Student Visas UK

If you are applying to the UK for a short term course like a language course or a vocational course you will need to apply for a short-term study visa. Through this visa you can stay in the UK for 6 months, provided you are 16 years or older in age. If you are taking an English language course you are eligible to stay for 11 months, the age criterion applies in this case as well.

If you are between 4 and 16 years of age, and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you need to apply for a Tier 4 (child) visa. This visa stipulates that you have a confirmed place at the course of your choice, have a consent from your parent or guardian, have enough money to cover your course and fees and meet the other eligibility criterion. You can apply for this visa 3 months before you begin your course and the decision takes about 3 weeks. You can arrive one week before your course begins, provided your course lasts for six months and a month in advance if your course lasts longer than six months. This course does not allow you to study at a local authority-funded college or a further education college.

If you are 16 years or older and are applying to higher education courses you need a Tier 4 (general) visa. This visa follows pretty much similar conditions as the child visa, but has some basic differences. This visa allows you to work in most jobs, depending upon the level of your course and the type of sponsor you have. This visa does not allow you to study at a local authority-funded school.