Study Visa to the UK
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you: have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. You can also apply for a child student visa.
Student visa
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
can speak, read, write and understand English
have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
When to apply
When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.
Applying from inside the UK
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
How long it takes to get a decision
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay.
Staying longer in the UK
You may be able to:
extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course
When you can travel to the UK
You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:
up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.