Applying for a student visa is one of the most important steps in studying abroad. While each country has its own rules and documents, most share similar requirements like proof of admission, financial ability, and health credentials.
Below is a breakdown of what you need for the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Germany, and New Zealand — the most popular study destinations.
Canada
What You Need
Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Valid passport
Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses (minimum CAD 22,895)
Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
Medical exam (if required)
English/French proficiency (test scores if required)
CAS / SOP sometimes suggested
Completed online study permit application
Students should apply 4-6 months before their course begins and may need to show a GIC or bank statements proving funds.
Canada doesn’t require a visa interview in most cases; processing can take 8–16 weeks depending on volume and season.
United Kingdom
What You Need
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university
Valid passport
Proof of funds for tuition + living costs
- London: ~£1,529/month
- Outside London: ~£1,171/month (updated 2025–26)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment proof
Passport photos, application form, supporting documents
Extra Requirement
If studying postgraduate research, you might need an ATAS certificate for certain subjects.
The UK visa normally takes 3–8 weeks to process.
Australia
What You Need
Valid passport
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
Genuine Student (GS) evidence showing your study intentions and future goals, replacing the old GTE format
Proof of funds: tuition + living costs (AUD ~29,710) + travel costs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
English test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
Biometrics + medical exam (if required)
Financial scrutiny has tightened for some countries (e.g., India) with higher evidence requirements under Australia’s visa framework.
Visa fees are higher than for many destinations, and processing time varies by institution and country.
United States
What You Need
Form I-20 issued by your US university
Valid passport
DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form (online)
SEVIS fee payment receipt (SEVIS I-901)
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters)
English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS — often required for school admission)
Visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate
The interview is a key part of the process. Consular officers ask about finances, study plans, and ties to your home country.
Germany
What You Need
Valid passport
Letter of admission from a German university
Proof of financial means (usually a blocked account with ~€11,904/year)
Language proficiency (German or English depending on your programme)
Health insurance proof
Biometric passport photos & visa application form
German authorities will want evidence that you can pay for tuition and living costs before issuing your student visa.
New Zealand
What You Need
Valid passport
Offer of place / enrolment from a NZ university
Proof of funds for tuition + living expenses
Medical exam and possibly X-ray
English language proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
Passport photos, completed application
NZ student visas are generally valid for the duration of your course + 3 months after completion.
Key Common Requirements Across All Destinations
Valid passport (usually valid for 6 months beyond your stay)
Admission letter / offer of place from a recognised university
Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, GIC, sponsorship)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or equivalent), where applicable
Biometrics and medical checks in most cases
Passport-size photos and completed visa application forms
Top Tips for Visa Success
Apply early: Many visas take 1–4 months to process. Start 4–6 months before your course.
Proof of funds must be stable: Sudden large deposits can raise red flags. Keep a consistent balance.
Be honest and clear: You may be asked for clarity on your study intentions and post-study plans.
Double-check requirements per country: Rules change often. Always check the official immigration site before applying.
FAQs
Q1: Do all countries require an interview for a student visa?
Not all. The US usually requires one, while others like Canada and the UK often do not unless specific circumstances apply.
Q2: Can scholarships replace proof of funds?
Yes, if the scholarship letter clearly states coverage of tuition and living expenses.
Q3: Do I need health insurance for a student visa?
In many countries (Australia, Canada, NZ), yes — you must show coverage before arrival.
Q4: How long before my course should I apply for a visa?
Start 4–6 months before your intake — earlier is better to avoid rush fees and delays.
Q5: What if my financial proof is borderline?
You may be asked for extra documents like a sponsor letter, affidavit, or scholarship confirmation.
