International students who want to study in the UK are required to get a Student Visa. The Student and Child Student routes are the primary immigration routes for international students who wish to study full-time. These students must be sponsored by an education provider that holds a Student sponsor licence. This guide aims to provide basic information about how UK immigration laws affect international students.
How do I qualify to enter the UK as a Student?
To be classified as a student for immigration purposes you must be able to show all of the following:
- You are over 16 and you have been offered a place on a full-time course by a licensed student sponsor.
- If you are aged 4 to 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
- 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. International students need a visa to enter the UK.