International Student Visa Requirements for studying in the UK

Before applying for an English course with us, please make sure that you understand the different international student visa requirements for the UK and the options available to you.

International Student Visa Requirements from the EU/EEA

If you come from an EU member state or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you will not require a visa to study in the UK.

Visa Requirements from the Rest of the World

If you are a visa national, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK; the type of visa will be dependent on the length of your course and your ability to study.

If you would like to undertake a course of study for under eleven months you may want to apply for a Student Visitor Visa.  If you cannot prove that your level of English is at CEFR level B1 or equivalent, or you are not sponsored by your government then you will need a student visitor visa.

If you would like to undertake a longer course of study, the UK's international student visa requirements state you will need a General Student Visa under the Points Based System (PBS).

Under PBS you will either need to show your level of English is at CEFR level B2 (or equivalent), that you are sponsored by your government or that you are following a pre-sessional course of English before starting a degree. You will also need to show that you have the funds available to support yourself during your studies and that you have been given a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance’ for study from a Tier 4 education provider.

Please note that student rules changed from 03 March 2010. This latest update runs from 23 July 2010.

If you need more information on international student visa requirements, please visit the UKBA website.

Spinnaker College is accredited by the British Council and English UK and is a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) on the UK Border Agency's Register of Tier 4 sponsors.

If you are still unsure about the various international student visa requirements for the UK or applying for a visa, we can help you with initial visa advice.