To be classified as a student for immigration purposes you must be able to show all of the following:

	You have been accepted on a course of study at a publicly funded institution of further or higher education (for example a university), a private education institution or an independent fee-paying school
	You are going to follow a recognised full-time degree course, a course run during the week that involves at least 15 hours of organised daytime study per week, or a full-time course of study at an independent fee-paying school
	You are able to pay for your course and support and accommodate yourself and any dependents without working or help from public funds
	You plan to leave the UK when you complete your studies

Students from India and other visa national need a visa to enter the UK. If you are not a visa national, you will find it helpful to carry documents with you, which will show immigration officers that you meet the requirements for entering the UK as a student.

You should apply for entry clearance at the British High Commission or at any Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) in your city or in the country in which you are living. You should ask for Not-Settlement Form VAF1 2003 (the form can be downloaded from http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk). You do not have to pay for the form itself although you will have to pay a fee later.

Fill out the forms carefully. Keep a copy of your completed forms as a record of your application.

You need to submit your application and Biometric data at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your area in person:

	VAF3 - Student Application Form completed
	Passport
	2 recent passport-sized photographs
	Fee (paid in local currency and non-refundable)
	Any relevant documents requested to show that the immigration rules relating to students can be met. Photocopies are not normally accepted

International students may take on part-time or vacation work subject to the following restrictions.

	You will not work for more than 20 hours a week during term time, unless your work placement is part of your studies and your education institution agrees
	You will not do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer
	You will not work full time in a permanent job

If you are a graduating student and you wish to stay in the UK to work after your graduation, you can extend your stay under Tier 2 (Post-Study Work) scheme or you may be able to find a job without the need for you to return home. UK Businesses and employers may be able to offer you a job and obtain a Work Permit / Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

You may bring your husband or wife and any of your children less than 18 years of age to the United Kingdom during your studies as long as you can support and accommodate them without help from public funds.