Student visa

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you are 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

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

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. You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you have already completed. If you are 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.