Applying for a UK Student visa, aka the Tier 4 visa, was one of the final and most important steps in preparing for my study abroad plan in the UK. I applied from South Korea in August 2025. Even though the process was manageable, it was stressful in that there were a few requirements to keep track of and I wanted to make sure I got everything done perfectly. Reflecting on the visa application process, I was able to realize how important it is to always stay organized, read official guidance carefully, and prepare documents earlier than I think I would need to.

The first step was receiving my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from the University of Manchester. This was essential as I could not apply for my visa without it. After receiving the CAS, I made a list of documents I needed, which were my passport, CAS, receipts of visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, tuberculosis test certificate, financial evidence such as bank statements, English language certificate, and my undergraduate transcript. Although some of these documents were optional, I wanted to make sure I submitted everything to avoid any possible contingencies. Please note that required documents may vary by country.

In order to get the tuberculosis test certificate, I had to get tested at a designated clinic. This can be confusing as a lot of students think that they could get tested at any clinic. The list of approved clinics for each country can be found in GOV.UK. Also, it’s important to get tested early enough as it takes about a week to get the result back from the clinic. In case you are tested positive for latent or active TB, things can get unorganized as the clinic may require you to wait several months to get re-tested and getting the negative test result is crucial for the success of your visa application. Therefore, I highly recommend incoming students to get tested months before their visa application.

I also had to pay the IHS fee so that I could access the NHS during my time in the UK. For students, this surcharge was £1,164. In addition, the visa application made outside the UK cost me £524. As these fees can feel significant, preparing your funds beforehand is important. Another part of the process that required extra attention was financial evidence. During my time of application, I had to prove that I held enough funds (£1,023 per month outside London and £1,334 per month inside London) in a personal bank account (can be your parents’ or partner’s) for 28 consecutive days and the statement had to be dated no earlier than one month before the date of application. However, it is very important to note that, as of 11 November 2025, required funds have been updated to £1,171 per month outside London and £1,529 per month inside London.

After completing the online application and paying the fees, I attended my biometric appointment in Seoul, South Korea. At that stage, the process started to feel more real as it was no longer just paperwork but an actual step toward moving abroad. One of the staff members told me the standard processing time would take around three weeks, so I kept checking for updates and hoped that everything would go smoothly. I was fortunate to receive my electronic visa 3 days after my appointment. It was a period of uncertainty, but I learned that international study is not only about academic preparation but also about responsibility, planning, and patience.

Written by Jungi Jeong, a current MSc Finance student.

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