Quick Answer: Bangladeshi students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in the UK, requiring a CAS from a licensed sponsor university, £1,436 maintenance funds, and IELTS scores. The application fee is £490 with a £1,164 Immigration Health Surcharge, processed within 3-15 working days in Bangladesh through VFS Global centers in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Studying in the United Kingdom represents a transformative opportunity for Bangladeshi students, with over 15,000 Bangladeshi nationals currently pursuing higher education across UK universities. The UK student visa application process from Bangladesh has been streamlined in 2026, making it more accessible for ambitious students seeking world-class education.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of the UK student visa application process specifically for Bangladeshi applicants, from initial requirements to successful visa approval. Whether you're planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, understanding the visa requirements is crucial for your academic journey abroad.

Understanding the UK Student Visa for Bangladeshi Students

The UK Student visa (previously known as Tier 4 General Student visa) allows Bangladeshi nationals to study at UK universities and colleges for courses lasting longer than six months. This visa category covers undergraduate degrees, master's programs, PhD courses, and foundation programs at licensed educational institutions.

For Bangladeshi students, the Student visa offers several advantages including the ability to work part-time (20 hours per week during studies), bring dependents for certain course levels, and potentially switch to other visa categories after graduation. The visa duration depends on your course length, typically granted for the full course duration plus additional months for preparation and job searching.

Essential Requirements for UK Student Visa from Bangladesh

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your journey begins with securing a CAS from a UK university with a valid Tier 4 sponsor license. The CAS is a unique 14-character reference number containing details about you and your course. Bangladeshi students must ensure their chosen university appears on the UK government's list of licensed sponsors before applying.

The CAS includes crucial information such as course start date, duration, fees, and your personal details. Universities typically issue a CAS after you've met all academic requirements and paid required deposits. Keep your CAS safe as you cannot apply for your Student visa without this document.

Financial Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Bangladeshi students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. For 2026, you need:

• Tuition fees: First year's fees as stated on your CAS
• Living costs: £1,436 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London, £1,023 per month for areas outside London
• Maintenance funds: Must be held for at least 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of your visa application

For example, a Bangladeshi student studying a master's program in Manchester (outside London) for 12 months would need approximately £9,207 in maintenance funds plus first-year tuition fees. These funds can be held in your name or your parents' accounts (with additional documentation proving the relationship).

English Language Proficiency

Bangladeshi students must prove English language competency through approved tests:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component for undergraduate, 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component for postgraduate
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores vary by institution
• PTE Academic: Alternative accepted by most universities

Some Bangladeshi students may be exempt if they've studied previous qualifications taught in English or are nationals of majority English-speaking countries. However, most will need to take one of these standardized tests.

Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Bangladeshi applicants must prepare:

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• CAS from your UK university
• Bank statements showing maintenance funds
• English language test results
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results from approved clinics in Bangladesh
• Passport-sized photographs meeting UK visa requirements

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Visit the official UK government visa website and complete the online Student visa application form. Bangladeshi students must provide accurate information matching their supporting documents. The online form asks for personal details, travel history, criminal history, and course information.

Pay the visa application fee (£490 for applications made outside the UK) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,164 for students) online using a credit or debit card. Keep payment receipts as proof of payment.

Step 3: Book Biometric Appointment

After completing your online application, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bangladesh. VFS Global operates centers in:

• Dhaka: Gulshan and Dhanmondi locations
• Chittagong: City center location

Appointments typically become available within 1-2 weeks of booking. Arrive with all required documents and be prepared for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph).

Step 4: Attend Visa Interview (if required)

Some Bangladeshi students may be selected for credibility interviews to verify their study intentions. These interviews, conducted in English, focus on your course choice, university knowledge, future plans, and ties to Bangladesh. Prepare by researching your university, course curriculum, and career objectives.

Processing Times and Fees for Bangladesh

Standard processing times for UK student visas from Bangladesh are:

• Standard service: 15 working days from biometric appointment
• Priority service: 5 working days (additional £500 fee)
• Super priority service: 2 working days (additional £1,000 fee)

During peak application periods (May-August), processing may take longer. Apply well in advance of your course start date to avoid complications. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course begins.

Current fees for Bangladeshi applicants include:

• Visa application fee: £490
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,164 (covers NHS healthcare)
• Biometric enrollment: Included in application fee
• Priority services: Additional £500-£1,000

Common Mistakes Bangladeshi Students Should Avoid

Insufficient Financial Documentation

Many applications fail due to inadequate financial evidence. Ensure bank statements clearly show required funds held for the full 28-day period. Avoid large, unexplained deposits just before applying, as these raise credibility concerns.

Incorrect CAS Information

Verify all details on your CAS match your application exactly. Even minor discrepancies in name spelling or passport numbers can cause delays or refusals. Contact your university immediately if you spot errors on your CAS.

Late Applications

Don't underestimate processing times, especially during busy periods. Apply at least 8-10 weeks before your intended travel date to account for potential delays or additional document requests.

After Visa Approval: Preparing for UK Arrival

Once approved, your visa vignette (sticker) allows entry to the UK within 30 days. Upon arrival, you'll receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) containing your full visa details. Collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival at your designated Post Office.

As a Bangladeshi student with a UK Student visa, you can:

• Work part-time (20 hours per week during studies, full-time during holidays)
• Travel in and out of the UK (with valid visa)
• Access NHS healthcare (through Immigration Health Surcharge)
• Bring dependents (for courses longer than 9 months at postgraduate level)

Before you begin this exciting journey, make sure to start your UK study journey with proper university selection and course guidance tailored for Bangladeshi students.

Conclusion

Securing a UK student visa from Bangladesh requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and thorough understanding of requirements. With proper planning and attention to detail, Bangladeshi students can successfully navigate the application process and embark on their UK education journey. Start your application early, ensure all documents meet requirements, and consider seeking guidance from education consultants familiar with UK visa processes for Bangladeshi students.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 15,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in UK universities as of 2026

💰 UK student visa from Bangladesh costs £1,654 total (£490 application + £1,164 health surcharge)

🎓 95% of UK student visa applications from Bangladesh are approved when meeting all requirements

📈 Standard processing time is 15 working days, with priority service available in 2-5 days

🏦 Bangladeshi students need £1,436/month maintenance funds for London or £1,023/month outside London

📋 TB testing is mandatory for all Bangladeshi applicants at approved clinics in Dhaka or Chittagong

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a UK student visa from Bangladesh?

Complete the online application on the UK government website, pay fees (£490 + £1,164 IHS), gather required documents including CAS, bank statements, and TB test results, then book a biometric appointment at VFS Global centers in Dhaka or Chittagong. Submit your documents and attend the appointment for fingerprinting and photograph collection.

What is the CAS requirement for Bangladeshi students?

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your UK university after you meet admission requirements and pay deposits. It contains details about your course, fees, and personal information. You cannot apply for a UK student visa without a valid CAS from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor institution.

How much does a UK student visa cost from Bangladesh?

The total cost is £1,654 comprising £490 visa application fee and £1,164 Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional costs include priority processing (£500-£1,000), TB test (approximately £50-80 in Bangladesh), and document translation fees if required. Payment must be made online using credit or debit cards.

How long does UK student visa processing take from Bangladesh?

Standard processing is 15 working days from your biometric appointment date. Priority service reduces this to 5 working days for an additional £500, while super priority processes applications in 2 working days for £1,000 extra. During peak seasons (May-August), standard processing may take longer.

What financial documents do I need as a Bangladeshi student?

You need bank statements showing maintenance funds (£1,436/month for London, £1,023/month outside London) plus first year's tuition fees held for 28 consecutive days. Funds can be in your name or parents' accounts with relationship proof. Large unexplained deposits should be avoided as they raise credibility concerns.

Is TB testing required for UK student visa from Bangladesh?

Yes, all Bangladeshi applicants must undergo tuberculosis testing at approved clinics before applying for a UK student visa. The test costs approximately £50-80 and results are valid for 6 months. Approved clinics are located in Dhaka and Chittagong, and you cannot submit your visa application without valid TB test results.

Key Takeaways

✅ UK student visa requires CAS from licensed sponsor, maintenance funds, and English proficiency proof

✅ Total visa cost is £1,654 (application fee + health surcharge) with additional priority processing options

✅ Processing takes 15 working days standard or 2-5 days with priority service from VFS Global centers

✅ TB testing at approved Bangladesh clinics is mandatory before visa application submission

✅ Maintenance funds must be £1,436/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) held for 28 days

✅ Apply 8-10 weeks before course start date to allow for processing and potential delays

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