Pre-sessional English language courses
You should apply for a Tier 4 student visa if you are attending a pre-sessional English language course at the University and hope to progress on to a degree programme.
- if you get a Tier 4 student visa for the pre-sessional course you can apply for the visa you need for your degree programme in the UK
- if you do not get a Tier 4 student visa you will have to return home to apply for your degree programme visa.
The International Student Advice Team offers a check and send service to help you extend your visa when you are here.
Visa advice
Contact our International Student Advice Team for expert advice on your visa requirements.
Do you need a visa?
Unless you are classed as an EU/EEA or Swiss national you will need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.
Which visa?
The visa you need depends on the type and length of course you are studying.
Study for six months or more
You can apply for a:
- Tier 4 (general) student visa (valid for full-time courses of any length)
- Extended student visitor visa (valid for English language courses only, up to a maximum of 11 months).
Study for less than six months
You can apply for a:
- Tier 4 (general) student visa (valid for full-time courses of any length)
- Student visitor visa (valid for full or part-time courses of six months or less).
It is advisable for you to get a Tier 4 student visa if you think you will want to extend your studies in the UK, or if you wish to work when you are here.
We also strongly recommend that visiting scholars apply for a Tier 4 student visa - a period of research, rather than a course of study as defined by UKBA, may not qualify for a student visitor visa.
- a student visitor visa cannot be extended
- if you are in the UK on a student visitor visa, you cannot apply for another visa when you are here.
When to get your visa
- You must get a Tier 4 visa before arriving in the UK.
- You can either apply for entry clearance as a student visitor before you travel to the UK or on arrival depending on whether you are a visa national.
