What Do You Need to Study in the UK?
This is a comprehensive Study in the UK checklist designed for international students who wish to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. If you are a UK local student (holding ILR or British citizenship), please refer to our separate UK Local Student Checklist. We’ve broken down all the essential steps from receiving an offer letter to visa application, post-visa procedures, and university registration. It’s important to follow each stage carefully to avoid delays in your application process.
This guide includes:
- Study in the UK Checklists
- UK Student Visa Checklists
- Document Requirements for UK Study Applications
Let’s begin with the Offer Letter Checklist. Once you receive your offer letter from the university, please ensure it is properly scanned and sent to us in the correct format. Do not take photos with your mobile phone, as such images are often rejected and may delay your application.
Student Documentation Checklists for Offer Letter
- Passport
- IELTS if needed
- CV (click here for Sample CV)
- SOP ( Statement of purpose) – Click here for Sample SOP
- All academic certificates such as SLC (GCSC), 10+2 (O and A-Level), Bachelor, Master Certificates, whatever you have
- Please provide a work experience or explanation letter if you have a GAP.
- Reference letter
- Work experience ( if available)
You need to send the files below
- Passport ( only make this one pdf )
- Last Academic Degree certificate only in PDF format ( only make this one pdf)
- Final Degree Mark sheet only in PDF ( only make this one pdf)
- All other academics into one PDF ( only make this one pdf file)
- Letter of recommendation ( single file PDF )
- Experience letter if you have ( single file PDF)
- IELTS if you have ( single file PDF )
- CV in Ms Word – ( not PDF )
- SOP in Ms Word – ( not PDF)
Now, let me explain a little bit more. You need to send us nine files. If you are applying for a master\’s degree, you need to make one pdf file for a bachelor\’s degree certificate only in a pdf file. 2nd file will be a bachelor\’s degree mark sheet only. Similarly, scan the third fill with other academic documents such as school-level certificates and 10+2 (some countries call school certificates or grade 12 or O and A levels). 4th single file will be a letter of recommendation if available. 5th single file will be the Work Experience Letter. 6th single file will be IELTS if you need it. The last two files, 8 and 9, are in MS Word. You must make a CV and prepare sop as a sample above. We will not accept PDFs sop and CVs.
Format for writing an SOP to study in the UK
So now, let’s talk about SOP ( statement of purpose). Each university has a different format, but you can prepare as below structures or show your diverse talent by presenting your idea. It’s entirely up to you. Our standard SOP Format:
- Introduction
- Academic History
- Professional History
- Why the United Kingdom?
- Why that University?
- Why do you choose this course (mention course module)
- Career plan (mention the benefits during PSW and job opportunities in the UK if it’s a placement course)
- Click this link to learn more about the SOP writing format
UK Student Visa Application Checklist
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) / Resume
- Valid Passport
- Police Report ( If required)
- No objection letter from Education Ministration (if needed)
- TB Clearance Certificate
- Passport size Photographs – 2
- Attested copies of mark sheets (if required)
- Visa process preparation
- UKVI filled and printed online application
- Application Fee
- International Health Surcharge (IHS) fee
- CAS from University
- Birth Certificate if bank statement in parent name
- Bank Statement (See below maintenance funds section)
- Make sure the statement needs for 28 days and shows that you have enough funds to cover the course fee as well as the expensive ve monthly cost for nine-month
- Sponsorship letter of bank statement in the parent’s name
PSW Work Visa in the UK
- After completing a bachelor’s or master’s, you are entitled to a 2-year post-study working visa and can work in the UK. However, for a PhD, you will get three years of PSW.
Maintenance funds to study in the Uk for International Student – Living Expenses for International Students
The amount of money you need to study in the UK depends on your circumstances & what you are planning to apply for. If you have not already paid in advance, you’ll have to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover the full tuition fee for your course. Also, they have different rules for institutes based inside London or outside. So, London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
Living expenses (maintenance fund) requirement for inside and outside London
Remaining Fee if you have +
Inside London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months). Which is a Total: of £1206
Outside London: £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months). Which is a Total of £9207
For example, if your tuition fee is £10000, and you have paid £6000, you need to show the maintenance fee below.
Remaining Tuition Fee: £4000 + Maintenance fee of inside London University: £1334 X 9 = £12006
So in this circumstance, you need to show at least £16006 for inside London Universities.
Dependent Maintenance Fund: You need to add £12006 per dependent if you have a dependent. And the maintenance fund must show in the joint account if anyone applies with a dependent.
What is the 28-day rule for UK visas?
The money you use for maintenance (tuition fees and living costs) must be in your account for 28 consecutive days. The funds must not fall below the required amount even for one day during the 28 days, or the application will reject your application.
Dependent
- You can bring a Dependant (husband or wife) only when studying for a Master’s DegreeItts means you can not qualify for a bachelor’s or undergraduate degree.
UK Dependent Visa Application Documents Checklist
Below is the list of documents needed for UK Student Dependent Visas.
- Passport
- Application Form
- Cover Letter
- Joint Bank Statement and Balance Certificate
- Tb Certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Marriage photograph
- Relationship certificate
Can I show a loan?
The bank is supposed to be regulated by a Centre bank with an A Grade. Many countries require a loan Dispersion letter.
Thank you for visiting this page. We hope it has provided all the essential information you need to begin your journey to study in the UK. For more details, explore our International Student Study in the UK Checklist, which covers everything you need to know about UK university admissions. If you’re ready to apply, please complete the application form. Once we receive your submission, our team will review it and get back to you with any missing documents. If you’re unsure or need further guidance, simply fill out the University Admissions Application Form with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced education consultants will contact you to discuss the next steps. You’re also welcome to visit your nearest Real Dreams office for in-person assistance. Alternatively, feel free to contact us via social media and follow our channels for regular updates on studying in the UK and university admission support.
Finally, don’t miss our helpful resources, including how to study in the UK without IELTS, the UK university admission process for local students, and our list of over 40+ UK university partners.
