Study visa guide for six destinations.

Student visa routes

Guidance only. Visa and immigration decisions are made by each government. Last reviewed: pending verification.

United Kingdom

Student visa, sponsored by a licensed UK institution after you receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

How the process usually works

1. Shortlist courses and apply to licensed sponsors.
2. Accept your offer and meet any conditions. The university then issues your CAS.
3. Apply online, pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge, and prove your funds.
4. Give biometrics at the visa centre and wait for the decision before you travel.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• CAS reference number
• Proof of funds held for the required period
• Approved English test result if your route needs one
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Tuberculosis test certificate if required for your country

English test: Where an approved test is needed for the visa, IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI are common choices. Many universities also run their own English checks.

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Canada

Study permit for a programme at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), with proof of acceptance and funds.

How the process usually works

1. Pick a programme at a DLI and receive your letter of acceptance.
2. Check whether your province or programme needs an attestation letter before you apply.
3. Apply online for the study permit with proof of funds and a clear study plan.
4. Give biometrics, complete any medical exam, and wait for approval.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from a DLI
• Provincial attestation letter, where required
• Proof of funds
• Statement of purpose or study plan
• English test result, usually IELTS Academic or PTE Academic

English test: IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are widely accepted. Colleges and universities set their own minimum scores, and some accept other tests.

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USA

F-1 student visa after admission and an I-20. The embassy decides each case.

How the process usually works

1. Apply to SEVP-approved schools and accept your offer.
2. Receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee.
3. Complete the DS-160 form and book your visa interview.
4. Attend the interview with your documents and answer clearly about your study plan and funds.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Form I-20
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Financial documents shown on your I-20
• Academic records and test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE where asked

English test: Most universities accept TOEFL, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, and some accept other tests. Check the programme page for the exact list.

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UAE

Student residence is usually arranged through the institution. Rules can differ by emirate.

How the process usually works

1. Choose an accredited institution and programme, and confirm recognition.
2. Apply, accept the offer and pay the required deposit.
3. The institution guides your entry permit and student residence process.
4. Complete the medical test and Emirates ID steps after arrival.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Offer letter and admission documents
• Attested academic certificates, if requested
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness test
• English test result if the programme needs one

English test: IELTS Academic is commonly accepted, and many institutions also accept other tests. Requirements vary by programme.

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Australia

Student visa (subclass 500) for a registered course with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

How the process usually works

1. Choose a CRICOS-registered course and accept the offer.
2. Receive your CoE and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
3. Apply online through ImmiAccount with a genuine student statement and proof of funds.
4. Give biometrics or a health check if asked, then wait for the grant.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• OSHC policy
• Proof of funds and genuine student statement
• English test result such as IELTS Academic or PTE Academic
• Academic records

English test: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and TOEFL are commonly accepted. Visa and course requirements can differ, so check both.

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Singapore

Student's Pass applied for through your institution and approved by ICA.

How the process usually works

1. Apply to an institution that is eligible to sponsor a Student's Pass.
2. Accept the offer. The institution starts your online application with ICA.
3. Receive the in-principle approval letter and complete the medical exam if required.
4. Collect your Student's Pass in Singapore after arrival and registration.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Offer letter and institution application
• In-principle approval letter
• Medical examination, where required
• Academic records
• English test result if the programme needs one

English test: IELTS Academic, TOEFL and PTE Academic are commonly accepted. Programmes set their own minimum scores.

Official source ↗Country pageWork options

Admission or graduation does not guarantee a visa, work permit, permanent residency or a job. Ayaan Education provides guidance only.