Students

Student visa

You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:-

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor 
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• can speak, read, write and understand English
• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

You may be able to:

• extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
• switch to a student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
• switch to a graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course

You may be able to bring tour partner and children (‘dependants’).

You can:-

• study
• work as a student union sabbatical officer

You may be able to work – how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

You cannot:-

• claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
• work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• be self-employed
• study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

Graduate visa

A graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK.

You must be in the UK when you apply.

A graduate visa lasts for 2 years.  If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.

You cannot extend your graduate visa.  However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a skilled worker visa.

With a graduate visa you can:-

• work in most jobs
• look for work
• be self-employed
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible
• do voluntary work
• travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:-

• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson