Documents Required to Study in the UK

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Planning to study in the UK involves preparing several important documents, both for your university application and your student visa. This guide outlines the key documents you will need, helping you stay organised and make the process as smooth as possible.

University Application Documents

These are the documents you need when applying to UK universities:

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Academic qualifications with transcript
  3. English Language test results – IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL, DUO Lingo, KAPLAN etc
  4. Statement of Purpose  (Personal Statement) – Why you are applying
  5. Recommendation letters – From teachers or employers
  6. CV (for Postgraduate students)
  7. Portfolio (if applicable) – For art, design, or creative courses.

Student Visa Documents

Once you have an offer from your chosen UK university, you will need these documents for your UK student visa application:

  1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter

    The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter will be Issued by your UK university after you have met all conditions and paid the deposit. The letter will include your course details, tuition fee, payment made, and sponsor license number.

  2. Valid Passport

    Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and should have at least one blank page for the visa vignette (sticker).

  3. Financial Evidence (Proof of Funds) –

    Proof of tuition fee (for the first academic year) and living costs

  4. Proof of English Language Proficiency

    IELTS for UKVI, TOEFL, PTE Academic, etc.

  5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate – must be form a UKVI approved clinic
  6. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate which is for some international students and researchers who want to study or work in sensitive technology areas in the UK.
  7. Passport-sized photographs – as per visa specifications.
  8. Visa application form and fee – completed application with payment receipt.

Note: If your documents are not in English, you will need to get them officially translated and certified so the university and visa office can accept them.

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Keep digital backups of all documents.
  • Double-check deadlines for both university and visa.
  • Ensure non-English documents are officially translated.
  • Start early to avoid delays.