https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

You can apply for a visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or older and

• Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student provider
• Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
• Can speak, read, write and understand English

WHEN TO APPLY FROM OUTSIDE THE UK

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts.

You will usually get a decision within 3-4 weeks

WHEN TO APPLY FROM WITHIN 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 start 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY

If you’re over 18 and your course is at degree level then you can usually stay for up to 5 years.

If it’s below degree level then you can usually stay up to 2 years.

STAYING LONGER IN THE UK:

You may be able to

• Extend your visa if you’re eligible for example, to continue your studies in UK.
• Switch to a student visa from another visa as long as you’re already in UK.
• Switch to a graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course.

WHEN YOU CAN TRAVEL TO THE UK

You can arrive before your course starts either:

• 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

You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.

FEES

It costs:

• £363 to apply for a visa from outside the UK
• £490 to extend or switch to a student visa from within the UK
• You must pay the visa fee for each person who comes to join you.

HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE

You also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts

YOUR PARTNER AND CHILDREN

You may be able to bring in your partner and children

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Study
• Work as a student sabbatical Officer

You may be able to work. It depends on what you are studying and if you are working in or out of term time.

WHAT YOU CANNOT DO:

• Claim public funds, benefits and pensions
• Work in certain jobs such as professional sportsperson or sports coach
• Be self-employed
• Study at an academy or locally funded school

If your application is successful then you will be told what you can and can’t do on your visa.