What visa do you need?
The type of visa you will need, and the process for applying for it, will differ based on the type of course you plan to study, the duration of your course and several other criteria.
Most students starting a degree course will need a Tier 4 visa for the University of Westminster. You will not be able to start a course at the University of Westminster if you have a Tier 4 visa for another University or college.
You can also get more information on how to apply for your visa and which visa to apply for on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
If you cannot find the answer to your question on the UK Border Agency or UKCISA websites, please contact Student Advice. If you are in the UK, you can make an appointment with our visa clinic, or phone or email us. If you are outside the UK, please email us with your query or contact us to book a Skype appointment.
|
What type of course will you be studying? |
Visa type |
Does it give you the right to work while studying? |
Can you extend this visa inside the UK? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A full time degree course |
Tier 4 (General) student visa for University of Westminster |
Yes (student working conditions apply) |
Yes, as long as you meet the conditions |
| A short course (six months or less) or single semester study abroad* programme |
Student Visitor visa |
No |
No |
| A study abroad programme* with a work placement, internship and/or is longer than six months |
Tier 4 (General) Student visa for University of Westminster |
Yes (student working conditions apply) | Yes as long as you meet the conditions |
| A Pre-sessional English course leading to a degree course |
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for University of Westminster, extended after passing your first course |
Yes (student working conditions apply) | Yes, as long as you meet the conditions |
| An English Language course longer than six but shorter than 11 months |
Student Visitor Visa |
No |
No |
| Student returning to the UK to re-take an exam |
Student Visitor Visa |
No |
No |
| Student retaking part of a course with attendance |
Tier 4 (General) Student visa for University of Westminster | Yes (student working conditions apply) | Please seek advice |
*A Study Abroad Programme is one or two semesters’ study which is part of your degree course in your home country.
Remember: if you have a Tier 4 visa for another college, school or university, you cannot enrol unless you can show us evidence that have applied for a new Tier 4 visa for the University of Westminster.
Further information
If you cannot find the information you need or you want to discuss your situation in detail, please contact Student Advice on
T: +44 (0) 207 911 5000 ext 66080
E: Studentadvice@westminster.ac.uk or you can visit the UK Border Agency website
