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Getting entry clearance (visa or entry certificate)

To get entry clearance, you need to contact your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, who will advise you about the process you need to go through.

You must submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing the start of your course.

Find out the latest cost of a study visa. It is a multiple entry visa, so you will be able to come back into the UK after going abroad without a re-entry visa, as long as you return within your original period of leave.

You will need to satisfy these immigration rules that apply to students

You must prove that:

  • you can pay your tuition fees and living expenses, and those of the other people you are responsible for, without working in the UK or claiming benefits
  • you have been accepted on a course at a recognised and official institution
  • you intend to study a full time course for a minimum of 15 hours each week
  • you don't intend to work in the UK (except part time or vacation work)

To support your application, you will need to provide:

  • a valid passport
  • two recent passport sized photographs
  • your entry clearance fee
  • the relevant diplomas or certificates that you needed to get a place on your course in the UK
  • a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies - Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 (General), we must assign you a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). This confirms that we have given you an unconditional offer of a place on a course.
  • evidence that you can meet the cost of your course fees and support yourself (and any other dependants who rely on you) financially during your stay in the UK
  • evidence of Government sponsorship, if applicable.

When you travel to the UK, you will need to bring the following documents with you to show to the immigration officer:

  • a valid passport
  • a visa or entry certificate
  • a letter from us confirming your place on a full time course, with the start and end dates of the course
  • evidence that you can meet the cost of your course fees and support yourself (and any other people who rely on you) financially during your stay in the UK
  • vaccination certificates and an x-ray report, if required.

You will need to satisfy the immigration authorities that you meet the requirements for students each time you re-enter the UK. So, you will need to carry all the relevant documents with you each time you travel abroad. These should include a recent letter from us confirming that you're still enrolled and current evidence of financial support.

Financial evidence

A bank account can be in your name, or your parents' or legal guardian's name, and it can be a joint account you hold with someone else.

You can use more than one account if necessary, and you can use a combination of your account(s) and your parents' or legal guardians' account(s).

If you are relying on a loan, the loan must be in your name only.

You can use an overseas bank account. However, if your funds are not in pounds sterling, you should convert the closing balance and write this sum on the document that you are using as evidence of your finances.

The UKBA uses the OANDA website www.oanda.com to convert currencies into pounds sterling, so you should use this exchange rate too.

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