UK Student Visa

Study in the UK with a Student Visa (Tier4 General)

The United Kingdom is a world-class education destination, and a Student Visa is required to study at a UK university or college. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about studying in the UK with a Student Visa:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be 16 years old or above.
• You must have received an offer of admission from a licensed student sponsor.
• You must have the financial means to support yourself and cover your course expenses.
• You must have proficient English language skills.
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have parental consent.

When to Apply

The timing of your Student Visa application depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK:

• Applying from outside the UK: You can apply for your visa up to six months before the start of your course. You can expect to receive a decision on your visa application within three weeks.
• Applying from inside the UK: If you are already in the UK, you can apply for a Student Visa up to three months before the start of your course. However, you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring. The decision on your visa application will usually be made within eight weeks.

Duration of Stay

The length of your stay in the UK on a Student Visa depends on the duration of your course and your previous study history in the UK:

• If you are 18 or older and your course is at degree level, you can typically stay for up to 5 years.
• For courses below degree level, the maximum stay is usually 2 years.

Extending Your Stay

You may be able to extend your Student Visa if you are eligible. You may also be able to switch to a Student Visa from another type of visa if you are already in the UK. Additionally, you may be able to switch to a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after successfully completing your course.

Arrival in the UK

You can arrive in the UK before your course starts, but there are specific guidelines based on the duration of your course:

• Courses up to 6 months: You can arrive up to 1 week before your course starts.
• Courses longer than 6 months: You can arrive up to 1 month before your course starts.

However, you must adhere to the start date provided on your visa, regardless of your course start date. Fees and Healthcare Surcharge There are two main fees associated with a Student Visa:

• Visa application fee: £490 for applying for a Student Visa from outside the UK, or £490 for extending or switching to a Student Visa from inside the UK.
• Healthcare surcharge: You are required to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your visa application. The amount depends on the duration of your visa, and you can check the precise amount on the UK government website.

Bringing Dependents

You may be eligible to bring your partner and children (referred to as ‘dependants’) with you to the UK on a dependent visa.

What You Can and Cannot Do

With a Student Visa, you can:

• Study in the UK.
• Work as a student union sabbatical officer.
• Potentially work, depending on your course and whether it is term-time or out of term-time.

However, there are some restrictions:

• You cannot claim public funds or pensions.
• You cannot work in certain jobs, such as professional sportsperson or sports coach.
• You cannot be self-employed.
• You cannot study at an academy or a local authority-funded school, also known as a maintained school.

Our Courses and Eligibility

To apply for a Student Visa, you must have an unconditional offer to study on a course provided by a licensed student sponsor. This offer will be accompanied by a reference number, known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is essential for your visa application.

Types of Courses You Can Pursue

There are several types of courses that you can study under the Student Visa:

• Full-time courses leading to qualifications below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with a minimum of 15 hours of organized daytime study per week.
• Full-time courses leading to qualifications at degree level or higher (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
• Full-time courses at degree level or higher (RQF level 6, 7, or 8) that are equivalent to UK higher education courses and are part of a longer course offered overseas.
• Part-time courses leading to qualifications at degree level or higher (RQF level 7 or above).
• Recognized foundation programs for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• English language courses at level B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

You are also eligible for this visa if you are taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer. If you are planning to study or research sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Please note that qualification levels differ in Scotland.

For Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists

If you intend to pursue a recognized foundation program and have the sponsorship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have completed a recognized UK degree in medicine or dentistry.
• Have received the degree from a registered student sponsor.
• Have spent your final year and at least one more year of your studies, leading to that degree, in the UK.

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Upon receiving an offer for your course, your education provider will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This reference number is a crucial component of your visa application, and you must include it in your application. It is important to note that you must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS. For any further assistance or guidance, please contact us directly.