Overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK can do so by applying for a Student Visa.

There are different categories of study visas depending on your age and length of study:

• Student Visas (Formerly Tier 4 (General) Students)
• Child Student Visas (Formerly Tier 4 (Child) Student)
• Short-term student visa

Student Visas (Formerly Tier 4 (General) Students)

This category is for students over 16 years old who want to study in the UK for a period of longer than six months. You will need to have an offer from a registered UK university, school or education facility. You will need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your course fees and living expenses.

If the application is successful, you will usually be allowed to remain in the UK for the full duration of your course. After this, you can apply to extend your stay or switch to another immigration category if you are eligible.

This student visa category allows you to bring a partner or children with you to the UK during your studies.

Child Student Visas (Formerly Tier 4 (Child) Student)

Children aged between 4 and 17 years old can apply for a child student visa. They will need to have been offered a place at an independent school in the UK.  They will also need to show that they have enough money for their course fees and living expenses.

Children under this visa cannot bring family members as dependants. Parents of children under 12 years will need to apply separately for a visa as a Parent of a Tier 4 Child.

If you are a student aged 16 or 17 who wants to study in the UK for more than six months you can apply for a Tier 4 Visa under either the ‘Child’ or ‘General’ categories.

Short-term student visa

This visa is for those who would like to come to the UK to study for a short period. Students who are 16 years or over can study for a maximum of 6 or 11 months depending on the type of visa they have applied for. Child students can study for a maximum of 6 months.

Students on a short-term visa will need to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially. They must also intend to return to their country within 30 days of the end of their study or before their visa expires, whichever is shortest.

If the student visa is granted, you will generally be allowed to remain in the UK for the full length of your course and for a short time after. After this stage, you will need to leave the UK unless you have applied to extend their stay or switch to another immigration category.