UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa Overview

A non British national requires a visa to enter the United Kingdom, therefore, if you are planning on studying in the U.K. you will need a student visa. With a student visa you can study at the primary, secondary, under graduate and post graduate levels. You can even do vocational courses with a student visa in the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom follows a Point Based System or called PBS in allotting visas for individuals desirous to come to the United Kingdom for work or study.

What is PBS?

The Points Based System(PBS) manages migration of all those people that are looking to work and study in the UK. The PBS has the following tiers

  • Tier 1 – Investors, entrepreneurs, post-study work and exceptional Talent
  • Tier 2 – Skilled Workers
  • Tier 5 – Temporary Workers and Youth Mobility Scheme
  • Tier 4 – Student Visa

Since this article is all about student visas to the U.K, lets take a closer look at the Tier 4.

Tier 4 is further sub-divided into two categories:

  • Tier 4 (Child Students) – This tier pertains to students who are between the ages of 4-17 years who wish to apply to study in the UK. The children between 4 and 15 years of age shall study in an independent fee paying school. Students between the ages of 16 and 17 years, studying level 3 National qualification framework courses have a choice to apply either in Tier 4 (child) student category or in Tier 4 (general) student category.
  • Tier 4 (General Students) – This category is for students who are beyond the age of 16. Students who are of the ages 16 and 17 years and studying at the B2 level of the English language courses of the Common European Framework, should apply under this category.

What are the requirements for a Tier 4 student visa?

Getting approved for a student visa is contingent on the fact that you satisfy all the requirements set forth for that particular category of visa. It is therefore important to understand these requirement thoroughly. Let’s look at the requirement for both the Tier 4 child and adult student visas

Requirement for Tier 4 (Child) student visa

  • Prospective student applicants have to provide evidence that demonstrates that they have been granted admission to a recognized course in the U.K. This course must be offered by an U.K. institution that has been approved by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) and has been granted a license to grant admission to non-British citizen students.
  • Clear and concrete evidence by the applicant that have sufficient funds for their maintenance while they are in the U.K to support themselves during they stay for education.
  • Tier 4 (child) applicants must, compulsorily, have a written consent from his/her parent or guardian for travel and study in the United Kingdom.

Requirements for Tier 4 (Adult) student visa

  • Prospective student applicants have to provide evidence that demonstrates that they have been granted admission to a recognized course. This course must be offered by U.K. institution that has been approved by the United Kingdom Border Agency and has been granted a license to grant admission to non-British citizen students.
  • Clear and concrete evidence by the applicant that have sufficient funds for their maintenance while they are in the U.K to support themselves during they stay for education.
  • Students cannot take up employment unless it is on a part time basis and they are registered for vocations that have been permitted for the adult category students. Part-time jobs should not exceed 20 hours a week during the operational term period. During the vacation period, students can work for an unlimited number of hours and they do not need the consent of the UKBA.

Can I work with a student visa, in the United Kingdom?

Yes, you can. However, ensure you comply with the following conditions-

  • You can work once your study or vocational course has begun.
  • You can work on a part-time basis for a maximum of 20 hours in a week when your term is in session
  • You can work for unlimited number of hours during the vacation periods. But it is important to note that your college or university must be on scheduled vacation.
  • You may work on an internship which is based on your course.
  • If you are doing a post graduate or a doctorate degree, you are then permitted to work as a postgraduate doctor or a dentist. However, it is essential that your course be recognized as a foundation program.
  • You are a student union sabbatical officer for around two years.
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