier to understand. and it is important that you read the official published guidance which explains what you need to do. This is available at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk.  Under the new system, student applicants need a total of 40 points to be eligible for a student visa - you get these points by having an unconditional offer of study from a licensed UK education institution and by showing that you have the necessary funds to do so.

Please take the following steps:

Step 1: is to get an unconditional offer to study at a licensed education institution in the UK. Under the new system, all institutions that want to recruit international students must first be licensed by the UK Border Agency to do so. For a complete list of licensed institutions, please visit the web address on your screen. The institution will give you a Visa Letter. It is important that this letter contains all the information set out in the Tier 4 guidance - including details about the student, the course and the documents submitted which led to the offer of the place. The Visa Letter also  acts as a sponsorship letter. You are awarded 30 points for having a valid Visa Letter.

Step 2: is to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living costs during your studies. The amount of money you need to show depends on where you want to study and the length of the course.  If the course is less  than nine months you need to prove you have the full course fee plus £800 a month for living expenses during the course period. This is the amount you would require if you intend to study  in inner  London. If you choose to study in outer London or in a town outside London , you will require £600 a month for the duration of your course.

If the course is for more than nine months you will need to show that you have one full year of the course fees plus living expenses for at least nine months. This means you will need to show £7200  living costs  if you are planning to study  in inner  London and £5400 if you choose to study in outer London or in a town outside  London.

So how do you prove you have the finances for your studies ? You will need to submit bank statements or a letter from a registered financial institution guarantee, evidence of a loan in your name or official financial or government sponsorship . You earn 10 points for being able to prove your financial capability.

Step 3: Once you have your Visa  letter and your financial documents ready, you can prepare your visa application. Please read the guidance carefully and complete your application fully. You do not need an agent to submit your application. If you think you need further advice, please choose an agent carefully. If they charge a fee, this should be reasonable. Just remember that an agent cannot guarantee to get you a visa. Only the UK Border Agency can make this decision.

You can get the application form, VAF 9, free of charge from VFS. You will need to submit your completed visa application, your Visa  letter, proof of your financial , your current passport, the documents assessed by the institution when you were accepted onto the course and a visa fee of £145. Please make a copy of your documents and then make your application  at the VFS Visa Application Centre on Duplication Road. At the VAC, VFS will take your biometric details - finger scans and photograph - this is a standard part of all visa applications. It is quick and easy and there is no extra charge to you.

The student visa process is straightforward if you follow the guidance, prepare thoroughly and  apply early. Remember dont submit false information or documents or apply in another identity. Your visa application will be refused and you face a ban on travelling to the UK for the next 10 years. For more information, please visit the UKBA website.