The UK student visa category allows overseas students to study in the UK at various levels, ranging from primary and secondary to post-graduate and vocational. Anyone wishing to study in the UK is required to obtain a student visa before commencing any course. A student visitor visa is available for those wishing to undertake short term study, while those who have not yet been accepted into a course may be eligible for a prospective student visitor visa. There are specific visitor visas for academics, students undertaking clinical attachments or dental observer posts andmedical graduates sitting the PLAB test.
The Tier 4 (Adult) Student visa is for adult students who want to study in the UK for their post-16 education, including full-time, short and long term courses at approved education providers. Those who have not yet been accepted into a course of study in the UK may be eligible for a prospective student visitor visa.
To qualify for a Tier 4 (Adult) Student visa under the UK points-based system, applicants must score a minimum of 40 points for attributes including confirmation of acceptance for studies and maintenance (available funds). Applicants must have been accepted to study a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (sponsor) and have acceptable English language skills to obtain a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies.
A Tier 4 (Adult) Student visa entitles the holder to live and study in the UK temporarily. A Tier 4 (Adult) Student visa is usually granted for the full length of the course of study and extensions may be granted. A Tier 4 (Adult) Student visa also entitles the holder to undertake limited work in the UK, depending on the level of their study. Spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age may apply to accompany their spouse or parent to the UK only if the applicant is undertaking a course at National Qualifications Framework level 7 (or above) at a higher education institution for at least 12 months or is a new government-sponsored student undertaking a course for at least 6 months.
The Tier 4 (Child) Student visa is for students between the ages of 4 and 17 years who intend to study in the UK at an independent, fee-paying school or further education college.
To qualify for a Tier 4 (Child) Student visa under the UK points-based system, applicants must score a minimum of 40 points for attributes including confirmation of acceptance for studies and maintenance (available funds). Applicants must have been accepted to study a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (sponsor) to obtain a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies. Tier 4 (Child) Student visa applicants cannot have any children who live with them or for whom they are financially responsible.
A Tier 4 (Child) Student visa entitles the holder to live and study in the UK temporarily. A Tier 4 (Child) Student visa is usually granted for the full length of the course of study plus four months after the end of the course and extensions may be granted. A parent of a Tier 4 (Child) Student visa holder under the age of 12 years may accompany them to the UK by applying for a Parent of a Child at School Visa.