UK Student Visa (Tier 4) Explained: A Complete Guide for Bangladeshi Students
- Junayed Leon
- 8 min Read
This complete 2026 guide explains the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) for Bangladeshi students, covering eligibility requirements, CAS, financial proof, English language criteria, and the points-based system. It outlines the application process, visa fees, work rights, dependant rules, and post-study Graduate visa options. The guide also highlights recent policy updates affecting Bangladeshi applicants, helping students prepare a compliant and well-structured visa application for successful UK admission.
Studying in the United Kingdom has long been a dream for many Bangladeshi students. With globally recognised degrees, rich academic heritage, and strong career prospects, the UK remains a top destination for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral study. A core step in turning this dream into reality is securing the UK Student Visa – historically known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
Although the UK government replaced the Tier 4 category with the modern Student visa route, many students and counsellors still refer to it as the Tier 4 visa for familiarity. In this guide, we explain the current UK Student Visa system, its requirements, the application process, conditions, and recent updates relevant for 2026 applicants.
What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa is the immigration route that allows international students to study full-time at a licensed UK education provider for courses longer than six months. It replaced the former Tier 4 (General) Student Visa under the UK’s points-based immigration system and remains the primary route for international students.
This visa permits you to:
- Live in the UK for the duration of your course.
- Work part-time during term time and full-time during official holidays, subject to conditions.
It applies to a broad range of study levels, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, PhDs, diplomas, foundation programmes, and certain English language courses.
How the Tier 4 Terminology Fits In
The term Tier 4 Student Visa refers to the historical name of the route that existed prior to 2021. Under the UK’s previous immigration categorisation, Tier 4 was the label for general student visas. Although this classification no longer exists in official documentation, it is still widely used in consultancy and student advisory communities.
In official UK government guidance today, the visa is simply called the Student visa or the Student route.
Core Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UK Student Visa, you must meet several key criteria:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You must have a confirmed offer from a UK university or college that is licensed to sponsor international students. Once you accept your offer, the institution will issue a CAS number, which is required for your visa application. You must apply for the visa within six months of receiving your CAS.
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay:
- Your first year’s tuition fees (or the full tuition if less than one year); and
- Maintenance funds to support your living costs in the UK.
The amount required varies depending on whether your institution is in London or elsewhere. Proof is typically required through bank statements or similar documentation.
English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate a required level of English ability, usually through an approved English test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The specific score requirement is determined by your course and institution.
Age and Course Requirements
You must be 16 or over to apply for the main Student visa. The visa covers full-time courses in further or higher education and certain recognised programmes. If you are younger, separate Child Student visa rules may apply.
Points-Based Assessment
The UK Student Visa follows a points-based system, where applicants must score a minimum of 70 points to be eligible. Points are awarded for:
- A valid CAS (50 points)
- Financial evidence (10 points)
- English language ability (10 points)
Meeting all these criteria ensures you satisfy the Home Office’s eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
Step 1: Receive Your CAS
Before you can apply, your UK institution must issue you a CAS reference, which includes details about your course and sponsor.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
You will need to submit:
- Your valid passport
- CAS reference number
- Financial evidence supporting tuition and living costs
- English language test results
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable for Bangladesh)
- Any other institution-specific documents
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Submit your application on the official UK Home Office visa portal. You can apply up to six months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Surcharge
The current application fee is approximately £524, with an additional Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable as part of the process, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service during your stay.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Surcharge
The current application fee is approximately £524, with an additional Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable as part of the process, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service during your stay.
Step 5: Biometric Submission and Decision
After submission, you will provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and then wait for a decision. Decisions typically take around three weeks when applying from Bangladesh.
Work Rights and Conditions
Under the Student visa:
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time if you are studying at degree level.
- During official vacations you can often work full-time.
- The ability to work depends on your course level and specific visa conditions.
It’s important to comply with all visa conditions, as violations can lead to refusal of future applications or enforcement actions by UK Visas and Immigration.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
After completing your UK qualification, you can apply for the Graduate visa (often referred to as the post-study work visa). This permit allows you to stay and work in the UK for:
- Two years for undergraduate and master’s graduates; or
- Three years for PhD graduates.
You must apply while your Student visa is still valid. This route does not require a job offer and gives you the flexibility to work or look for work in most roles.
Recent policy developments indicate that, from January 2027, the Graduate visa duration may be reduced, notably shortening the post-study stay for some applicants.
Bringing Dependants
Students pursuing postgraduate studies that meet specific criteria may be able to bring dependants (spouse/children) with them to the UK. Each dependant must fulfil separate visa requirements and provide evidence of additional funds.
Important Considerations for Bangladeshi Applicants
Recent news and policy shifts have increased scrutiny on student visa applications from countries with high refusal rates, including Bangladesh. Some UK universities have temporarily paused recruitment from Bangladeshi applicants as they adapt to stricter compliance requirements from the UK Home Office. These changes aim to ensure visa approval rates remain within defined thresholds imposed on sponsor institutions.
Compliance with documentation standards, financial proofs, and honest representation of your study intentions are more critical than ever in the 2026 admissions cycle.
Final Thoughts
The UK Student Visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 visa) remains the primary gateway for international students aspiring to study in the UK. Understanding eligibility requirements, financial obligations, application steps, work rights and post-study pathways is essential for a successful journey.
For Bangladeshi students, preparing a strong application well in advance, securing an unconditional offer and CAS, and familiarising yourself with the latest Home Office rules are key to achieving your UK study goals.
If you’d like personalised guidance on choosing the right UK course, understanding visa requirements, or strengthening your application for 2026 intake, PFEC Bangladesh is here to help you plan each step with confidence.
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