Visa Information
Child student
You can apply as a child student if you are between 4 and 17 years old. If you are between 4 and 15 years old, you must be coming to the United Kingdom to be educated at an independent fee-paying school.
Child visitor
You can apply as a child visitor if you are 17 years old or under and you want to come to the United Kingdom to do a course of study for up to six months. You will not be able to switch and apply for a child student visa while you are in the United Kingdom as a child visitor. If you want to apply for a child student visa, you must apply from the country you live in.
Adult student
You can apply as an adult student if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education.
Student visitor
You can apply as a student visitor if you are 18 years old or over, you want to come to the United Kingdom to do a course for up to six months, and you do not want to work while you are here. You will not be able to switch and apply for an adult student visa while you are in the United Kingdom as a student visitor. If you want to apply for an adult student visa, you must apply from the country you live in.
Prospective student
You can apply as a prospective student if you want to come to the United Kingdom to help you decide which course to study or if you plan to start a course of study within six months. You will be able to switch and apply for an adult or child student visa while you are in the United Kingdom.
16 and 17 year old students applying to come for more than six months
You and your approved education provider should agree whether you need to apply for an adult or child student visa. If you will be studying a course below National Qualification Framework level 3, you must apply as a child student. If your course is at National Qualification Framework level 3 (or equivalent) or above and is longer than two years, we recommend you apply as an adult student. If you want to study for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above, you must apply as an adult student.
Applying for an adult student visa
This quick guide explains how an adult student can apply for a student visa under tier 4 of the points-based system. Who can apply?
You can apply for an adult student visa if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education.
If you are 16 or 17 years old and want to study a course at National Qualification Framework level 3 or above, you can agree with your approved education provider either to apply as an adult or child. Those studying for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above must apply as an adult student. See Studying as a child for more information on how to apply as a child student. There are different rules if you are extending your permission to stay in the United Kingdom as an adult student. See Extending your adult student visa for more information.
What do I need to apply?
You need 40 points to be able to apply for a student visa and must provide the proof needed with your application form.
Money needed
The money that you need includes course fees and monthly living costs. The monthly living costs needed depends on where you are studying.
Email us on the link below for any questions or concerns you may have.