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