At the end of March 2009, the existing student route will close and be replaced by the new student tier (tier 4) of the points-based system.

You will need a General Student Visa or a Student Visitor Visa

(please be aware that the policy details have not yet been finalised)

The points-based assessment

To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a general student, or if you are already here and want to apply to extend your permission to stay, you must pass a points-based assessment and score 40 points. You will get:

1. 30 points for a visa letter from a licensed sponsor (such as Southgate College); and
2. 10 points if you can show (and have documents to prove as needed) you have enough money for your course fees and monthly living expenses (known as maintenance).

From autumn 2009, if you are applying from inside the United Kingdom, the visa letter will be replaced by a confirmation of acceptance for studies when the first phase of the new IT system for sponsors goes live.

What are the acceptable levels of courses that a general student can get a visa letter for?

The courses are ones that are:

1. approved at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications framework (NQF) or a qualification that is the same level;  or
2. courses at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for English language students. You can study all levels of English language from elementary to proficiency

What type of study can a general student do?

Full-time study

You must be in full-time study in the United Kingdom which is either:

1. That involves a minimum of 15 hours per week organised daytime study (daytime study is 8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday).

English language courses

You can get a visa letter below the standard level needed if the course is an English Language course only. The minimum level of study for students coming to the United Kingdom to study English Language courses is set at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2. English language courses offered must finish with an independent, recognised assessment at this level or above.

Student Visitor

If you are coming to the United Kingdom for less than six months to study, you may want to apply as a student visitor.

 A student visitor can come to the United Kingdom for up to six months.

If you are coming to the United Kingdom as a visitor to study you must:

1. genuinely be seeking entry as a student visitor for the limited period you tell us you require that does not exceed six months;
2. have been accepted on a course of study that will be provided by an organisation included on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills' register of education and training providers;
3. leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit you told us about;
4. support and pay for accommodation for yourself and any dependants without help from public funds; or
5. ensure that you and your dependants will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends and not take employment; and
6. be able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey.

You must not:

1. take employment in the United Kingdom;
2. engage in business, produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including selling goods or services direct to members of the public;
3. study at a government-funded school;
4. be a child under the age of 18;
5. undertake part-time (up to 20 hours), or full-time vacation employment;
6. undertake a work placement or internship (paid or unpaid) as part of your course of study; or
7. extend your stay in the United Kingdom.

You will not be able to extend your stay in the United Kingdom as a student visitor. There are no provisions in the student visitor rules for extensions to be granted. You can only obtain leave (permission to enter the United Kingdom) as a student visitor by applying for a student visitor visa at a British diplomatic post abroad or by seeking leave from an immigration officer when you arrive in the United Kingdom.