With top institutions, excellent teaching standards and world-recognised qualifications, it's no surprise that the UK is one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Whether you decide to stay in the hustle and bustle of one of the big cities, or prefer the backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, there's lots to do and people from all walks of life to meet.
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Most non-EEA students wanting to study full-time in the UK will need to apply for a visa that covers the duration of their stay. There are different types of visas available depending on your age, the type of course you are studying and where you are from.
There have recently been major changes to the student visa system in the UK. The information here is the information available at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date information, please see the UK Border Agency website.
Tier 4 General Student Visa
Students studying full-time may need a Tier 4 visa covering their stay in the UK. Tier 4 is part of the UK’s point-based immigration system for students studying full-time courses of more than six months in the UK, including English language courses.
Some students may not need to apply for a Tier 4 visa if they are:
Under the Tier 4 points system, students who are not exempt from visas need to score 40 points in an assessment - 30 points for confirmation of acceptance on a course by a recognised Tier 4 sponsor and ten points for having sufficient funds to cover your fees and living costs.
Sponsors
The new rules result in tighter restrictions on which institutions can sponsor students. By April 2012, all sponsors must achieve ‘Highly Trusted’ status, and must also be accredited by a relevant agency by the end of 2012. Private schools will be able to provide courses in partnership with a licensed sponsor, who take responsibility for the student.
What documentation will you need?
You will be required to provide a number of documents, including an application form and of course your passport.
As well as your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance, which is provided by your institution when you are accepted), which may include information about fees already paid to your institution for tuition, you may also need to provide evidence of money that is available to you, such as bank statements or loan confirmations - these must be from a bank trusted by the UKBA (UK Border Agency). You will also need to sign a confirmation that the funds you show are genuinely available for your use whilst studying in the UK. ‘Low risk’ applicants may not need to provide evidence of funds.
You may also need to prove your level of English. New visa rules coming in to place during 2011 and 2012 will require students studying at degree level to be capable in English in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at an ‘Upper Intermediate’ (B2) level. Universities will be able to vouch for a student’s ability if they are studying at degree level or above.
Students studying at lower level courses will need a minimum level of ‘Lower Intermediate’ (B1). Students studying outside of universities will need to present a test certificate to the UK Border Agency to prove their ability.
UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter, and who therefore clearly do not meet the minimum standard. The UK Border Agency only accepts certain English language tests as proof of English language proficiency; please see the UK Border Agency website for updates.
Your institution may also require you to prove your level of English, usually by evidence of test scores from English language exams (such as IELTS, ESOL etc).
Application fees
Applying for a visa from outside the UK will cost £255, plus £255 for each additional family member or dependant accompanying you to the UK. For information about methods of payment, you will need to contact your nearest visa application centre. A full list of these can be found on the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Short courses/student visitors
Students wanting to come to the UK to study for up to six months can enter the UK as a student visitor. In order to qualify as a student visitor you must be:
There are other conditions for a student visitor that must be met - please visit the UK Border Agency Student Visitor page.
Dependants
Only students studying on a postgraduate course (NQF Level 7 or above) at a university for a duration of more than twelve months, or Government Sponsored students, will be able to sponsor a dependant. Dependants will be able to work.
Time allowed
The new rules limit the amount of time a student may spend in the UK. These are as follows:
The sponsor will have to vouch for your academic progression if you are not moving up to the next NQF level.
For information about staying in the UK after study for work, please see our Working page.
For more information about student visas, the application process and conditions of your stay, please visit - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Last updated: 30 November 2011
