From March 2009 adults wishing to study in the UK must apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa.

The Tier 4 Student Visa allows international adult students to study in UK with a Tier 4 licensed sponsor*.

Do I qualify?

To be able to travel to the UK as a student you will have to meet a points score of 40 points. These points are scored as follows:

Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from an approved education provider/licensed sponsor	30
Maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses	10

What is a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies?

A Certificate of Acceptance of studies is issued by the education provider who is your immigration sponsor. This is an online application made by the sponsor who will issue with the certificate number which is then detailed on your application form for entry or extension of leave in the UK.

This document includes information about you, your sponsor, the course you intend to undertake, the evidence provided to secure the offer and your finances.

Am I allowed to work?

If you are issued with a Tier 4 Student Visa you have the following employment rights:
Students may work part-time for a number of hours during term time depending on their course, and full time during vacations.

• Students following a course of degree level study or a foundation degree course can work for no more than 20 hours per week in term time;

• Students following a course of study below degree level study (excluding a foundation degree course) can work for no more than 10 hours per week in term time.

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Settlement

The Tier 4 Student Visa will not allow you to apply for settlement in the UK, however it may allow you to switch into another category of visa upon successful completion of your studies, for instance Tier 1 Post Study Work

How long will my visa be issued for?

Type of course	Length of course	Length of stay allowed
Degree level or above	12 months or more	The full length of the course plus 4 months after the end of your course
Degree level or above	6 months or more, but less than 12 months	The full length of the course plus 2 months after the end of your course
Course to prepare you for study (known as pre-sessional)	Less than 6 months	The full length of the course plus one month after the end of your course
Short course (not pre-sessional)	Less than 6 months	The full length of the course plus 7 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 3 years if you are 18 yrs old or over) plus 4 months after the end of your course
Below degree level	6 months or more, but less than 12 months	The full length of the course (up to a maximum of 3 years if you are 18 years old or over) plus 2 months after the end of your course
Postgraduate doctors and dentists on a recognised Foundation programme	Maximum of 3 years	The full length of the course (up to a maximum of 3 years) plus 1 month after the end of your course

How much money do I need to study in the UK?

Length of course	Where you will study	Maintenance (funds) needed
9 months or less	In London	Course fees and £800 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course
9 months or less	Outside London	Course fees and £600 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course
More than 9 months	In London	First year of fees and £7,200 to cover living costs for nine months in the United Kingdom
More than 9 months	Outside London	First year of fees and £5,400 to cover living costs for nine months in the United Kingdom

* A licensed sponsor is the university or college that you have chosen to enrol with. A full list of Tier 4 licensed sponsors can be found here

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