Coming to the UK to study from overseas?

From 31 March 2009 the immigration rules for individuals who want to come to the UK to study from outside the EU/EEA have changed. Before you apply for a visa you need to be sure that you meet all the new requirements.

If you are from outside the EU/EEA and you wish to study in the UK, you are likely to need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa before coming to the UK.

Watch a video guide to the new regulations

What you will need

• An offer of a place on a valid course from a licensed sponsor. City of Bristol College is a licensed sponsor.
• Your course must be a minimum of 15 hours per week and needs to be Level 3 or above or English Level A2 or above or a full-time degree level programme.
• A proven track record in education. You will need to send your certificates with your visa application.
• Sufficient level of English language.
• You can stay on courses below degree level for a maximum of 3 years.
• You must attend your course regularly.
• You cannot switch college or university without permission from the British Immigration Authority (BIA). You must gain BIA permission prior to changing college or university. This may take significant time and be costly.
• You must make progress on your course.
• You must not breach any of the requirements of your visa. You must keep the college or university informed of any changes in your contact details or circumstances.
• You must be able to show you have course fees for up to one year plus £5,400, (or if studying in London, course fees for one year plus £7,200).
• You will need an extra £400 per month for each dependant you bring up to a maximum of £3,600 (or if studying in London, £533 per month up to a maximum of £4,797).
• You must show that during the 28 days leading up to the date of your visa application, your account balance has not dropped below the above amounts.
• If your account drops below these amounts even for one day, you will not meet the financial requirements. (Transitional rules apply)

  UK Border Agency regulations

  The College must report to UK Border Agency (UKBA) within 10 working days if:

  • You fail to arrive/enrol at the expected time
  • You miss 10 working days without permission
  • You discontinue study
  • You make any significant changes to your learning programme
  • We have any suspicions that a migrant is breaching conditions of leave
  • Your circumstances change

  Useful links

  Please use these links for official information on student visa requirements:

  UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)

  http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/immigration_uk.php

  UK Border Agency (UKBA)

  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

  UK Border Agency (UKBA) Tier 4 Information

  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier4

  UKBA regulations and procedures frequently change and you are strongly advised to check on the official websites. The College cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
  

  How we can help

  We can help you with your visa application, provided you meet all of the requirements.

  For information on how to apply for your course, please contact the International Office on
  0044 117 312 5326 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

  Do you want to extend your visa?

  Find out how the College can help