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Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
The Student Visa category is for individuals who are aged 16 or over and who wish to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.
If you are between 4 and 17 years old and wish to study at an independent school in the UK, you should apply for a Child Student Visa instead.
Requirements for a UK Student Visa
In order to qualify for a UK Student Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged 16 or over;
- You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course with a licensed student sponsor;
- You can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2 (if studying at degree level or above) or CEFR Level B1 (if studying at below degree level);
- You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
- You have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian if you are 16 or 17 years old;
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
Child Student Visa
The Child Student Visa route is for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK, which is a Home Office approved student sponsor.
If you are aged 18 or over and wish to study a further or higher education course in the UK then you should apply for a Student Visa instead. If you are aged 16 or 17 and want to study a course at or above Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework then you can apply as either a Child Student at an independent school or as a Student.
Requirements for a Child Student Visa
In order to qualify for a Child Student Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:
- You are aged between 4 and 17;
- You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course of study at an independent school holding a valid student sponsor license;
- You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
- You have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian;
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.
Get in Touch
To discuss your Student Visa or Child Student Visa application with one of our immigration solicitors, please contact us at +44 141 648 2500 or complete our inquiry form below.