If you have been awarded a Chevening Scholarship and are preparing to study in the UK understanding the visa process is one of the most important steps. This process has changed a bit for 2025 so getting it right can save you time hassle and stress. Let’s walk through everything you need to know step by step in friendly language with helpful tips.
What is the Student Visa for Chevening Scholars
When you get a Chevening Scholarship you must apply for a UK Student Visa under the “Student route.” Chevening cannot apply for your visa you must apply yourself.
Important benefit: if you are a fully funded Chevening Scholar you do not have to pay the visa application fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is a big saving.
Also See: Chevening Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Explained
Key Documents You Need
You will need several documents ready before you submit the visa application. Having everything prepared helps avoid delays. Here are the essentials:
- Final Award Letter (FAL) from Chevening which shows you are sponsored
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your UK university
- A valid passport with at least one full blank page for visa stamping if needed. Renew your passport if it expires during your course
- Proof of financial means unless fully funded. If your award covers tuition stipend and living costs your FAL counts as proof. If not you must show additional funds
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic if required in your country
- ATAS clearance for some technical courses if required
- Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh
Before You Apply: Prerequisites
Check these first for a smooth process:
- Your passport must cover the full duration of your study
- Get both FAL and CAS before you apply
- If TB test is required get tested early as results may take time
- Apply for ATAS certificate as soon as you know your course requires it since it can take over six weeks
- Renew your passport or update any ID documents before starting
The Visa Application Steps
Here is the process to apply for the UK Student Visa as a Chevening Scholar:
- Read Chevening and UK visa guidance carefully
- Collect all required documents
- Go to the UK visa application website and fill in the form correctly. Choose Student Visa route
- Indicate you are a Chevening Scholar on the application. This waives visa fee and IHS if you are fully funded
- Pay any fees if applicable
- Book and attend a visa appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics
- Submit all supporting documents online and in person if needed
- Wait for decision and respond to any requests from UKVI
Timing: When to Apply
Timing is critical. Apply too late and you may miss your course start date.
- You can apply no more than six months before your course starts as per your CAS
- Apply before traveling to the UK and have your visa decision in hand before departure
- Ensure your CAS is valid at the time of application or request a new one from your university
Financial & Health Requirements
You must meet financial and health criteria:
- If fully funded your FAL covers tuition and living costs and acts as proof of sponsorship
- If partially funded show additional funds. Required maintenance amount is about £10,224 for most UK areas and £13,347 for London
- Keep the funds for 28 days ending not more than 31 days before applying
- Do TB test if your country is listed. The clearance is valid for six months
Biometric Appointment & Supporting Documents
After online application:
- Visit a Visa Application Centre for biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Bring your passport CAS FAL proof of funds and translations if any
- Carry original documents and copies for verification
What Happens After Approval
Once approved:
- You may receive a 90-day vignette in your passport if you applied before 14 July 2025
- If you applied later you will likely get a digital visa (eVisa)
- Check your visa start and end dates work permission and other conditions. Get errors corrected before traveling
Common Problems & How to Avoid Them
| Problem | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Missing CAS or FAL | Get both documents before applying |
| Insufficient funds | Prepare extra funds and show valid proof |
| Expiring passport during study | Renew passport before applying |
| Delay in TB test or ATAS | Start these processes early |
| Using wrong visa type | Select “Student Visa” route carefully |
| Errors on visa | Check dates and details after approval |
FAQs: Quick Answers
Q1: Do I need to pay visa fee or health surcharge
A: Fully funded Chevening Scholars do not. Select Chevening option in the form to waive fees.
Q2: What if my CAS expires before applying
A: Request a new CAS from your university.
Q3: Must I do a TB test or ATAS clearance
A: Only if required by your country or course. Check this early.
Q4: What proof of finances is needed
A: Use FAL if fully funded. Otherwise submit bank statements or official proof of funds.
Q5: What type of visa do I get
A: Early applicants get a vignette. Later applicants may get a digital visa. Always check UKVI for updates.
Conclusion
Getting your Student Visa under Chevening right in 2025 needs preparation and attention to detail.
Key points to remember:
- Have both FAL and CAS ready
- Fully funded scholars are exempt from visa fee and health surcharge
- Start TB test ATAS passport renewal and finances early
- Apply within the allowed window and check your documents carefully
- Verify visa details after approval to avoid problems later
A smooth visa process means you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time in the UK.