Students (INF 5)

Guidance - Students (INF 5)
Last updated 10 July 2008

This guidance explains what you will need to do if you want to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to study, and what the Immigration Rules say. It is only a guide but it aims to answer some common questions.

Student rules changes from 1 September 2007
A new entry clearance (visa) category of student visitor has been introduced for short term students who come to the United Kingdom to study on courses of six month duration or less.

Student visitor - details and flowcharts
Student visitor - frequently asked questions

How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a student?
You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study or for a period of research at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers. Contact details are under 'More advice and information' at the end of this guidance, or you can search the register on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills website at: www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister.

You must be able to show that you are going to follow:

  • a recognised full-time degree course or postgraduate studies, or
  • a period of study and/or research in excess of 6 months where this forms part of an overseas degree course, or
  • a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime study each week, or
  • a full-time course at an independent fee-paying school.

You must also:

  • be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without going into business or getting a job, or needing any help from public funds
  • be able and intend to follow your chosen course, and
  • intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies, if your course of study is below degree level.

If you graduated from a UK university or other educational institution within the last 12 months with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or PhD, you may be able to apply to stay in the UK and get a job for an extra year after your degree course finishes, without getting a work permit. For more information, please see the section on the International Graduates Scheme in our Permit free employment (INF 14) guidance.

If you successfully complete a degree level course or above, awarded by a Scottish institution, you may be able to apply to live and work in Scotland for up to two years after achieving your qualification under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.

Postgraduate doctors and dentists
For entry to the UK as a postgraduate doctor or dentist, you will need:

  • a UK degree in medicine or dentistry
  • to have spent at least two years in the UK studying for your medical or dental degree, and
  • a letter from the Postgraduate Dean responsible for your training to confirm that you have been offered a full-time place on a Foundation Programme in the UK.

You must also:

  • intend to leave the UK after your Foundation Programme, if you have not been given permission to stay on in another employment or self-employment category, and
  • be able to support yourself and any dependants, and live without needing help from public funds.

If a government or international sponsorship agency sponsored your studies at a medical or dental school, you need to have the sponsor's permission to study a Foundation Programme in the UK.

If you are a fully qualified doctor or dentist and you want to get a job or take higher specialist training, you will need a work permit. You can get more information about work permits from our Work permit holders (INF 13) guidance.

If you intend to set up in general practice, you will need to meet the requirements for entry to the UK as a self-employed person. For more information see the Setting up in business (INF10) guidance.
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What is a visa?
A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK.

If you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

Please note that applicants will be automatically refused and may be banned from coming to the UK for 10 years if they use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information.  They may also be banned if they have breached immigration laws in the UK.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may ask you questions, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.
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Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
You will need a visa if you:

  • are not an EEA national
  • are stateless (you don't have a nationality)
  • hold a non-national travel document, or
  • hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK.

If you do not intend to work or stay in the UK for more than six months, you might wish to consider entering as a student visitor. More information is available in our Visitors (INF2) guidance on our website or from your nearest visa application centre.

You do not need an entry clearance as a student visitor if you are a non-visa national but, you will have to satisfy the Immigration Officer that you qualify for entry to study when you arrive in the UK. You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the Register of Education and Training Providers. They will then give you permission to stay in the UK for up to six months.

If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for entry, you should apply for a visa before you travel to the UK.
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How do I apply for a visa?
You can apply in a number of ways, for example, by post, by courier, in person and online. Staff at the visa application centres will tell you about the ways in which you can apply.

Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit the visa4UK website.

If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF 3 - Student). You can get a form free of charge from your nearest visa application centre or from the visa application forms page on our website.

You should apply for a student visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before we will accept your application. You can find out if you need to be tested by using our Do I need a visa? questionnaire on the homepage of this website, or by contacting your nearest visa application centre.
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What are visa application centres?
In some countries, we are working with commercial companies to run visa application centres (VACs). The VACs are in largely populated areas, making it easier and more convenient for people to apply for a UK visa. Trained staff at each VAC deal with all visa enquiries and applications. They collect your biometric information (see the relevant section of this leaflet) along with the relevant fees, and provide unbiased, face-to-face advice on the application process, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff have no say in this decision.
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What will I need to make my application?
You will need to make your application online or fill in the following visa application form:

 Application form VAF3 - Student

 Student guidance notes

You will also need the following.

  • Your passport or travel document.
  • A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself.
    This should be:
    • taken against a light-coloured background
    • clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
    • printed on normal photographic paper, and
    • full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
  • The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
  • Supporting documents relevant to your application.

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What is 'biometric' information?
All UK visa applicants, save for those benefiting from a limited number of exemptions and exceptions, are required to provide biometric data (10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process.

You will have to go to your nearest visa application centre in person to provide your biometrics. In those countries where there is no visa application centre, you will need to go to the British mission.

Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information. The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals. You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans. You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken. Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered).
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What supporting documents should I include with my application?
You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, we may refuse your application.

As a guide, you should include:

  • any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have
  • a letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study and/or a period of research in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course and/or period of research (if appropriate)
  • if you are following a certain type of postgraduate study, an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate
  • evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate)
  • bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK, and
  • if you are being privately sponsored (for example, by a college in the UK) a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so.

We will refuse your application if we find that any documents are forged.  It is better to explain why you do not have a document than to submit a false document with an application.  Your application will be automatically refused and you may be banned from coming to the UK for 10 years if you use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information. You may also be banned if you have breached immigration laws in the UK.   
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What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced in November 2007. In common with other Governments around the world, the British Government is working hard to stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.

If you intend to undertake postgraduate studies and/or research which lead to a Doctorate or Masters degree in certain designated subjects, you will have to get and Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa. Full details about this scheme can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/ATAS.
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What will happen when I make my application?
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

  • your personal details are correct
  • it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
  • it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately.
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What are public funds?
Under the Immigration Rules, if you want to travel to the UK you must be able to support yourself and live without claiming certain benefits. A full list of public funds is available on the UK Border Agency website.

You can find more information about public funds in the Immigration Directorate Instructions (IDIs) and Immigration Rules on the UK Border Agency website.
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Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you enter the UK with a student visa or prospective student visa, or if you want to study on a course at degree level or higher, you can apply to the UK Border Agency. Their contact details are at end of this guidance. The UK Border Agency will charge you a non-refundable fee for any application to extend your stay in the UK.

If you enter the UK with a student visitor visa, you will not be allowed to extend your stay.
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Can I work?
You can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not:

  • work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed with your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body
  • do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or
  • work full-time in a permanent job.

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Can I switch to work permit employment when I am in the UK?
You may be able to switch if:

  • you have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly-funded institution of further or higher education or an approved private educational institution that has satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
  • you hold a valid work permit for employment
  • you have been sponsored by a government or agency and you have their written permission to remain in the UK in a different category, and
  • you have not broken immigration law.

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Can I bring my husband, wife or civil partner and children with me?
Your husband, wife or civil partner and any of your children under 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies, as long as you can support them without needing any help from public funds.
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What do my dependants need to make an application?
Your dependants will need to make their application online or fill in the following visa application form:

 Application form VAF3 - Student

 Student guidance notes 

They will also need the following:

  • Their passport or travel document.
  • A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm),colour photograph of themselves. This should be:
    • taken against a light coloured background
    • clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
    • printed on normal photographic paper, and
    • full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless they wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
  • The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and they must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where they are applying.
  • Evidence of their relationship to you.
  • Evidence that you can support them without needing any help from public funds.
  • Evidence of the course of study your are doing or are going to do in the UK.
  • A copy of the relevant pages from your passport, showing your permission to stay if you are already in the UK.


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Will my husband, wife or civil partner be allowed to work?
Your husband, wife or civil partner will be allowed to work in the UK if we give you permission to stay in the country for at least twelve months.
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Will I need to register with the Police?
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they are entering the UK for more than six months. Your visa will state if this is necessary.

In London, police registration is made at the Overseas Visitors Registration Office, (OVRO), Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LH, Tel. 020 7230 1208. If you are not in London you can register at the nearest police station specified as a registration office. You will be charged for the initial registration certificate.
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Can I go to the UK to arrange my studies?
You can travel to the UK as a prospective student for up to six months to arrange your studies. You will need to show that:

  • you intend to enrol on a course of study within six months of arriving in the UK
  • you can pay for your course, support yourself and your dependants, and live without working or needing any help from public funds, and
  • you intend to leave the UK when you finish your studies or when your permission to stay ends if you do not qualify to stay in the UK as a student.

Note: you should not buy a ticket, or pay all or part of the cost of a study course if your visa application being delayed or refused would mean that you lost your money.
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When should I apply?
You should apply in good time for your entry clearance so that you are not delayed in getting into the UK. However, you cannot have your clearance post-dated by more than three months. It can get very busy in visa sections, especially over the summer when lots of students are applying.
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More advice and information

Register of Education and Training Providers
For more information about the Register of Education and Training Providers.

The Register of Education and Training Providers
PO Box 54876
London SW1P 9EZ
Email: info@dius.gsi.gov.uk

Information about UK recognised degrees is available on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills  website.

You can get more advice about studying in the UK from the following organisations:

UKCISA
The Council for International Student Affairs provides advice and information to international students studying or planning to study in the UK, and to their family, teachers and other advisors:

UKCISA: The Council for International Student Affairs
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7107 9922 (1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Website: www.ukcisa.org.uk

British Council
The British Council provides information to help international students prepare for study in the UK.
Education UK
British Council

Phone: (+44) (0) 161 977 7755 (9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org

The UK Border Agency
For more advice and information about extending your stay once you are in the UK:

The UK Border Agency
Croydon Public Caller Unit
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Phone: (+44) (0)870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
Phone: (+44) (0)870 241 0645 (application forms)
Email: indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
The Immigration Advisory Service is the UK's largest charity providing advice and respresentation in asylum, immigration and nationality law. It has offices right accross the UK and abroad. It provides a free service to those who are eligible. It may also be able to help those who are not eligible. The IAS is a non-profit service.

Immigration Advisory Service
3rd Floor, County House
190 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7967 1200
Phone: (+44) (0)20 8814 1559 (duty office open 24 hours a day)
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7403 5875
Email:advice@iasuk.org
Website: www.iasuk.org

Revenue and Customs
For advice on bringing personal belongings and goods into the UK contact:

HM Revenue & Customs
Dorset House
Stamford Street
London SE1 9PY
Phone: (+44) (0)845 010 9000
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

Health insurance
If you come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK, or if you are enrolled on a course for more than six months, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Short-term students who are in the UK for six months or less are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will have to pay for any treatment you get. Please make sure you have enough health insurance for the whole of your stay.

Drugs warning
Anyone found smuggling drugs into the UK will face serious penalties. Drug traffickers may try to bribe travellers. If you are travelling to the UK, avoid any involvement with drugs.

False documents
It is better to explain why you do not have a document than to submit a false document with an application. Applicants will be automatically refused and may be banned from coming to the UK for 10 years if they use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information.  They may also be banned if they have breached immigration laws in the UK.

Travellers to the UK who produce a false travel document or passport to the UK immigration authorities for themselves and/or their children are committing an offence. People found guilty of this offence face up to two years in prison or a fine (or both).

Alternative formats
In the UK we also have versions of our guidance notes in Braille, on audio tape and in large print. If you would like any guidance notes in one of these formats, please contact us:

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

Further information

 

The official British Government website for visa services

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