Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
TIP: The answer for 99.9% of cases is yes.
Citizens of certain countries (such as Ireland) who are undergoing certain courses, may be allowed visa-free study in the UK. You can check if you are eligible here If you are not eligible, you would most certainly need a student visa. This means that if you are already in the UK on a tourist (or other) visa, you may have to leave the UK to apply for a student visa from the UK consular service in your home country before re-entering as a student. Entering the UK with any other visa may render you ineligible for enrolment at your institution.
What is the process for applying to study in the UK?
TIP: A failed university application or a failed visa application resulting from a faulty university application may see you need to wait up to a year before reapplying. A CAS number (see below) can only be issued once which means you would have to submit a fresh application, in a fresh semester cycle, to obtain a new one. You must therefore treat your application with the utmost care.
Apply to a University/Institution: Having decided what subject(s) you would like to study, research what institutions carry your course and match it with your town of preference. We recommend coming up with a list of no more than five institutions and check to make sure you have the grades/qualifications required by each of them.
Apply via UCAS: Once decided, create an account with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services – UCAS who will guide you through the application process. UCAS is the organisation that will pass on your application to the universities so it is important you complete the application process and provide all the information required. Should any institution require further information, they will contact you directly once they have received your application.
CAS Statement: CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) is the electronic record that all universities and institutions must produce to validate all student visa applications. In other words, you will not be issued a student visa without a CAS statement. This statement will include all the details relevant to your studies and is sent by your sponsor (university/institution) to UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration). Once processed, UKVI will then generate a unique reference number which can only be used once. If, for whatever reason, your visa is rejected, you will not be able to use your CAS number a second time. You would have to inform your institution of choice should you want to apply a second time so that a new CAS number can be issued.
Visa granted. What next? You are now looking forward to your move to the UK which can be exciting yet daunting. To ease your fears, we have prepared a checklist for the things you would need before and on arrival:
Housing – You may have applied for accommodation through your institution which is never guaranteed given high demand. You may want to consider private accommodation which you find here.
Banking – You will be travelling with money and your priority should be to keep it safe and to access it quickly. We have provided as much information and details on what bank account to get and how best to transfer your funds which you can find here.
Phones – Not having a phone these days is almost unthinkable. Whilst you may be able to use your home phone when you arrive, it may be more cost-effective and convenient to subscribe to a UK mobile operator. You can view a full list of options here .
Travel – If you are studying in one of the major cities (London, Edinburgh, Manchester) your airport is local but you may still need transportation to your accommodation. For those in non-major cities, you may need a connecting bus, train or taxi to get you to your new home. We have put together all the different travel options and discounts available in the UK which you can find here.
Home needs – Many students seem to forget they will be starting a new life. You are likely to need everything from bedsheets, towels, pillows, kitchen utensils, etc. We have a comprehensive list of items you may need and where you may shop for them which you find here.
Tech/Stationery – For your studies, you will need tech and stationery which you can find here.
Can I work as a student in the UK?
TIP: Never succumb to the temptation of working illegally or beyond the hours you are legally allowed to. One contravention of the rules, even unintentionally, could lead to the revoking of your student visa and deportation.
Your visa should state how many hours you are allowed to work as a student although it has traditionally been limited to 20hrs a week. In most cases, this means you are allowed 20hrs of gainful employment (work for which you are paid) during term-time. In some cases, this may change outside of term-time (particularly over the summer break) where you may be allowed to work full-time hours. For an employer to formally employ you, you would need to provide a share code issued by UKVI. Employers will be able to see your status and how many hours you are eligible to work.
How can I extend my stay in the UK? (Graduate Visa)
TIP: You must stay on top of your deadlines for the visa application and the expiry of your current visa. You are deemed an overstayer – and therefore illegal – if your visa expires (even by a single day) without lodging a fresh application.
- Be in the UK;
- Be on a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa;
- Have studied an eligible course for a minimum period of time with your student visa;
- Have your education provider (university or institution) inform the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.