Guide to UK Student Visas
If you are not from a member country of the European Union or EAA and you are planning to
study in the UK, you will usually need to apply for entry clearance from the UK Borders Authorities (UKBA)
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?
You will not need entry clearance if you are a citizen of an EU member state or one of the following
countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein. If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, then
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 full Student Visa.
What are the rules for non-visa nationals?
If you are not a visa national, you will need to obtain a full student visa if you plan to study in the UK
for six months or longer. 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 Student Visa?
The minimum requirements are as follows:
- You must obtain a certificate called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution where you
intend to study. (Normally, an institution will only provide you with a CAS once you have accepted an offer and paid
a deposit).
- 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 course providers listed on click-courses.com are accredited.
- You must be able to prove you have the necessary funds to cover your course fees and monthly accommodation and living
expenses (at least £600 per month, or £800 per month in London).
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.
What if I am already in the UK?
You can apply for more time in the UK if you originally entered on a full student visa. The requirements for extending
your visa are the same as those described above for obtaining a visa (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.
Where can I find more information?
Further information is available on the UK Border Agency web site at
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
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.