Visa information
Once we have received your confirmation payment, we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. At this point, you will need to apply for a visa to study in the UK if necessary.
Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you might need a visa to study at the International Study Centre.
Find out if you require a visa by using the UK Visas questionnaire.
You cannot apply for a visa until three months before your course starts.
You cannot apply for a student visa to study at the International Study Centre before you have confirmed your offer of a place with us (ie. payment of deposit has reached us and receipt of your completed Acceptance form).
Important changes to the visa application process
In 2009 the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) introduced a points-based system for visa applications.
Within this new system, Tier 4 relates to overseas students (not Home nor EU) who want to study in the UK.
Tier 4 visa applicants need to be sponsored by an institution registered with the Border Agency.
The University of Sussex International Study Centre is a registered Highly Trusted sponsor, accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
All Tier 4 visa applications need to include a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. This is issued by the International Study Centre.
Once we have received your confirmation payment and your completed Acceptance Form, we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and, if you need a visa, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
Applying for a visa
The ukvisas.gov.uk website gives you all the information you need before you speak to the British Embassy in your country.
The visa application process can take a long time so you should submit your application well before you wish to come to the UK to study. You must get a visa before you travel.
When you apply you will need to include supporting documents to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. These may include:
- Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates
- The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number we send you
- Details of government or private sponsorship, or evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK (e.g. bank statements)
What happens if I cannot get a visa?
All payments are refundable in the event that a student is unable to meet visa entry requirements, subject to a visa rejection letter.
How do I extend my visa?
You may need to extend your visa at some point during your course. Speak to the Programme Manager a month before your visa ends. We will give you a visa extension form, part of which we need to fill in with details of your course, attendance, etc. If you have not attended a minimum of 80% of your classes, your request for an extension may be rejected.
Further information
UKBA website: Applying for a Tier4 visa
UK Visas website: guidance for students coming to the UK to study
