Tier 4 General Students can study the following courses:

• Full-time course at NQF Level 6 (equivalent to bachelor degree level);
• Full-time course (minimum of 15 hours) at NQF Level 3 (equivalent to AS/A Level);
• An overseas course of degree level study equivalent to a UK higher education course being run by an overseas higher education institution;
• An approved postgraduate foundation programme for doctors or dentists (provided you have successfully completed an approved degree in medicine or dentistry from a registered Tier 4 sponsor and your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree was spent in the UK).

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

Following receipt of an unconditional offer of a place on a permitted course your college/university must send you a CAS reference number. You can apply for your Tier 4 General Student 3 months before the start of your course or within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

Previous UK Study Visa Holders:

• You will need a new CAS;
• Seeking a new qualification at a higher academic level; or
• A new qualification which relates to and adds to the previous qualification at the same academic level as your previous qualification;
• You are resitting exams or repeating modules; or
• You intend to complete a course you started elsewhere at a new institution.

Tier 4 General Students Financial requirements:

To show that you can adequately maintain yourself without any reliance on public funds, you will need to show that you have enough money to pay for:

• Where the course is longer than one year, the fees due for the first year;
• All of the fees if less than a one year course; or
• The full amount shown on your CAS); and
• Your full living costs (for inner London – £1,265 & other parts of the UK – £1015) per month up to a maximum of nine months (partials months are rounded up).

Time Limits on Studies – Under degree level (2 year limit):

You will have the maximum period of two years in the UK to study at below degree-level. You can study a single course or several courses.

Time Limits on Studies – Over degree level (5 year limit):

You will have the maximum period of five years in the UK to study at below degree-level. You can study a single course or several courses.

The limit caps apply whether the Tier 4 General migrant visa application is made inside or outside the UK.

Exemptions to the 5-year limit:

Following legal qualifications: law conversion course, LPC, BPTC (UK); Masters in Legal Science (MLegSc), the Solicitors Course and the Bar Course (NI); graduate LLB and a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (Scot).

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, architecture and science, or music at a conservatoire;

Doctorate Extension Scheme;

Studying or applying to study for a master’s degree following the successful completion of a degree (4 or 5 years) will be extended to a maximum of 6 years in total;

If you have already completed a course leading to the award of a PhD, postgraduate research qualification or Research Masters Degree (as listed in Annex 4 of the Home Office guidance) in the UK, the grant of leave you are seeking must not lead to you spending more than 8 years in the UK as a Tier 4 General Migrant, or as a Student;

Genuine Student Rule & Interview

UKVI interview applicants to ascertain if they are genuine students and you have the required English language skills. Questions can include:

• Your course, where you want to study, reasons for studying in the UK;
• Your education history;
• Your immigration history;
• Your personal and financial circumstances;
• Your plans after completing your course.

Length of Stay

Applications are allowed 3 months before the start of your course. You can arrive one week before the start of your course (if under 6 months), or one month before (if more than 6 months).

Can you work?

If work is allowed, it will be clear on your visa; for example 15hrs per week.