The UK is a highly desired destination for students, boasting some of the best schools and universities in the world. There are different applications to be made depending on what you wish to do as a student. This is under what is known as Tier 4 of the Points Based System:

Tier 4 (General) students

This is the category for all students looking to study who are over 16. The majority of these will be university students. The requirements are:

• You have a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from a highly trusted sponsor
• That you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself in the UK – this will depends on where in the UK you intend to live with higher rates in London
• That you have paid at least the first year of your course fees to your course provider
• That you speak the required level of English – some courses will allow you to enter early for pre-sessional English classes

You will be able to enter the UK a month before your classes begin and stay until three months after your course concludes. It is possible to extend this leave if you wish to study a further course at a higher level, e.g. moving from a Master’s Degree to a PhD.

The Government are presently considering a route to allow those graduating in summer 2021 and onwards to be allowed further leave to remain in the UK and establish themselves in the workforce. It is, at present, unclear exactly what this route will look like but this will be of significant interest to those who wish to continue residing in the UK following their studies.

Tier 4 (Child) students

For children of primary and secondary school age, who wish to attend private schooling in the UK, it is possible to apply for student visas as well.

These visas are subject to additional maintenance requirements which alter depending on whether the child is living with a parent or guardian or if they have been placed with a UK resident carer e.g. at a boarding school.

Short term student visas

Visas of up to 11 months are available to those who wish to study a short course in the UK. These are most commonly used by students studying in other countries conducting research or for those who wish to take English language courses.

Unlike most other routes, spending time in the UK as a student alone does not lead to settlement in the UK. It is, however, possible for some categories of students to switch after their studies into other types of leave that may lead to settlement, such as becoming a worker. There are very strict criteria for this and advice should be sought.