You must apply for a Tier 4 visa prior to travelling to the UK unless you are already in the UK holding a valid visa that permits you to make an application for further leave to remain under Tier 4.
The UK operates a points-based immigration system underpinned by the principle of visa sponsorship. A Tier 4 visa is issued to study in the UK. The sponsor for Tier 4 purposes is the educational institution where the student will study. The visa is issued for a particular course at the institution.
You must apply for a Tier 4 visa prior to travelling to the UK unless you are already in the UK holding a valid visa that permits you to make an application for further leave to remain under Tier 4.
You should apply for your Tier 4 visa in your country of nationality or country of residence (where you have permission to live).
You must apply for your Tier 4 visa before you travel to the UK and commence your studies at university. You can only apply for your visa within 3 months of your course start date even if you receive your CAS earlier than this. The date of application is the day you pay the visa application fee.
Applications using the standard service aim to be processed in 15 working days but the timeframe can vary depending on when and where you make your application. A priority service is available in most countries at additional cost and aims to process the application in 5 working days. Some countries also offer a super priority 24 hour service for a decision.
You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
- have been offered a place on a course
- can speak, read, write and understand English
- have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
- are from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
- meet the other eligibility requirements
There will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30 June 2021. You and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.
Fee
It costs £348 to apply for this visa from outside the UK. You must pay £348 per person for any dependants.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
How long you can stay
You can arrive in the UK before your course starts:
- up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
- up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
How long you can stay depends on the kind of course you’re doing and what study you’ve already completed.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- study
- work as a student union sabbatical officer
- apply from inside or outside the UK
- apply to extend your stay
- work in most jobs – depending on what level your course is and what kind of sponsor you have
You cannot:
- get public funds
- work in certain jobs, for example professional sportsperson or sports coach
- study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)
Once you have been offered an undergraduate or graduate place from your university or college of choice, you will need to arrange student funding
Book your FREE consultation. For friendly advice and support in choosing a UK university and course, book your free consultation with UK Study Zone today.
Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process. Fill up the form so we can contact you back!
Once you have been offered an undergraduate or graduate place from your university or college of choice, you will need to arrange student funding
Book your FREE consultation. For friendly advice and support in choosing a UK university and course, book your free consultation with UK Study Zone today.
Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process. Fill up the form so we can contact you back!