Student Visa Process for Sri Lankans: Step-by-Step Guide to Australia and the UK

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July 3, 2025
5:03 am
8 min Read

Summary

Australia offers multiple skilled visa pathways for permanent residency (PR), but success depends on scoring well in its points-based system. Age, English test scores (IELTS/PTE), work experience, and education all contribute to your total. Popular PR options include Subclass 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored routes. Boost your points by improving English scores, completing a Professional Year, gaining local experience, or studying in regional areas. Avoid common mistakes like mismatched ANZSCO codes or outdated EOIs. PFEC Global offers expert guidance on visas, state nominations, documentation, and personalised PR strategies. Plan early to secure your future in Australia.

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Applying for a student visa can feel like the most stressful part of the journey — especially when you’ve already put so much effort into getting accepted. If you’re a Sri Lankan student heading to Australia or the UK, you’re probably juggling timelines, document lists, and advice from a dozen sources. It’s easy to feel unsure about what’s right or what might cause a delay. The good news? With the right guidance, your next steps can be simple and clear. Whether you’re starting fresh or fixing past mistakes, here’s how to move forward with confidence — and get your Australia student visa Sri Lanka or UK visa application done right.

Understanding Your Student Visa Options

Before starting your visa process or booking an English test, make sure you choose the right visa based on your goals. Australia and the UK offer different student visa paths. Each varies in rules, lifestyle, and work rights. Here’s a clear comparison to guide you:

Feature	Australia: Subclass 500 Visa	UK: Student Route Visa
Visa Duration	Course length + 2 months	Course length + up to 4 extra months
Work During Study	Up to 48 hours per fortnight	Up to 20 hours per week during term time
Post-Study Work	2–4 years, depending on qualification	2 years (UG/PG), 3 years (PhD) via Graduate Route
Funds Required	AUD 29,710 minimum	£9,207–£12,006 (for 9 months)
Health Insurance	Must have OSHC	Must pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Processing Time	4–12 weeks	Around 15 working days
Best For	PR seekers, STEM, healthcare fields	UK degree value, faster PR via Skilled Route

Expert Tip: Look beyond university rankings. Think about cost of living, climate, part-time jobs, and PR pathways. These often matter more in the long run.

Australia Student Visa: Step-by-Step Process for Sri Lankan Students

Applying for an Australia student visa from Sri Lanka involves several steps, but each serves a clear purpose. Here’s how to do it correctly to avoid delays.

1. Receive Your Letter of Offer

Apply to a CRICOS-registered course
Review course details, fee breakdown, and refund terms

Accept the offer only if you agree with all conditions

2. Pay Initial Tuition and Get Your CoE

Pay your deposit as required by the university

Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), needed for your visa application

3. Prove English Proficiency

Take IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL
Most courses require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

Your test results must be less than two years old

4. Complete the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Write a clear statement explaining:
- Why you chose this course and institution
- Why Australia fits your future plans
- How you will fund your education
Back your statement with documents like:
- Bank statements
- Sponsorship letters
- Job letters (if applicable)

5. Provide Proof of Financial Capacity

Minimum required: AUD 29,710 (plus tuition and travel)
Acceptable documents:
- Personal or sponsor’s bank statements
- Approved education loan letters

Affidavit of support (if sponsored)

6. Purchase OSHC

Mandatory for visa approval
Choose from approved providers like Bupa, Allianz, or Medibank
Keep your policy number and receipt ready for submission

7. Complete Health and Character Checks

Book a medical check-up with a panel doctor approved by the Australian government
Obtain a police clearance certificate

8. Create Your ImmiAccount

Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website
Upload all visa-related documents through your account

9. Submit the Visa Application and Pay Fees

Current base fee: AUD 1,600 (as of July 2024)
Additional fees apply for dependents or onshore applicants

10. Wait for Visa Grant and Finalise Travel

Track your application via ImmiAccount

Book your flight only after visa approval

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading incomplete or low-quality documents
Forgetting to show enough financial proof
Using expired English test results
Missing OSHC confirmation

Expert Tip: Apply at least 8 weeks before your course begins. Late applications are a top reason for visa delays among Sri Lankan students. If you need guidance, PFEC Sri Lanka visa support can help review your documents and prepare a complete, timely application.

UK Student Visa Process for Sri Lankan Students: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve received an unconditional offer from a UK university, your next step is applying for the UK student visa from Sri Lanka. This visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time during your course. Here’s how to complete the process correctly and avoid delays.

1. Accept Your Offer and Get Your CAS

Meet all academic and English language conditions
Your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Confirm your CAS details match your passport and course info

2. Apply Online via the UKVI Portal

Visit gov.uk/student-visa
Select “Student Route” as your visa type
Enter your CAS number and complete the online form

3. Pay Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Visa application fee: £490
IHS: £776–£940 per year, depending on course duration
Pay both online when submitting your visa application

4. Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

Choose TLScontact Colombo or Jaffna
Submit your fingerprints and photograph
Upload your documents online or carry them to the appointment

5. Prepare and Upload Required Documents

Valid passport
CAS statement
IELTS or equivalent (unless exempted)
Proof of funds: At least £9,207 for 9 months (more for London)

TB test certificate if studying over 6 months (from IOM Colombo)

6. Wait for Your Visa Decision

Standard processing: 15 working days
Priority service (optional): 5–7 working days

7. Complete Your Pre-Departure Steps

Book flights and accommodation only after visa approval
Carry your visa vignette and CAS letter during travel
Attend university-arranged pre-departure briefings if available

Expert Tip: Don’t delay your visa due to bank statement or TB test issues. Start collecting documents early. PFEC Sri Lanka visa support can help review your UK student visa documents and flag any red flags before submission.

Visa Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Students: UK and Australia

A complete and correct application starts with the right documents. Missing or mismatched files are a major cause of visa rejections. Use this checklist to stay organised.

✅ Required for Both UK and Australia

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Recent passport-size photograph (check embassy specs)
Academic transcripts and certificates
IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores
Offer Letter / CoE (Australia) or CAS (UK)
Bank statements or education loan letter (showing required funds)
Statement of Purpose (UK) or Genuine Student Statement (Australia)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Completed visa application form
Proof of visa application and health cover payment

🇦🇺 Australia-Specific Documents

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Health check results from an approved panel doctor
Genuine Student (GS) declaration letter
Access to ImmiAccount for submission

🇬🇧 UK-Specific Documents

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from IOM (if course >6 months)
IHS payment confirmation
Biometric appointment confirmation

Expert Tip: Create a digital folder with clear labels for each document. Save both PDF and image versions. PFEC Sri Lanka visa support teams offer detailed pre-submission reviews so you avoid simple mistakes that cause costly rejections.

Financial Proof for Student Visas: What Sri Lankan Applicants Must Know

Showing adequate financial capacity is essential for your Australia student visa or UK student visa process. This goes beyond tuition. You must prove you can afford living costs, travel, and support any dependents.

🇦🇺 Financial Requirements: Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Minimum Funds to Show:

Expense Type	Amount (AUD)
Living Costs	24,505 per year (for 1 student)
Return Airfare	~2,000 (approximate)
Tuition Fees	As per your CoE
Dependent (Partner)	+8,574 per year
Dependent (Child)	+3,670 per year

Accepted Proof:

3 to 6 months of personal bank statements
Fixed deposits (include maturity date and ownership)
Education loans from licensed financial institutions
Sponsor letters from government, employer, or recognised body
Income tax returns and salary slips (if self-funded)

Expert Tip: Avoid sudden large deposits. The visa officer may ask for proof of source. Genuine access matters more than high balances.

🇬🇧 Financial Requirements: UK Student Visa (Student Route)

Minimum Funds to Show:

Location	Monthly Cost	Duration	Total Amount (GBP)
Outside London	£1,023	9 months	£9,207
In London	£1,334	9 months	£12,006
Tuition Fees	First year of course or total if <1 year

Accepted Proof:

Personal bank statements (held for 28 consecutive days)
Student loan letter from a regulated lender
Sponsor’s account (only parent/legal guardian) + affidavit + relationship documents

Important: The funds must be in your name or a direct parent’s name. Third-party sponsors (like friends or distant relatives) are not accepted by UKVI.

English Test Scores for Visa Approval: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL

Strong English scores are required for admission and visa success. Different countries and visa categories have different score thresholds and accepted tests.

🇦🇺 English Requirements: Australia Student Visa

Accepted Tests:

IELTS Academic
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English (CAE)
OET (for healthcare courses)

Minimum Score for Subclass 500 Visa:

Test	Visa Minimum	For UG/PG Admission
IELTS	Overall 5.5 (no band <5.0)	Often 6.0–6.5
PTE	42+	Many need 50–58
TOEFL iBT	46+	May require 60–80

Note: Test results must be less than 2 years old on the date of visa lodgement.

🇬🇧 English Requirements: UK Student Visa

Accepted UKVI-Approved Tests:

IELTS UKVI (Academic or General Training)
PTE Academic UKVI
Trinity College London SELT (less common)

TOEFL is not accepted by UKVI for visa purposes, though some universities accept it for admissions.

Minimum Scores for UKVI Visa:

Study Level	IELTS (UKVI) Requirement
Degree Level	Overall 6.0 (no band <5.5)
Below Degree	Overall 4.0–5.5 depending on course

Expert Tip: Some universities waive English tests for students with English-medium education. But UKVI still requires an approved test for visa purposes. PFEC Sri Lanka visa support can advise you on the safest route based on your university and program.

Visa Timeline Planning for Sri Lankan Students: When to Start and What to Avoid

Applying at the right time can make your Australia student visa or UK student visa process smoother. Late starts lead to rushed documents, delayed flights, or even visa denials. Plan early and stay ahead.

Ideal Visa Prep Timeline by Intake

Intake	Start Visa Prep	Latest Filing Date
February	August–September (prior year)	Early January
July	December–January	Mid-June
September	February–March	Early August

Start collecting documents as soon as you receive your CoE (Australia) or CAS (UK). Early prep gives you time for corrections, health checks, or funding proof issues.

Average Visa Processing Times

Country	Average Processing Time	Notes
Australia	4–6 weeks (Subclass 500)	May take longer during peak months
UK	3 weeks (Standard)	Priority service available

Expert Tip: Apply at least 8–10 weeks before your course starts. This gives buffer time for TB tests, biometric appointments, and document rework.

If you expect delays in getting your CAS or CoE, inform your university and PFEC Sri Lanka visa support early. Many rejections happen due to last-minute filing.

Visa Delays and Rejections: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even small errors can delay or cancel your visa application. Most issues are avoidable with proper checks and early planning.

Frequent Mistakes That Cause Delays

Submitting incomplete forms or missing sections
Uploading expired or incorrect test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
Purchasing the wrong health insurance (Australia only)
Not holding the required bank balance for 28 days (UK only)
Mismatched passport and CAS/CoE numbers
Copy-pasting generic SOP or GTE letters
Failing to disclose previous visa refusals
Incomplete sponsor documentation or unclear relationship proof

Final Visa Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, confirm the following:

All fields completed with correct spellings and dates
IELTS or PTE score meets university and visa requirements
Financial proof held for correct duration and in accepted format
Health insurance documents uploaded (OSHC for Australia, IHS payment for UK)
Biometric appointment and TB test booked early
SOP or GTE is personal, course-specific, and written by you
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your course start date

Expert Tip: Use a shared Google Drive folder to organise all visa documents. With PFEC Sri Lanka visa support, each section of your application is reviewed for accuracy. That extra step can prevent rework, delays, or rejection.

PFEC Sri Lanka Visa Support: From Offer Letter to Visa Approval

Applying for a student visa is not just paperwork. It requires clear strategy, accurate documents, and proper timing. That’s where PFEC Sri Lanka visa support adds real value.

We support you from your first university shortlist through to visa success and pre-departure. Our team understands the exact requirements of both Australia student visa Sri Lanka and UK student visa process Sri Lanka applicants.

What PFEC Helps You With

University Applications: We help you select the right course and review your documents
SOP and GTE Writing: Guidance on how to write clear, convincing personal statements
Financial Planning: Help gathering, formatting, and explaining your proof of funds
English Test Support: Referrals to trusted IELTS/PTE prep providers and guidance on minimum score targets
Visa Document Review: Full checklist review before submission to catch costly errors
Pre-Departure Briefings: Info on insurance, travel, housing, and what to carry
Visa Refusal Recovery: We assess refusal reasons and support strong reapplications

Expert Tip: Many students come to us after a rejection. In most cases, we find simple mistakes—like an outdated bank statement or weak GTE—and fix them to secure approval on the second try.

Final Thoughts: Get Your Visa Right, the First Time

Applying for an Australia or UK student visa from Sri Lanka can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Start early. Stay organised. Understand what the visa officer expects. With the right documents and guidance, your chances of success rise significantly.

PFEC Sri Lanka has helped thousands of students get their visas approved—without stress or last-minute errors. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need to reapply, we are here to guide you every step.

Book a free 1:1 visa planning session with PFEC and take the next confident step toward your study abroad journey.

FAQs

What documents are required for a student visa from Sri Lanka to Australia or the UK?

You’ll need:

Valid passport
CoE (Australia) or CAS (UK)
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score report
Proof of funds
SOP (UK) or GTE (Australia)
Health cover (OSHC or IHS)
Police clearance and medical checks

How much money do I need to show?

Australia: AUD 29,710 for living costs + tuition + return airfare
UK: GBP 1,334/month (London) or GBP 1,023/month (other cities) × 9 months

Add dependent costs if applying with family.

Can I apply for a visa without IELTS or PTE?

Some universities accept English-medium education as proof. However, most visas require IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Always confirm with your university and check visa guidelines.

How long does visa processing take?

Australia: 4 to 6 weeks (can be longer during busy periods)
UK: 15 working days (priority service available)

Timelines depend on your documents and application accuracy.

What if my visa is rejected?

You can reapply with stronger documentation. In some cases, you can appeal. PFEC Sri Lanka visa support will help you understand the refusal reason and build a better application.