The most frequent questions we receive from prospective clients with respect to student applications are

• How can I check that my college registered with the UK Border Agency?
• What is a highly trusted sponsor?
• How much funds do I need to have in my bank before applying?
• How long will it take?
• Can I apply in the UK for a student visa?
• What type of documents do I need from my sponsor?
• How much does it cost?
• We've been refused before – can we reapply?
• What happens if the application is refused?

The information contained herein is designed to give you an overview of the steps involved to secure a student visa. This information is a general guide only as your personal circumstances will impact on your student application.

We're more than happy to meet you or have a telecom to discuss your circumstances and we do not charge for an initial consultation.

Categories of student visas

There are three types of student visas and each category has different visa terms and conditions.

Tier 4 student visa allows an adult who meets the requirements to study in the UK on a course of study at one of the institutions registered with the Home Office.

If the course of study is less than 6 months, you maybe entitled to enter on a Visit Visa (Travel Visa or Tourist Visa) or a Tier 4 Student Visitor Visa.

Do I need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa?

You can study in the UK without needing to apply for a student visa if

• you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
• you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus
• you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK because at least one of your grandparents was born here; or
• you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay

However, there may be restrictions on your ability to work during your studies if you are a national of a country that joined the European Union in or after 2004

Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania, you do not need to apply to for a visa in order to study in the UK.

However you must not work for more than 20 hours per week while you study until UKBA have given you permission. This is unless you are working during your vacation, as part of a course of vocational training, or are otherwise exempt from the worker authorisation requirements.

Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia

If you are a national of one of these countries, you do not need to apply to UKBA under the points-based system in order to study in the UK. You will need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme if you want to work while you are studying in the UK, unless you are exempt from the worker registration requirements.