Are you a Ghanaian student planning to study in the UK? Once you receive an offer from a UK university or college, the next crucial step is applying for a UK Student Visa. This visa allows you to legally enter and stay in the UK for the duration of your studies.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about the UK student visa application process from Ghana, including visa types, eligibility requirements, required documents, UK student visa fee, and common UK student visa interview questions and answers.
Types of UK Student Visas
There are three main UK student visa types, depending on your age and the nature of your studies:
- Student Visa (Tier 4 General Student Visa in the UK):
- For students aged 16 or over.
- Must have an offer from a UK institution with a licensed student sponsor.
- Valid for the duration of your academic programme.
- Child Student Visa:
- For students aged 4 to 17.
- Must have a place at an independent school in the UK.
- Short-Term Study Visa:
- For English language courses up to 11 months.
- Cannot be extended or switched to another visa.
Are you considering studying in the UK? Most Ghanaian students apply for the Tier 4 General Student Visa in the UK, now commonly referred to as the UK Student Visa.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Ghanaians
To apply for a UK visa application student type, you must prepare and submit the following documents:
Documents Required for UK Student Visa:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your UK institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (required for Ghanaian applicants).
- English language proficiency test results.
- Parental consent if under 18.
- ATAS certificate (if your course requires one).
- Written consent from sponsor (if financially supported recently).
These form the essential UK student visa requirements. Understanding the requirements for UK student visa from Ghana is key to avoiding rejection.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
You must prove your English skills with an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). Test providers include:
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- Pearson
- LanguageCert
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
- Trinity College London (inside UK only)
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If your visa is granted for more than 6 months, you will need a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is part of the UK student visa application and confirms your identity, study rights, and access to UK services.
UK Student Visa Fee in Ghana
The UK student visa fee for applications from Ghana is:
- £490 (subject to change)
In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is:
- Around £776 per year of study.
Together, these make up the student visa UK cost. It’s important to budget this as part of your study abroad preparation.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
You can expect to receive a decision in:
- 3 weeks from outside the UK
- Priority service: within 5 working days (optional)
- Super priority service: within 1–2 working days (limited availability)
Applying early reduces the risk of delays.
Common UK Student Visa Interview Questions
While not all applicants are required to interview, it’s wise to prepare for common UK student visa interview questions and answers. Topics may include:
- Why you chose the UK
- Why you chose your university
- Details about your course and future plans
- How you’ll fund your education
You can download UK student visa interview questions and answers PDF samples online to help prepare.
Need Help Applying?
If you want to study in the UK from Ghana, we can assist you with university selection, application, visa support, and scholarships.
📞 WhatsApp us now: +44 7722 990005 to start your journey to the UK!