UK Student Visa
A Student Visa is a certificate that is put into your passport at a British Embassy or Mission outside the UK (usually in your home country) and gives you permission to enter and stay in the UK as a student. Some students need a Visa in order to study in the UK. If you are from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and wish to study in the UK then you will need a visa in order to enter the UK. Your visa needs to be issued prior to your arrival in the UK. See “Applying for a Student Visa” below. If your are an EEA national, you may not need a Visa, but you will have to satisfy the immigration officer at the UK border as to your identity, and that you have been accepted on a study course at a recognised UK University, College or School. If you are in any doubt as to whether you qualify for entry into the UK, you should apply for a Visa before you travel. You should also check the latest rules and regulations issued by the UK Border Agency. The UK Border Agency, a branch of the British Government, controls the issue of visas. For the latest rules regarding student visas, visit their website by following the link below.
Click here for the latest UK Visa information for Students
“Student Visa” for courses lasting over 6 months, and “Student Visitor Visa” for courses lasting under 6 months.Visas for courses lasting MORE THAN 6 monthsIf you are coming to the United Kingdom as a student, before you come here you will need to have been accepted onto a course of study by an organisation that is on HM Government's register of education and training providers. You will need to apply for your visa before you arrive in the UK. (See “Applying for a Student Visa” below). The official language that follows is a bit complex, but please bear with it. The course should be at one of the following: • A College or University • an independent fee-paying school; • a full-time degree course; • a course run during the week that involves at least 15 hours of organised daytime study a week; or• a full-time course at an independent fee paying school. You must also:• be registered with the United Kingdom awarding body if you are studying externally for a degree at a private education institution; and • be able to pay for your course and support and accommodate yourself.• plan to leave the United Kingdom when you complete your studies. UK Universities, Colleges and Schools accepting overseas students are very familiar with these regulations and will be able to offer you support with your Visa application.
Visas for courses lasting LESS THAN 6 monthsIf you are coming to the UK to study on a course lasting under 6 months you will need to apply for your Visa before your arrival in the UK. See “Applying for a Student Visa” below. You must: • have been accepted on an approved course of study. • Have sufficient funds to support and pay for your accommodation. You must not: • take employment in the UK;• engage in any business venture. • study at a government-funded school.• be a child under the age of 18. • undertake a work placement or internship (paid or unpaid) as part of your course of study; or• extend your stay in the UK. UK schools and universities accepting overseas students are very familiar with these regulations and will be able to offer you support with your Visa application.
Applying for a Student VisaFor clarification, and as mentioned above, there are two types of visa for students – “Student Visa” for courses lasting over 6 months, and - “Student Visitor Visa” for courses lasting under 6 months.They carry different rules and benefits. Student Visa Length of course: Over 6 months Apply before arrival in UK: Yes Work in UK permitted: YesTime Extension: Possible Student Visitor Visa Length of course: Under 6 months Apply before arrival in UK: Yes Work in UK permitted: NoTime Extension: Not Possible Please remember that you must first be accepted by your College or Univesrity BEFORE you apply for your Visa, and you must apply for your Visa BEFORE you travel to the UK to take up your course. The regulations for Visa applications for Students can change quite frequently, so it would be wise to check the latest guidance notes for student visa applications at the following British Government website:
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