Getting a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is a critical step in your scholarship journey. For scholarship holders, the process is significantly more straightforward than for self-funded students, your scholarship letter is your primary evidence of financial support. But the documentation requirements are detailed, and missing even one document can delay or jeopardise your application.
This guide covers the full UK Student Visa process specifically for African scholarship holders: what documents you need, how long processing takes, what happens at the biometrics appointment, and how different African nationalities experience the process.
To apply for a UK Student Visa, you need: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your UK university, proof of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent), proof of sufficient funds (your scholarship letter covers this for scholarship holders), a valid passport, a recent passport-style photograph, and payment of the visa fee (currently £490 for a student visa, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at £776 per year, both of which most scholarships reimburse). You may also need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you are from a country on the UK government's TB testing list, which includes several African nations.
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and most other Sub-Saharan African countries require a TB test certificate for UK visa applications lasting more than six months. The test must be done at an UKHBA-approved clinic in your country, not at a general hospital. Results are valid for six months. Book your TB test as soon as you receive your CAS number: some approved clinics have waiting times of two to three weeks.
Standard processing is 3 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. Priority processing (where available) is 5 business days and costs an additional £250. Super Priority processing is next business day and costs £800. For scholarship holders, standard processing is usually sufficient, your scholarship start date gives you a clear deadline. Apply as soon as you have your CAS number, ideally at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to account for processing time and any additional document requests.
For scholarship holders, your scholarship award letter, which confirms that tuition and living costs are covered, replaces the bank statement requirement. You should still include it as a supporting document alongside your CAS number. Some visa officers request additional financial evidence even for scholarship holders; having three to six months of bank statements available as backup is prudent.
Eligible dependants (spouse, civil partner, and children under 18) of Student Visa holders can apply for a UK Dependant Visa, provided your course is at postgraduate level (or equivalent) and lasts at least nine months. Your dependant will also have the right to work in the UK without restriction. You must demonstrate you can financially support your dependants: check whether your scholarship covers dependant allowances.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by international students for access to the UK National Health Service. As of 2024, the rate is £776 per year of study. Most major scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, Gates Cambridge) explicitly include IHS reimbursement in their scholarship package. Check your scholarship award letter for confirmation.
Yes. Student Visa holders studying at postgraduate level at a UK university can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacation periods. Some scholarship conditions discourage or restrict employment, so check your scholarship terms. Working more than your permitted hours is a visa violation with serious consequences.
Read the refusal letter carefully: it will specify the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial evidence, or a belief that you intend to overstay. For scholarship holders, a refusal is often a documentation issue rather than a character concern. Address the specific reason, gather any additional documents, and either appeal the decision or reapply. Consulting an OISC-registered immigration adviser is recommended before reapplying after a refusal.
Last updated: April 2026. Find scholarships on StudiePoint AI →