Quick Answer: Omani students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in the UK, costing £490 plus a £1,164 Immigration Health Surcharge. The application process takes 3-6 weeks and requires a CAS from a UK university, financial proof of £1,334 per month for living costs, and English proficiency certification.

Introduction

For Omani students dreaming of studying at prestigious UK universities, obtaining a student visa is a crucial first step. With over 3,000 Omani students currently pursuing higher education in the UK, the pathway is well-established but requires careful preparation and attention to detail. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the UK student visa application process specifically for Omani nationals, ensuring you have all the information needed for a successful application.

Whether you're planning to pursue an undergraduate degree at Oxford, a master's at Imperial College London, or any other UK qualification, understanding the visa requirements and application process will help you avoid common pitfalls and delays that could affect your study plans.

Understanding UK Student Visa Requirements for Omani Students

Visa Type and Eligibility

Omani students must apply for a Student visa (previously known as Tier 4 General student visa) to study in the UK. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course plus additional time depending on your study level:

• Courses 12 months or longer: Up to 4 months after course completion for undergraduate and postgraduate courses
• Courses shorter than 12 months: Up to 2 months after course completion
• PhD and doctoral programs: Up to 6 months after course completion

Financial Requirements for Omani Students

The UK government requires proof of financial capacity to cover both tuition fees and living costs. For Omani students, the financial requirements are:

Living Costs Proof:

• £1,334 per month for studies in London
• £1,023 per month for studies outside London
• Must show funds for up to 9 months of study

Tuition Fees:

• Must demonstrate ability to pay first year's tuition fees
• Average UK international tuition fees range from £15,000-£25,000 annually for undergraduate programs
• Postgraduate programs typically cost £16,000-£30,000 annually

Many Omani students benefit from government scholarships or family financial support. Bank statements must show funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your University Place and CAS

Before applying for your UK student visa from Oman, you must:

1. Receive an unconditional offer from a UK university with a valid sponsor license
2. Obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - a unique reference number containing your course and personal details
3. Pay any required deposits to your chosen university

Your CAS is valid for 6 months from the issue date, so plan your visa application accordingly.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government website (gov.uk) to complete your visa application form. As an Omani national, you'll need to:

1. Create an account on the UK visa application system
2. Select "Student visa" as your application type
3. Complete all sections thoroughly, including:
   • Personal details and passport information
   • Travel history for the past 10 years
   • Employment and education history
   • Financial information
   • Details about your UK studies

Step 3: Pay Application Fees

Visa Application Fee: £490 (as of 2026) Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,164 per year of study

The IHS provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your studies. Payment must be made online during your application.

Step 4: Book and Attend Biometric Appointment

Omani students must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Muscat to:

• Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
• Submit supporting documents
• Complete any additional verification if required

Muscat VAC Location: Ground Floor, Rimal Commercial Complex Qurum, Muscat Operating hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Required Documents for Omani Students

Essential Documents Checklist

Academic Documents:

• Current passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• CAS reference number and details
• Academic qualifications and transcripts
• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• ATAS certificate (if required for your course)

Financial Documents:

• Bank statements showing required funds for 28 consecutive days
• Scholarship letters (if applicable)
• Financial sponsorship letters from parents or guardians
• Loan approval letters (if using education loans)

Additional Documents:

• Tuberculosis test results from approved clinic
• Passport-sized photographs
• Previous UK visa pages (if applicable)
• Parents' employment letters and salary certificates (for sponsored students)

Special Considerations for Omani Students

Military Service: Male Omani students may need to provide documentation regarding military service obligations or deferrals.

Family Ties: Strong family and economic ties to Oman can strengthen your application by demonstrating intention to return after studies.

Scholarship Recipients: Students with Omani government scholarships or other official funding should provide comprehensive scholarship documentation.

Processing Times and Application Strategy

Timeline Planning

Standard Processing: 3-6 weeks from biometric appointment Priority Service: Available for additional £500 fee (5-10 working days) Super Priority Service: Available for additional £1,000 fee (1-2 working days)

For Omani students planning September intake:

• Apply by: Late June/Early July
• Earliest application date: 6 months before course start
• Recommended application timing: 8-10 weeks before travel

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

1. Incomplete financial documentation - Ensure all bank statements are properly certified
2. Missing English language certificates - Verify your test meets UK requirements
3. CAS errors - Double-check all details match your passport exactly
4. Tuberculosis test issues - Use only approved clinics in Oman

Special Provisions and Opportunities

Work Rights for Omani Students

Student visa holders from Oman can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during university holidays
• In student union roles or as course representatives
• As research assistants or teaching assistants

Bringing Family Members

Omani students can bring dependents (spouse and children under 18) if studying:

• Postgraduate courses lasting 12+ months at universities
• Government-sponsored courses
• PhD or research programs

Dependent visa fees are £490 per person plus IHS charges.

Post-Study Opportunities

Graduates can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing:

• 2 years stay for bachelor's and master's graduates
• 3 years stay for PhD graduates
• Full-time work rights in the UK

This provides excellent opportunities for Omani graduates to gain UK work experience before returning home.

Financial Planning and Support

Cost Breakdown for Omani Students

Visa Costs:

• Application fee: £490
• IHS (3-year course): £3,492
• Biometric fee: Included in application fee
• Optional priority service: £500-£1,000

Additional Costs:

• Tuberculosis test: £75-£120
• Document translation: £30-£50 per document
• Travel to VAC: Variable
• English language test: £180-£250

Scholarship Opportunities

Omani students should explore:

• Diwan of Royal Court scholarships for government employees
• PDO scholarships for children of petroleum development employees
• British Council scholarships and awards
• University-specific scholarships for international students

When you're ready to explore UK universities and courses that align with your career goals, you can start your UK study journey by connecting with education consultants who specialize in helping Omani students navigate the application process.

Conclusion

Securing a UK student visa from Oman requires careful preparation, proper documentation, and adherence to timelines, but the investment opens doors to world-class education and future opportunities. With proper planning and attention to requirements, Omani students can successfully navigate the application process and begin their UK academic journey. Start your application early, ensure all documents are properly prepared, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 3,000 Omani students are currently studying in UK universities as of 2026

💰 UK student visa costs £490 plus £1,164 annual Immigration Health Surcharge for Omani applicants

🎓 Omani graduates can stay 2-3 years post-graduation under the Graduate Route visa

📈 95% of properly prepared Omani student visa applications are approved within standard timeframes

⏱️ Standard visa processing takes 3-6 weeks from biometric appointment for Omani students

🏥 Tuberculosis testing is mandatory for all Omani visa applicants at approved clinics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

To apply for a UK student visa from Oman, you must first secure a university place and CAS number, then complete the online application at gov.uk, pay the £490 visa fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge, and attend a biometric appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Muscat. The process typically takes 3-6 weeks and requires proof of finances, English proficiency, and tuberculosis testing.

What is the cost of a UK student visa for Omani students?

The UK student visa costs £490 for the application fee plus £1,164 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional costs include tuberculosis testing (£75-£120), English language tests (£180-£250), and optional priority processing services (£500-£1,000). Total costs typically range from £1,800-£2,500 for a standard application.

How much money do I need to show for UK student visa from Oman?

Omani students must demonstrate £1,334 per month for London studies or £1,023 per month for studies outside London, plus full first-year tuition fees. Funds must be held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before application. For a typical course, this means showing £15,000-£35,000 depending on location and tuition costs.

How long does UK student visa processing take for Omani applicants?

Standard processing for UK student visas from Oman takes 3-6 weeks from the biometric appointment date. Priority service reduces this to 5-10 working days for an additional £500, while super priority service offers 1-2 working days processing for £1,000 extra. It's recommended to apply 8-10 weeks before your intended travel date.

Can Omani students work while studying in the UK?

Yes, Omani students on Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. You can work in most sectors except as a professional sportsperson, entertainer, or in permanent full-time positions. Work includes part-time jobs, internships, and student union roles.

What English language requirements apply to Omani student visa applications?

Omani students must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests like IELTS (minimum 4.0 overall), TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Some universities may accept their own English tests or waive requirements for students from English-medium schools. The specific requirements depend on your chosen course level and university, with higher scores needed for competitive programs.

Key Takeaways

✅ Start your UK student visa application 8-10 weeks before course commencement to allow for processing delays

✅ Budget £1,800-£2,500 total for visa fees, health surcharge, and associated costs for Omani applicants

✅ Maintain required funds in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before application submission

✅ Complete tuberculosis testing at approved clinics in Oman before your biometric appointment

✅ Omani students can work 20 hours weekly and access Graduate Route visa for 2-3 years post-graduation

✅ Priority processing services are available for urgent applications but cost £500-£1,000 additional

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