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UK study visas

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If you’re coming to study in the UK from outside of the European Economic Area – you’ll need a student visa. Here you’ll find information on the UK points-based immigration system and a handy guide to applying for visas. There’s also advice on extending your student visa if you don’t want your UK study abroad experience to end.

Applying for a student visa

Students at the airport. © John Cooper / Ikon

The UK uses a points-based system to asses all international students who want to study in the UK. You get points by proving you have a place on a course and enough money to support yourself.

The British Government recently announced that it will be introducing mandatory secure English language testing for adult students studying below degree level under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system. The new requirement will come to effect on 12 August 2010. The test will not apply to those studying at or above degree level, foundation degrees and English language courses.  

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Extending your UK visa

Tower Bridge at night, with a slow exposure of passing cars. © Britain on View

If you don’t want your UK study experience to end just yet, you may need to extend your student visa. You’ll need to pass the points-based assessment to do this, gaining points for proving you have a place on a UK course and enough money to pay fees and everyday living costs.

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If you are coming to the UK for more than six months you must pass a points-based assessment

Working while you study in the UK

A student studies a job notice board © John Cooper / Ikon Partnership for Education UK

As an international student in the UK you can work up to 20 hours a week in term-time. Getting a job while you study in the UK can improve your language skills and enhance your CV.

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If you want to extend your stay for further study in the UK, you need to pass the points-based assessment

Apply for a student visa

In addition to the point requirements, the following are required to support the application:

    • a signed printout of your on-line application form
    • a completed self assessment form (Appendix 8 for students applying as an adult or appendix 9 for for students applying as a child)
    • a current passport with at least one unused full page (front and back)
    • one recent passport–sized colour photograph taken against a white background
    • evidence of your Hong Kong/Macau immigration status
    • the application fee (payable during your appointment at the Visa Application Centre by EPS, MasterCard, Visa or Cashier's Order made payable to "British Consulate-General Hong Kong")
    • all supporting documents listed on the Adult Student or Child Student checklist, as appropriate.
    • any other supporting documents required by PBS Tier 4.
    • biometric data (digital photo and fingerprints) will be collected at the Visa Application Centre when you submit your application and pay the fee.
    Original documents are required - faxes, photocopies, internet/e-mail printouts do not meet the PBS Tier 4 requirements. The only exception is electronic bank statements that have been stamped on each page by the bank. In addition to providing originals of all supporting documents, you will need to supply a photocopy of any document you wish to be returned to you. Full details of the above requirements can be found at the UK Visas websites
Read more Applying for a student visa

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