General Visa Requirements for the UK

If you are an EEA or Swiss national then you do not need permission to enter the UK or to study here. If you already have immigration permission to come to (or remain in) the UK in a non-study related category this might allow you to study. However, some immigration categories prohibit study. You should therefore seek advice from an advisor at the institution where you intend to study.

If you have already been accepted into a course of study there are two types of visa for studying in the UK: Student Visitor visas and Tier 4 student visas.

However, if you choose to come as a Student Visitor you will be much more restricted than if you come as a Tier 4 student. You will not be allowed to do any work or work placement (even if it is part of a course or unpaid work). You will also not be allowed to apply to extend your stay in the UK.

On the other hand as a Tier 4 (General) student, you can study at any school, college or university which has been granted a Tier 4 (General) sponsor licence by the Home Office. Only institutions with a Tier 4 sponsor licence can issue you with a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS), which you must obtain in order to apply for immigration permission as a Tier 4 (General) student.

Requirements:

1. Course confirmation: you must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a university approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).
2. Funding: you must provide evidence of funding to pay for both your course tuition fees and your monthly living costs.
3. Check you are eligible for a UK Student Visa but do not apply until after you have been accepted onto a course. Your chosen university can guide you through the visa process once you have been accepted onto a course
4. Lastly provide documents such as more than six months of passport validity, Passport pictures, 40 points to get the Tier Visa, which will be gained through showing your CAS, Funding and other educational certificates that the institute might require to show.