Studying in the U.K.

Apply online for a visa to study in the U.K.

From 21 April 2009 the following amendments to the Tier 4 Policy Guidance will take effect:

Before making an application on the Tier 4 (General) application form, migrants should consider the additional guidance below.    

Funds held in bank account of a parent or legal guardian.  The Tier 4 guidance currently allows students applying under the Child Student category to use a bank account in their parent or legal guardian’s name to show that they meet the maintenance (funds) requirement (paragraph 38 on page 12). This is in recognition that most children will not have their own bank accounts, and money will be held by their parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

Following a review of the maintenance (funds) requirements under Tier 4, we are now extending this provision beyond the Tier 4 (Child) Student category, so that Tier 4 (General) students may give evidence of having the required maintenance (funds) for their course fees and living costs using money held by one of the student’s parent(s)/ legal guardian(s).  In addition to a bank statement in the parents name, the following evidence is required in addition to that in paragraph 37 on page 12

The specified original legal documentation (or a notarised copy) establishing the relationship must be provided with the application, which must include one of:

The applicant’s birth certificate, showing name of the parent(s) showing the funds;

Certificate of adoption showing the name of the student and the parent(s) showing the funds;

Court document stating the name of the legal guardian(s) of the named student showing the funds.

and

Students must also provide an original signed and dated letter from the parent(s) or legal guardian showing the funds when they submit their application form, confirming the relationship between the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and the named student; and that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have given their consent to the funds being available to the student for study in the UK.

28 August 2009: Student exchange concession.

A new temporary concession comes into effect from 28 August 2009. It is for those applicants under the age of 18 who wish to take part in an exchange scheme or educational visit which has been approved by a state-maintained school.  Applicants wishing to apply online for this concession should select the 'General visitor' option and complete the VAF 1A form.  For more information on the student exchange concession please visit the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.