Applying For A Student Visa & Duration Of Stay
Who can apply for a Student Visa and Duration of stay
We have put together a quick guide about who can apply for a student visa under Tier 4 of the points based system
Child Students
A child between 4 and 17 years old can apply for a student Visa under Tier 4 (child). Their education in the UK must be at a fee paying school.
The length of a child student’s stay in the UK is dependent upon their course of study
Adult Students
Who can Apply?
Anyone over 16 years of age can apply for an adult student visa if they are coming to the UK for post-16 education.
If a student is 16 or 17 years old and wants to apply for a visa to study on a course at National Qualification framework level 3 or above, they can agree with their approved education provider either to apply as an adult or a child.
Duration of stay
|
Type of Course
|
Duration of course |
Duration of permitted stay |
|
Degree level or above |
12 months or more |
Full length of the course |
|
Degree level or above |
Six months or more, less than 12 months |
The full length of the course |
|
Course to prepare you for study (known as pre-sessional) |
Less than six months |
Full length of the course |
|
Short course (not one to prepare you for study) |
Less than six months |
Full length of the course |
|
Below degree level |
12 months or more |
Full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or above) |
|
Below degree level |
Six months or more, but less than 12 months |
Full length of the course |
|
Postgraduate doctors and dentists on a recognised Foundation programme |
Maximum of three years |
Full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years) |
