If you want to know how to apply for a UK student visa from Sri Lanka, then you are reading the right article.
Studying in the United Kingdom is one of the popular decisions many Sri Lankan students make for their future. The UK is home to world-class universities, respected degrees, and a welcoming international community. Each year, thousands of Sri Lankan students travel to the UK to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs.
However, before booking your flight or packing your bags, you must first secure your UK student visa. The visa allows you to enter and stay in the country legally while studying. The process may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the steps clearly, it becomes much easier.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about how to apply for a UK student visa from Sri Lanka.
Types of UK Student Visas for Sri Lankans
When planning to study in the UK, it is important to choose the right type of student visa. Below are the main visa options available for Sri Lankan students.
Student Route (Main Student Visa)
The Student Route is the most common type of visa for Sri Lankans who plan to study at a college or university in the UK. You must be 16 years or older and have an offer from an approved sponsor (a licensed UK university or college).
This visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course and, in most cases, to work part-time during term and full-time during holidays. You can also extend this visa or switch to another category if you continue your studies or find a suitable post-study opportunity.
Child Student Route
The Child Student Visa is for students aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. If you are under 16, your parents or guardians must provide consent and proof of financial support.
Short-term Study Visa
The Short-term Study Visa is for those who want to take a short course, such as an English language program, that lasts up to 6 or 11 months. This visa is ideal for students improving their English before applying for a full degree program.
Keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to work, extend your stay, or bring dependents. It is strictly for short academic or language study programs.
Student Dependent Visa
If you are a postgraduate student enrolled in a full-time course of 9 months or more, you might be eligible to bring your spouse or children to the UK as dependents. Each dependent will have to apply separately and meet specific financial requirements.
For example, a student pursuing a two-year master’s degree at a London university can bring a spouse and child if they can show enough funds to support all family members without relying on public funds.
Suggested Read: How to Apply Canada Student Visa from Sri Lanka
Step-by-Step Process – How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka
The UK student visa process may seem detailed, but if you break it into steps, it becomes simple and manageable.
Step 1: Receive Your Offer Letter and CAS
First, apply to a UK university or college that has a sponsor license. Once you get an offer and accept it, the university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The CAS is a unique reference number and a document that contains details of your course, tuition fees, and sponsor information. You cannot start your visa application without this number. Keep your CAS letter safe as it is the foundation of your visa process.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
It is necessary you meet all the below-mentioned requirements before applying for the VISA-
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have a valid offer from a licensed institution.
- Be able to speak, read, and understand English.
- Have enough money to pay for tuition fees and living costs.
- Have a valid passport.
- Be free from tuberculosis (you may need to show a TB test certificate).
If you want to apply for sensitive subjects like nuclear science, engineering, or biotechnology, you may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather all your documents early. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the top reasons for visa refusal. Later in this article, you will find a complete list of required documents.
Step 4: Complete the Online Visa Application Form
Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website and fill in the online Student Visa application form. Enter correct details about your personal information, course, CAS number, and financial situation.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
After completing the form, you will pay two fees:
- Visa application fee – paid to UK Visas and Immigration.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – a fee that allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
The IHS is usually £776 per year. You will pay it online as part of your application process.
Step 6: Book a Biometric Appointment
Once payment is done, you must book an appointment at the visa application centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During this appointment, you will give your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.
Carry your passport, appointment letter, and supporting documents. Some centres allow digital document upload before your appointment, while others collect them physically.
Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents
Submit all necessary documents at the visa centre or through the online system as instructed. Always carry both original and photocopies. If any document is not in English, submit a certified translation.
Step 8: Wait for the Visa Decision
After submission, UKVI will review your application. Most applications are processed within three weeks, but during busy periods, it might take longer. You can track your visa status online.
If approved, you will receive a decision letter or email. Depending on your case, you will either receive an electronic visa (eVisa) or a vignette sticker in your passport.
Step 9: Prepare for Travel
Once you receive your visa, plan your travel. Book your tickets, arrange accommodation, and keep all your documents handy. When you arrive in the UK, you may need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
Step 10: Follow Visa Rules in the UK
After arriving, follow all visa conditions carefully. Attend your classes regularly, maintain your attendance, and do not work more than allowed. Following the rules will ensure a smooth stay and make it easier if you decide to extend your visa later.
Required Documents for UK Student Visa
Preparing the right documents is key to getting your visa approved. Below is a checklist of documents most Sri Lankan students will need.
- Passport – Must be valid for your entire stay in the UK.
- CAS letter – Issued by your UK university or college.
- Proof of funds – Recent bank statements or financial documents showing you can afford tuition and living costs.
- Proof of tuition fee payments – Receipts of any amount already paid.
- English language test results – IELTS or other accepted test results (if required).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate – Mandatory if you are staying more than 6 months.
- Academic documents – School certificates, transcripts, degree certificates, etc.
- Passport photographs – Recent color photos meeting UKVI requirements.
- Parental consent letter – Required if you are under 18.
- ATAS certificate – For certain postgraduate science or engineering courses.
- Police clearance certificate – If requested.
- Scholarship or sponsor letters – If your education is funded by another person or organization.
Keep both hard and soft copies of your documents. Double-check that all names and details match across documents.
UK Student Visa Fees and Processing Time
Visa Fees
For most students applying from Sri Lanka, the UK student visa fee is around £490 (as of 2025). In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is about £776 per year.
You will pay both fees online when completing your application form. Keep the receipts as proof of payment.
Processing Time
The standard processing time for a UK student visa from Sri Lanka is 3 weeks. However, you can apply earlier, up to 6 months before your course starts.
If you are in a hurry, some centres offer priority or super priority services for an extra fee. With these services, you may get your visa in 1 to 5 working days. Always check availability in Colombo before applying.
It is best to start your visa process as early as possible so you have time to correct any errors if something goes wrong.
Financial Requirements for Sri Lankan Students
One of the most important parts of your visa application is showing that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.
Tuition and Living Costs
You must show:
- Enough money to pay for tuition fees for the first year of your course (or for the full course if shorter).
- Enough money to cover living expenses for up to 9 months.
As of 2025:
- If your university is in London, you must show £1,483 per month for up to 9 months (£13,347 total).
- If your university is outside London, you must show £1,136 per month for up to 9 months (£10,224 total).
Example
Suppose you are going to study at a particular university which is outside London. Your tuition fees are £15,000 per year. You must show:
- £15,000 for tuition
- £10,224 for living costs
So, your total proof of funds should be around £25,224 (approximately 10 million Sri Lankan rupees).
The 28-Day Rule
The money you show in your bank account must have been there for at least 28 continuous days. During those 28 days, the amount should never fall below the required total.
The last day of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.
Accepted Financial Documents
- Bank statements (your own or your parents’)
- Education loan letters from recognized banks
- Fixed deposit certificates
- Scholarship award letters
- Sponsor letters (if from a trusted sponsor)
Funds must be in a recognized bank. Always include the bank’s name, your account number, and the statement issue date.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Even if you meet all requirements, visa officers can refuse applications for several reasons. Understanding these can help you avoid mistakes.
- Incomplete application – Missing forms or unanswered questions can result in refusal.
- Incorrect financial documents – Bank statements not meeting the 28-day rule or showing insufficient balance.
- Fake or unverifiable documents – Submitting false certificates can lead to a 10-year ban.
- Lack of genuine intent – The officer must be convinced you are a genuine student who will return after studies.
- English language issues – Low IELTS score or expired certificate.
- TB test missing – Forgetting to submit a valid TB test certificate.
- Late application – Applying too close to your course start date.
- Inconsistent information – Differences between your CAS, bank letters, or visa form.
Conclusion
This is How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Sri Lanka. At first it may all seem very challenging. But once you start preparing your documents and initiate the process, things get easier.
Contact TEVS a UK student visa agents in Sri Lanka for more information.
FAQs
For London, £1,483 per month up to 9 months. For outside London, £1,136 per month up to 9 months.
It usually takes about 3 weeks after you provide biometrics and submit all documents.
Yes, you need IELTS. Universities require proof of English ability, usually through IELTS, TOEFL, or a similar test.
You apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration website and attend a biometric appointment at the visa centre in Colombo.
Yes, most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Editorial Staff’s at KO Klicks are experts on various topics.