Student & Graduate 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
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course from outside the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts from inside the UK. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
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.
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
Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.
You must be one of the following:
• A full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer
• A new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months
• A Doctorate Extension Scheme student