Pre-sessional English language courses
If you hold an offer that is conditional on attending a pre-sessional English language course at the University, you must obtain a Tier 4 visa for the pre-sessional course.
You will be able to extend this for your degree course once you have met the English language conditions of your offer. The International Student Advice Team offers a check and send service to help you extend your visa when you are here.
Which visa?
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
If you are classed as an EU/EEA or Swiss national then no visa/entry clearance is needed.
Visa nationals
Visa nationals must apply for a visa before arriving in the UK. You can check if you are classed as a visa national on the UK Border Agency website.
You can apply for:
- Tier 4 (general) student visa (full time courses only)
- Student visitor visa (part time or full time courses less than 6 months duration)
- Extended student visitor visa (English language courses only, maximum 11 months duration)
Non-visa nationals
Non-visa nationals still require immigration permission to study in the UK.
Study for more than 6 months
You must get a visa (entry clearance) before arriving in the UK. You can apply for:
- Tier 4 (general) student visa (full time courses only)
- Extended student visitor visa (English language courses only, maximum 11 months)
Study for less than 6 months
You can apply for:
- Permission to enter as a student visitor on arrival at the UK port of entry if you are studying a part time or full time course. Check student visitor restrictions.
- Student visitor entry clearance before you come. This is uncommon, but advisable if you plan to leave the UK during your stay frequently for short trips. Permission to enter obtained on arrival in the UK expires every time you leave the UK. The embassy may encourage you to apply on arrival in the UK, but you do have the right to obtain entry clearance if you wish to. Applies to full time or part time courses.
- Tier 4 student entry clearance before you come. This is advisable if you think you will want to extend your studies in the UK or if you wish to work when you are here. This is only available for those studying full time courses. You must meet the Tier 4 requirements.
