Guide to UK Student Visas

If you are not a citizen of the European Union and you are planning to study in the UK, you will probably need to apply for entry clearance before you travel. This list of frequently asked questions provides an introduction to UK immigration requirements for international students.

Will I need entry clearance to come to the UK to study?

If you are a citizen of the EU (or Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein) you will not need entry clearance to come to the UK to study. Otherwise, you will need clearnace. The precise immigration requirements depend on whether you are a visa national and the length of time you intend to study.

What is a visa national?

You are a visa national if you are from a country designated as a visa national country by the UK Border Agency. Countries on the list change from time to time, so you should always check with the UK Border Agency website for the latest information - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

What are the rules for visa nationals?

If you are a visa national, you will need to obtain a student visa to come to the UK to study. If you plan to study for less than six months, you can apply for a Student Visitor Visa (see below for Student Visitor restrictions). Otherwise, you will need a General Student Visa.

What are the rules for non-visa nationals?

If you are not a visa national, you will still need to obtain a general student visa if you plan to study in the UK for more than six months. If you plan to study for less than six months, you can enter as a Student Visitor without a visa. However, there are significant restrictions on Student Visitors, so it may not be appropriate for your circumstances (see below).

What are the restrictions on Student Visitors?

Restrictions apply if you enter as a student visitor. The main restrictions are are follows: i) you will not be able to apply for more time in the UK, even if your studies are extended; ii) you will not be able to undertake any employment, even unpaid placements or internships as part of your study; iii) you will not be able to study at a government funded school.

What are the requirements for obtaining a General Student Visa?

The minimum requirements are as follows:

You must obtain a document called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution where you intend to study. Normally, an institution will provide you with a CAS only when you have a confirmed place and paid a substantial deposit.
You must be able to prove you have the necessary funds to cover your course fees and monthly accommodation and living expenses. For courses up to 9 months, you will need at least £600 per month (or £800 per month in London). For longer courses, you will need at least £5,400 (or £7,200 for London).
You must be able to demonstrate a minimum English level equivalent to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). For example, a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 or Cambridge ESOL level of PET.

When assessing your visa application, the UK Border Authorities will also take into consideration other factors, in particular whether you have been refused a visa or refused entry in the past.

How do I know if the institution I apply to is accredited?

The institution must be accredited by the UK Government. You can check whether the institution is accredited using the Tier 4 Register of Sponsors, which can be found on the UK Border Agency web site. All the institutions we represente at click-courses.com are fully accredited.

What if I am already in the UK?

You can apply for more time in the UK if you originally entered on a general student visa. If you entered as a student visitor, you will have to return to your own country to apply. The requirements for extending your visa are the same as those described above (i.e. you must be accepted onto a course by an accredited institution and be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay both course fees and accommodation and living expenses.

Will I be able to work when I am in the UK?

If you enter on a General Student Visa, you can work part time during term time and full time outside term. If you are studying below degree level, you will be restricted to 10 hours per week during term time. For degree level students, the limit increases to 20 hours per week.

Where can I find more information?

Further information is available on the UK Border Agency web site at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. Or, if you have a student account with click-courses.com, you can ask your student advisor.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for background reading only. You should always check with the UK Border Agency web site for the very latest information before applying for a student visa. Failure to follow the correct procedures is likely to result in your application being refused and could affect your ability to obtain a visa in the future.