Ma Visa Higher Certificate Courses

Certification sometimes requires traveling to a country outside that of your residence to reside and study for some years. At the moment, an individual who intends to pursue a higher certificate course is eligible for a student visa. In this article, we will talk about the Ma Visa Higher Certificate courses.

Are Higher Certificate Courses Open for Student Visa?

Yes, higher certificate courses are open for a student visa. Currently, an individual who intends to pursue a higher certificate course can apply and obtain a student visa for study. 

But in this scenario, one must meet certain criteria that include being in a full-time course leading to a below degree level qualification and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an education provider.

Requirements For A Student Visa

Obtaining a student visa requires an applicant to meet certain requirements before submitting their application. An individual must meet the following requirements.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

With regards to obtaining a UK student visa, an individual may be required to possess an ATAS Certificate. If you intend to study certain sensitive subjects at a higher education level, you need to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate. 

Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS)

Before an individual (applicant) can be considered for a study visa, their Acceptance for Study must be confirmed. One would need to work closely with their education provider to obtain a CAS number which must be attached to the visa application for submission.

Eligible Course

A key requirement for a student visa is to study one of the available eligible courses. One must endeavour to study a course that is a recognized full-time program at a below-degree level or a postgraduate course.

Proof of Funds

Just like for other visa applications, an individual must equally prove he or she has enough funds. If you intend to acquire a student visa and study abroad, you need to show that you have sufficient financial backing to cover both your course and living expenses.

Are There Other Visa Options and Destinations?

Yes, there are other visa options and destinations and one can consider when looking to study abroad for a degree. Some of the available visa options and destinations include;

Australian Student Visa

The Australian student visa covers numerous higher education courses including a graduate certificate under a specific student visa subclass.

France Student Visa

One can conveniently apply for this visa through the Campus France portal and show proof of funds for both study and living expenses.

US M-1 Visa

If you are considering a vocational or short-term certificate program in the US, this visa type could be the best option for you.

Courses You Can Study In The UK (Using Student Visa)

With a student visa, an individual has the privilege of studying in the UK. Currently, one can comfortably study any of the below list of course types.

• A full-time course leading to a qualification below degree level.
• A full-time course at a degree level of slightly above which is equivalent to a UK higher education course.
• An English language course at level 32 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 
• A full-time course leading to a qualification that’s either a degree level or above.
• A part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level.

Documents You Will Need To Apply

Some of the important documents that one would need to apply for a student visa for travel and study include;

• Current passport or valid travel documentation
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Proof of funds
• Proof of parental or legal guardian consent (under-18 traveler)
• Medical report
• Valid ATAS certificate 
• Proof of relationship with parent or legal guardian (under-18 traveler)
• Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor (sponsorship)

Steps to Applying For A UK Study Visa

If you are considering traveling to the UK for your higher certificate, you need to apply for a study visa. Below are the steps to be taken to apply for a UK study visa.

Get a CAS

The first step to applying for a study visa is to apply for your higher certificate course at an eligible UK institution. Once you apply, you will receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS).

Student Visa Application 

Thereafter, you have to begin your visa application as early as possible. It must be at least up to 6 months before your course commences if you are applying from outside the UK.

Pay Fees

After carrying out your application successfully, you would need to pay the necessary fees. You will need to pay the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge attached to it.

List of Visa Higher Certificate Courses

When it comes to higher certificate courses, there are many that one can consider. Below are some of the prominent ones that you can consider.

• Early Childhood Education 
• Certificate in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma of Leadership and Management 
• Certificate in Carpentry
• Certificate in Automotive Electrical Technology 
• Certificate in Training and Development 

Requirements For Visa Higher Certificate Courses

If you intend to enrol for the visa higher certificate course, you must meet the requirements below.

• SAQA Certificate of Education

If your qualifications are from outside South Africa, you may require evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• National Senior Certificate or Equivalent

• One must record a minimum pass rate and other specific programs may have their own requirement.