Complete guide to international study visas

What is a student visa?

A student visa (called a residence permit in some countries) is a kind of permit that grants you entry into a new country as an international student. If you are interested in studying abroad in a country that you are not a permanent resident of, you will need to check if you need a visa. Having a visa allows you to live and study in another country, as well as some setting out the rules for any part-time employment.

The requirements for a student visa can be different from country to country. This article aims to provide you with more information about student visas, including what types of student visas exist, how to apply for a student visa, and the most common mistakes to avoid. We will also point you in the direction of more detailed information for countries around the world.

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Do I need a student visa?

Before applying for a student visa, it is important to understand if you need one to study in the country you are interested in. Some countries have exemptions, depending on where you are from and where you choose to study.

For instance, if you are resident of an EU/EEA (sometimes also including Switzerland) country, you normally do not need a visa to study and live in another EU/EEA country. Most institutions make it clear who would be considered an international student, so this should be easy to clarify. If you are unsure, contact the institution and they will provide you with more information.

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What type of student visa do I need?

If you do need a student visa to study abroad, you also need to make sure that you understand what type of visa you need to apply for. Countries often have different categories of visas which are relevant to different types of stay. For instance, the US has ‘F-1’ and ‘M-1’ visas, with the ‘F-1’ for applying to a purely academic higher education institution, and the ‘M-1’ for applying to established vocational schools or business schools.

Another common visa category in some countries is one that allows for short stay only. These are useful if your course doesn’t last as long, for example a short course or preparation course. However, these are not normally applicable for most higher education full-time courses.

Alongside your student visa, you may also need to obtain other documents. For instance, you may be required to apply for a residence permit, or provide biometric information to be granted a visa. Some countries may also require you to show proof of health insurance, or pay a healthcare surcharge, depending on how the country’s healthcare system works.

At this point in the process you will also be considering the cost of a student visa. The charges are different in each country. We break down the costs in our country specific visa pages, which are linked below. You can also look at the government website for your chosen country for more information.

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How to apply for a student visa

The process of applying for a student visa can seem daunting if you are doing it for the first time. There are some crucial steps that you must not miss, and you can break down the process into smaller steps to make it seem more manageable.

• Step 1 – before you can apply for a student visa, you need to apply for and be accepted into a recognised degree. Most countries require you to provide an acceptance or enrolment letter as part of your application. This is also a good time to start thinking about your accommodation options, as you might be required to provide proof of your arrangements.
• Step 2 – work out if you can apply online or if you need to apply in person at a consulate or embassy. If you can apply online then you should create an account. If you have to apply in person you will need to arrange an appointment, which you should do in advance.
• Step 3 – gather all of the required documents. The most common documents are listed below. You should consider if any of the documents need to be translated into a different language.
• Step 4 – submit all documents either online or in person. If an interview is required, this is normally when you would book an appointment for it. This might also be the point at which you need to provide biometric data.
• Step 5 – attend your interview (if applicable).
• Step 6 – receive notice that your visa application has been accepted or rejected. If it has been accepted then you can make plans to travel to your chosen country. If it has been rejected, take time to understand why, and reapply if you have that option.
• Step 7 – when you arrive in the country you might need to apply for a residence permit (or the equivalent, if applicable). This is usually done at local police stations or local embassy or consulate locations. Your university can provide more information about this.

Required Documents

These are the most commonly required documents for your student visa application:

• Valid passport (or equivalent travel documents)
• Proof of acceptance or enrolment at a recognised university or institution
• Proof of sufficient funds (dictated by each country)
• Proof of language proficiency
• Health insurance (if applicable)
• Proof that you have paid the application fee
• Health information or test results (such as a negative Tuberculosis test)
• Two or three passport-sized photos (taken recently)
• CV/resume, previous academic degrees, and other important academic certificates

If other documents are required, it will be made clear during the application process, so make sure that you read all requirements carefully.

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Will I qualify for a student visa?

You might be worried about your chances of getting a student visa, particularly if it is the first time you are approaching the process. It can be reassuring to know that if you meet all of the criteria to be accepted by a university or college, you’ll probably meet the criteria to be granted a visa too!

There are 5 key things that are important in determining your eligibility for a student visa:

• University acceptance letter – you can’t apply for a visa without this in most countries.
• Proof of funds – this shows that you are able to support yourself, whether that is through a scholarship, student loan, or self-funding.
• Medical results and health insurance – you might need to provide medical results (such as a HIV test), and you might need to get valid health insurance.
• Paperwork – having all of the correct documents ready for your application is crucial.
• Watch the clock – make sure to allow for enough time when applying for your visa. You need to apply at least three months before your course starts, and some countries might have more strict time requirements.

Making mistakes in your visa application can lead to delays (or to your visa request being denied), take a look at the mistakes to avoid below.

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Reasons your visa application might fail

Applying for a student visa is a crucial step in studying abroad, and it can be complex and overwhelming if you are dealing with the process by yourself. These are the most common mistakes made by international students:

• Failure to prove ties to your home country – if you can’t prove ties to your home country, immigration authorities might be concerned that you won’t return home after your studies, and will try to stay in the country illegally.
• Having a criminal record – international students with a criminal record might find it harder to obtain a student visa. More serious crimes will make it even less likely you will be accepted. You will be required to provide detailed information about your criminal record (if you have one), including evidence of rehabilitation and steps taken to prevent future criminal behaviour.
• Insufficient funds – If you are unable to provide evidence that you have the required funds to support yourself (and any dependants travelling with you) during your studies, your visa application might be rejected.
• Lack of language proficiency – you might need to demonstrate proficiency in the host country’s language. You can do this with language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS (for English), TestDaF (for German) or HSK (for Chinese), among others. If you do not meet the requirements, you might be rejected.
• Incomplete application – if you do not fully complete your application, or do not provide all required supporting documents, immigration authorities will not be able to process your application. This can either lead to delays, or rejection.
• Health concerns – you might have to undergo a medical examination as part of the visa application process. If you are diagnosed with a serious health condition, such as tuberculosis, you might not be granted a visa, as countries are worried about the spread of such diseases.
• Involvement in political activities – some countries are more sensitive to politically related activities, such as protests or demonstrations, as they are concerned about national security and public safety. If you have a recorded history of involvement in these activities, it could put your application at risk.
• Failure to attend your visa interview – many countries require international student visa applicants to attend an interview as part of the application process. If you miss your interview without a valid reason, your application could be either delayed or rejected.
• Previous visa violations – if you have previously violated the terms of a visa, such as overstaying your visa or working illegally in a country, you are more likely to have your application denied.
• Social media activity – immigration officials in some countries, such as China and the USA, may review your social media activity on various platforms. This gives them a chance to see if you have said or engaged with anything that would be considered illegal or offensive in that country.

Taking your time and checking your work is a simple way avoid mistakes in your visa application. You can also use a visa consultant or education agent, or reach out to your university’s international office for assistance.

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Common student visa questions

We have put together the most common student visa questions so you can quickly find out the key information. Making your visa application process as quick and simple as possible gives you the best chance of being granted a visa.

Where do I start with my visa application?

You can’t apply for a visa without first being accepted onto a degree. If you have already decided which program you want to study, you need to make sure that it meets the visa requirements. Some countries have strict requirements about what kind of course they allow international students to obtain a visa for.

Once you have been accepted by or have enrolled at a university, you need to work out how you can submit your application. The options are normally online or in person.

How much money will I need?

This is one of the most common questions asked by international students. You need to prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. The exact amount needed depends on the country in which you want to study. Some countries ask for proof of funds for the entirety of your course, while other ask for proof of funds for only the 1st year of your studies.

For a UK student visa you will need to prove you have funds for the following (as of 2024):

• First year of course fees
• £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
• £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

For an Australian student visa (as of 2024):

• Provide bank statements, evidence of grants or scholarships. This will prove that you have enough money to cover all your costs and expenses throughout your course, such as travel, course fees and rent. You should provide evidence that you have access to at least AU$29,710.

For a US student visa (as of 2024):

• Proof of liquid assets to cover cost of first year study and living expenses
• Proof of readily available funds to cover remaining years of study

Can my family travel with me?

If you meet the requirements for bringing dependants with you, your family will be able to travel with you. There will be restrictions on how many family members can come, as well as strict stipulations on which international students meet the criteria.

If your family does travel with you, you will normally have to prove their relationship to you. You will also be required to prove that you have sufficient funding to support your dependants as well as yourself.

Individual countries will have their own rules, it is recommended that you check with official channels, such as immigration authorities or international offices, to ensure that you have the most up to date information about rules and regulations around dependants.

Can I work with my visa?

As a general rule international students are allowed to work around 15-20 hours per week during term time. Some countries allow you to work up to full-time during holiday periods.

Various countries are more strict about students working on their visa, either setting rules for what kinds of jobs you can work (you cannot work in cashier positions or at entertainment centres in Malaysia, for example), or not allowing international students to work at all (only study related internships or part-time work is permitted in China, for instance).

How long can I stay?

A student visa normally allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course. In some countries you will need to renew your visa or residence permit before the end of your studies. The time you are allowed to stay will be specified when you first apply for your visa.

Most countries also allow international students to stay in the country for a short time after your course has finished. This time can vary between around 60 days and 4 months, depending on which country you studied in. If you want to stay for longer, to pursue employment for example, you will need to consider getting a post-study work visa.

Are governments trying to make it harder for international students?

While it may feel like countries are making it harder for international students to study abroad, most of the changes in immigration laws are to protect your safety and the integrity of international higher education.

The aims of these restrictions are to prevent bogus and unrecognised colleges offering poor quality courses to international students. This means that you will receive an excellent education from a recognised institution, and also means you are less likely to fall foul of the student visa restrictions.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on student visas, you can check out our country-specific visa pages below.

You can also ask for more information and support from the international office at the university you have applied to, as well as utilising the resources offered by the official immigration websites of the country you will study in.