Visa information
Do I need a visa?This will depend on your nationality or country of residence. Use the UK Visas questionnaire to find out if you require a visa. |
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. |
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.
Visa Information
The UK Visas site gives basic information about applying. You can also download a visa application form. The visa4uk site allows applicants from some countries to apply online. For in-depth and up-to-date information, you should contact the British Embassy in your country.
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.
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
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
- your Certificate of Enrolment from the International Study Centre
- 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)
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. However, 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).
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
Applying for a Tier4 visa: guidance for students coming to the UK to study
The UK Council for International Student Affairs: Frequently Asked Questions about studying in the UK
| Jump to Undergraduate degree preparation courses | Jump to Postgraduate degree preparation courses |
