UK Student Visa (Tier 4 Student (General) Visa) - This category is for students coming to the UK for post-16 education.
Tier 4 (General) Students are only permitted to study accredited courses at
level 3 NQF (National Qualification Framework) or above with
institutions that have a Highly Trusted Sponsor accreditation.
Institutions which have not yet obtained Highly Trusted status are, so
far, still permitted to offer international students courses at NFQ
level 4 or above.
If you are 18 years old or over, you
can spend no more than three years in the UK studying below UK
bachelor's degree level as a Tier 4 (General) student during your
lifetime. You can spend this time studying one course or a number of
courses.
UK will not give you new permission
to study below degree level if you have already been studying below that
level for three years in the UK since your 18th birthday.
Tier 4 Student (General) Visa Requirements
A Tier 4 (General) Student who is 18
years old or over is allowed to spend no more than three years in the
UK studying below UK Bachelor's degree level. This three year limit
excludes time that a Tier 4 (General) student had spent studying in the
UK below the age of 18; or in any non-Tier 4 category which permits
studying, or under the rules that were in place before 31 March 2009.
From April 2012, time permitted for
studying at a graduate level will be limited to five years, with some
exceptions of those studying for Master's degrees or a PhD. For those
who spend eight years or more in Tier 4 (General) category on completion
of their PhD, no further leave under Tier 4 will be granted..
If your application is successful,
UK will allow you to stay there for the full length of your course, and
for some time (depending on the type and length of your course) after
your course finishes. At the end of that time, you must leave the UK
unless you have applied to extend your stay or to switch into another
immigration category.
| Type of course | Length of course | Length of stay allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Main course of study (including student union sabbatical officers) | 12 months or more | The full length of the course
plus
four months after the end of the course
|
| Main course of study (including student union sabbatical officers) | At least six months but less than 12 months | The full length of the course
plus
two months after the end of the course
|
| Main course of study (including student union sabbatical officers) | Less than six months | The full length of the course
plus
seven days after the end of the course
|
| Short course to prepare you for study | 12 months or more | The full length of the course
plus
four months after the end of the course
|
| Short course to prepare you for study | At least six months but less than 12 months | The full length of the course
plus
two months after the end of the course
|
| Short course to prepare you for study | Less than six months | The full length of the course
plus
one month after the end of the course
|
| Postgraduate doctors and dentists on a recognised Foundation programme | Maximum of three years | The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years)
plus
one month after the end of the course |
English language Requirements
Degree and above-degree level
students are required to demonstrate knowledge of English at level B2
(upper intermediate level) on the Common European Framework of Reference
(CEFR) for languages. Students studying below degree level need to
provide a Secure English Language Test certificate at level B1
(intermediate level).
Entitlement to work for Tier 4 (General) Students
From 4th July 2011, Tier 4 (General)
students sponsored by a Higher Education institution for studies at
degree level or above are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during
term time and full time during vacations.
Students sponsored by a higher
education institution undertaking study below degree level are able to
work 10 hours per week during term time, and full time during vacations.
Students sponsored by a publicly
funded further education college undertaking a course of study at any
academic level are allowed to work 10 hours per week during term time,
and full time during vacations.
Other students are not permitted to work.
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