Tier 4 visa– students:

Tier 4 of the points based system applies to students wishing to study abroad in the UK at universities and colleges and other educational institutions.

From 31 March 2009, all students must apply either as an adult student or a child student (under tier 4 of the points-based system).

Adult Student Visa
You can apply for an adult student visa if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education.

Eligibility
The new student route under the points based system introduces five key changes to the current system. Adult students applying to study abroad in the UK must:

• Have a proven track record in studying before coming to the UK.
• Have recognised qualifications equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education system.
• Produce evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test.
• Produce documents used to obtain an offer from the university or college sponsoring, such as qualification certificates.
• To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a general student after the end of March 2009, adult students must pass a points-based assessment and score 40 points.
  
  You need visa letter from education provider = 30 points
  Also maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses = 10 points
  

Visa letter

It is an offer letter from your education provider who is your immigration sponsor, including information about you, your sponsor, the course, and your finances.

Licensed sponsor

The licensed sponsor is the university or college you have chosen to enrol with. Global Visas have extensive partnerships with many schools, colleges and universities on the tier 4 register of sponsors. Find the tier 4 licensed sponsor list here.


Can I work whilst studying
Although students studying here are not normally allowed to work in the UK, you can work without permission as long as you do not work for more than 20 hours per week or start a business and the work you do is not a full time job.