Student Visa Information
Adult student
You can apply as an adult student if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education. You can apply as a student visitor if you are 18 years old or over, you want to come to the United Kingdom to do a course for up to six months, and you do not want to work while you are here. You will not be able to switch and apply for an adult student visa while you are in the United Kingdom as a student visitor. If you want to apply for an adult student visa, you must apply from the country you live in. Prospective student You can apply as a prospective student if you want to come to the United Kingdom to help you decide which course to study or if you plan to start a course of study within six months. You will be able to switch and apply for an adult or child student visa while you are in the United Kingdom. 16 and 17 year old students applying to come for more than six months You and your approved education provider should agree whether you need to apply for an adult or child student visa. If you will be studying a course below National Qualification Framework level 3, you must apply as a child student. If your course is at National Qualification Framework level 3 (or equivalent) or above and is longer than two years, we recommend you apply as an adult student. If you want to study for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above, you must apply as an adult student. Applying for an adult student visa This quick guide explains how an adult student can apply for a student visa under tier 4 of the points-based system.
Who can apply?
You can apply for an adult student visa if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education. If you are 16 or 17 years old and want to study a course at National Qualification Framework level 3 or above, you can agree with your approved education provider either to apply as an adult or child. Those studying for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above must apply as an adult student. See Studying as a child for more information on how to apply as a child student. There are different rules if you are extending your permission to stay in the United Kingdom as an adult student. See Extending your adult student visa for more information.How long can I come for?
Table
| Type of course | Length of course | Length of stay allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Degree level or above | 12 months or more | The full length of the courseplus four months after the end of your course |
| Degree level or above | Six months or more, but less than 12 months | The full length of the course plustwo months after the end of your course |
| Course to prepare you for study (known as pre-sessional) | Less than six months | The full length of the course plus one month after the end of your course |
| Degree level or above | 12 months or more | The full length of the courseplus four months after the end of your course |
| Short course (not one to prepare you for study) | Less than six months | The full length of the course plus seven days after the end of your course |
| Below degree level | 12 months or more | The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or above) plus four months after the end of your course |
| Below degree level | 12 months or more | The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or above) plus four months after the end of your course |
| Below degree level | 12 months or more | The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or above) plus four months after the end of your course |
| Below degree level | Six months or more, but less than 12 months | The full length of the course plus two months after the end of your 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 your course |
Money needed The money that you need includes course fees and monthly living costs. The monthly living costs needed depends on where you are studying.
| Length of course | Where will study | Money needed |
|---|---|---|
| Nine months or less | In London | Course fees and £800 for each calendar month of the course |
| Nine months or less | Outside London | Course fees and £600 for each calendar month of the course |
| Course to prepare you for study (known as pre-sessional) | Less than six months | The full length of the course plus one month after the end of your course |
| More than nine months | In London | First year of fees and £7,200 to cover living costs the first nine months in the United Kingdom |
| More than nine months | Outside London | First year of fees and £5,400 to cover living costs the first nine months in the United Kingdome |
You will only need to show two months worth of living costs if you have completed a course of study in the United Kingdom that was at least six months long in the past four months, and were in any of the following immigration categories:
- * child student;
- * adult student (also known as general student);
- * postgraduate doctor or dentist;
- * student (under the rules in place before 31 March 2009);
- * student nurse;
- * student re-sitting examination;
- * student writing up a thesis;
- * Student Union sabbatical officer.
The money you will need is:
| Length of course | Where will study | Money needed |
|---|---|---|
| Nine months or less | In London | Course fees and £800 for each calendar month of the course up to a maximum of two months |
| Nine months or less | Outside London | Course fees and £600 for each calendar month of the course up to a maximum of two months |
| More than nine months | In London | First year of fees and £1,600 to cover two months of living costs in the United Kingdom |
| More than nine months | Outside London | First year of fees and £1,200 to cover two months of living costs in the United Kingdom |
How much does a student visa cost?
The student visa application fee depends on where you apply from:
- Inside the United Kingdom by post - £357
- Inside the United Kingdom at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) - £565
- Outside the United Kingdom - £145
