UK Student Visa
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A UK student visa, officially known as the Tier 4 (General) visa, allows individuals from outside the UK to study at a registered UK educational institution.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and prove they have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course fees.
The length of the visa depends on the duration of the course, with additional time granted for holidays or research periods.
Applicants may also be required to provide biometric information and undergo a tuberculosis test, depending on their country of residence.
Once granted, the student visa allows individuals to live and study in the UK, with the opportunity to work part-time during term-time and full-time during holidays, depending on the level of study.
Upon successful completion of the degree, students may have the opportunity to apply for post study worker visa which enables you to work full time and seek suitable employment that could eventually lead to settling in the UK.
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You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
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have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
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have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
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When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
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How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.
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If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
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You may be able to extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK.after successfully completing your course.
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When you can travel to the UK
You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:
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up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
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up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.
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