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How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to study?
You must show that you have been accepted for a course of study:
- At a publicly funded institution of further or higher education (e.g. a university) for a recognised full-time degree course;
OR
- At a private education institution for a course run during the week that involves a minimum of 15 hours of organized daytime study a week;
OR
- At an independent fee-paying school for a full-time course of study at an independent fee-paying school.
You must also:
- Be able to meet the costs of the course;
AND
- Be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants;
AND
- Not need public funds to support yourself and/or your dependants.
You will also need to show that:
- that you are able to follow the course;
- that you intend to follow the course;
- that you intend to leave the UK when your studies in the UK are completed.
NB In order to show this, you MUST provide documentary evidence, such as:
- A letter from the College accepting you on the course;
- Examination certificates;
- Financial evidence, such as bank statements for yourself or your sponsor;
- Any other documentary evidence to show that you meet the requirements for entry as a student.
Do I need to apply to the British authorities before leaving my country?
- To enter the UK as a student you will need to apply for a visa (known as ‘entry clearance’) from the British Embassy or High Commission in the country where you live, unless you are someone who is NOT a visa national who wishes to study for a period of six months of less.
Once I am in the UK, can I extend my stay as a student?
Once you are studying here, you may be able to extend your stay as a student. You will need to make an application to the Home Office
You will need to show that:
- You still meet the requirements for admission as a student;
- You have been regularly attending your studies;
- You have made satisfactory progress in your studies;
- You would not spend a total of more than 4 years on short courses.
AND DON’T FORGET – You must make your application for an extension before your existing period of leave expires.
How do I apply for an extension of stay?
You have to complete a Home Office application form. The relevant application form is FLR(S) - Further Leave to Remain (as a Student).
I did not enter the UK as a student. Can I apply to stay here as a student?
If you are a visa national, you cannot stay as a student unless you entered the UK with a student or prospective student visa.
If you are NOT a visa national, you may apply to the Home Office for a change of status to student.
Am I allowed to work during my stay in the UK as a student?
YES. You are allowed to work and you do not need a work permit, but there is a limit on the number of hours you are allowed to work during term time.
Term time limit: 20 hours per week (except where your work placement is a necessary part of your studies with the agreement of your education institution).
Vacation period: you may work full-time without the need for a work permit.
But you must NOT:
Engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer; or
Work full-time in a permanent job.
Can I come to the United Kingdom to arrange my studies?
You may come to the United Kingdom as a ‘prospective student’ for a maximum of six months.
You will need to show that:
- You intend to enrol on a course within six months of your arrival; and
- You can meet the cost of your course and maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without taking into account income from working and without relying on public funds; and
- You intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies or when your permission to stay expires if you are not able to qualify to stay in the United Kingdom as a student.
N.B. If you are a visa national you will need to apply for entry clearance as a prospective student before you travel.
May I bring my husband/wife (spouse) and children with me?
Your spouse and children under 18 are allowed to accompany you whilst you are studying in the UK.
You will need to show that:
- You are married to the person applying to join you as a spouse;
- You intend to live together as husband and wife while you are studying, and the marriage is still subsisting;
- There will be adequate maintenance and accommodation for both of you and any dependants, without recourse to public funds;
- That you intend to leave the UK at the end of the period of study.
N.B. Your spouse will be allowed to work if your permission to stay as a student is for 12 months or more.
If I am refused entry clearance to enter the UK as a student, can I appeal?
Yes you can, provided your application was for a period of study exceeding 6 months.
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