From 31 March, international students looking to study in the UK need to apply for their visa through Tier 4 of the Points Based System.
Under the Points Based System, international students wishing to study in the UK on a Child Student or General Student visa will need to:
- prove that they have been accepted onto a course run by an education institution which is a UK Border Agency (UKBA) licensed Tier 4 sponsor
- prove that they have the means to support themselves (maintenance fees)
- supply their biometric details at their local visa application centre
If granted a visa, the Tier 4 regulations allow international students to undertake part-time work of up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time work during the holidays.
Students looking to study in the UK for six months or less, and who do not wish to undertake any employment while they are in the UK, or to extend their stay while they are in the country, can enter the UK on a Student Visitor visa.
Students and agents will find useful information about Tier 4 on the UK Visas website, where you can read the guidance published for applicants and download application forms.
