Visa Requirements
If you come from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter the UK. If you are a national of any other country, there are 2 types of visa you can use for studying: A Student Visitor Visa and a General Student Visa.
When you book a course with us, you will need to tell us which visa you wish to apply for, so you need to decide in advance. The information below will help you understand the difference between the two types of visa. If you have any further questions you can contact us or look at the official websites (over to your right).
Student Visitor Visa
If your level of English is very low or if you want to study in the UK for 6 months or less, you can choose to apply for a Student Visitor Visa.
A Student Visitor Visa does not give the right to work, cannot be extended and cannot last longer than 6 months, but has no minimum level requirement and there is no set number of daytime hours per week that you need to study.
If you are a non-visa national you can get a Student Visitor Visa for free at immigration in the UK. If you are a visa national you will need to get your Student Visitor Visa before your leave your country.
To get a Student Visitor Visa you will need a certificate of enrolment from us showing the course and accommodation (if required) booked and fees paid.
General Student Visa
A General Student Visa is only available students whose standard of English is at Common European Framework of Referencefor Languages (CEFR) B1 leve. It is not available for beginners and elementary students. It gives you the right to work in the UK and can be extended in the UK and can last longer than 6 months, but must always be obtained in advance.
To get a General Student Visa you will need:
- a certificate of enrolment from us showing the course and accommodation booked (if required) and fees paid;
- evidence that you
have enough money to pay for your course fees and to live in the UK,
i.e. £800 for each month of your studies plus the balance of
whatever course fees you have left to pay.
Please note: You must have this money in your bank account for a minimum of 28 days before you apply for the visa. - evidence
your standard of English is at least B1 level. For example:
- an internationally recognized examination certificate;
- proof of studying English in your own country, e.g. a secondary school, College or University certificate showing that you studied English;
- proof of previous English study in the UK or another English-speaking country;
- a
reference from an appropriately-qualified
person stating your level of English;
Please note: If the proof is not in English you will need to submit and authenticated translation.
If you with to apply for General Student Visa you will need to follow a course of a minimum 15 hours (20 lessons) daytime study; we have two full-time courses available for you: 9.30am - 1.30pm or 12.30pm - 4.30pm. You will also need to send/fax or email us a copy of the document proving your level of English; you will then need to submit the same original with your visa application.