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 an 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. Please send us nine files. If you are applying for a master\’s degree, you need to make a 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 file with other academic documents, such as school-level certificates and 10+2 (in some countries, 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. The 6th single file will be IELTS if needed. The last two files, 8 and 9, are in Microsoft Word format. You must prepare a CV and an SOP as samples, as shown above. We will not accept PDFs, SOPs, and CVs.
Format for writing an SOP to study in the UK
Now, let’s discuss the SOP (statement of purpose). Each university has a different format, but you can prepare as shown below 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 did 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
- No objection letter from the Education Ministry (For Nepali students)
- TB Clearance Certificate
- Attested copies of mark sheets (if required)
- Visa process preparation
- Application Fee
- International Health Surcharge (IHS) fee
- CAS from the University
- Birth Certificate or a bank statement in the parents’ name
- Bank Statement (See below maintenance funds section)
- Sponsorship letter of bank statement in the parent’s name
Maintenance funds to study in the Uk for International Students – Living Expenses for International Students
Increased Maintenance Funds (Living Costs): The figures on the page are slightly outdated. As of January 2, 2025, the monthly requirements have increased:
Inside London: £1,483 per month (previously £1,334).
Outside London: £1,136 per month (previously £1,023).
Financial Evidence Rules
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days
The closing balance date must be within 31 days of the visa application
Funds must be in an acceptable bank or financial institution.
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 on any day during the 28 days; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
PSW Work Visa in the UK
After completing a bachelor’s or master’s, you are entitled to an 18-month post-study working visa and can work in the UK.
However, for a PhD, you will get three years of PSW.
Dependant Eligibility for UK Student Visa
You can bring dependants to the UK only if you are studying a postgraduate research programme, such as:
- PhD / Doctoral degree
- Master’s by Research (MRes, MPhil)
- DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is classified as a research degree
Since January 2024, international students have been able to bring dependents only if the course is a research-based higher degree (such as a PhD or Research Master’s). Taught Master’s (MBA, MSc, etc.) generally no longer qualify for dependents.
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.
