Applying for a student visa

To find out about applying for a student visitor, child visitor or prospective student visa, please visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website.

For adult and child student visas, the UK has a points-based visa system which is designed to be objective and transparent. To apply, you need to gain 40 points. This includes 30 points for a “confirmation of acceptance for studies” from the university, college or school where you want to study.

Your chosen place of study must be on the “register of sponsors” kept by the UKBA. This register is designed to give you peace of mind that you are applying to join a bona fide institution. Find out more at the UKBA website.

The remaining 10 points comes from demonstrating that you can afford to cover all or part of your fees and living costs to study in the UK. This has been put in place to help you avoid any financial difficulties that might affect your ability to complete your studies.

To find out if you need a visa and how to apply for one, please visit the UKBA website.

Recent changes to the UK student visa system: for adult students applying to study in the UK for over 6 months.

The UK Government has announced some changes to Tier 4 which come into effect on 3 March 2010. Most of these changes do not affect you if you make your Tier 4 immigration application in order to study a course at degree level or above, or a foundation degree. However, the changes do apply to you if you make a Tier 4 immigration application on or after 3 March in order to study a course which is below degree level and which is not a foundation degree course.

The changes do not apply to Child or Student Visitor Visas.

You can find further information at the UK Border Agency website.

The British Council will endeavour to provide support and advice for students at the earliest opportunity through our offices throughout the world.

Useful links

• UKBA