Studying in the United Kingdom

Dear Mr Bassie,

I am a 19-year-old Jamaican national living in Jamaica. I would like to apply for a visa to study in the United Kingdom (UK). Could you please tell me what is involved in making such an application so I can decide whether or not it would make sense for me to apply?

Thanks.

- H.R.

Dear H.R.,

Based on the information you have given me, you may be eligible to apply for an adult student visa under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system. That type of visa is given to students who wish to pursue post-16 education in the UK. Also, you can apply as a student visitor if you are 18 years old or over and you wish to go and study in the UK for up to six months, and you do not wish to work while you are there.

However, it is important to note that you cannot switch and apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa while you are in the UK as a student visitor. Furthermore, if you decide to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you must apply from the country you live in, which in your case would be Jamaica. Also, you can apply as a prospective student if you want to go to the UK to help you decide which course to study, or if you plan to start a course of study within six months and you will be able to switch and apply for a Tier 4 (General).

With respect to the length of time you will be permitted to stay in the UK, that will depend on the type of course and its length. For instance, if your main course of study is 12 months or more, the length of stay allowed would be the full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course. If your main course of study is at least six months but less than 12 months, the full length of the course plus two months after the course's end.

And, if the main course of study is less than six months, then the full length of the course plus seven days after it ends. With respect to short courses, the length of course and duration of stay will be the same as the above mentioned "main course of study".

Stay the full length

If the course is below degree level and is 12 months or more, you will be permitted to stay the full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or over), plus four months after the end of the course. Finally, if the course is for postgraduate doctors and dentists in a recognised foundation programme lasting for a maximum of three years, then you may be permitted to stay for the full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years), plus one month after the end of the course.

In applying under the points based system, you will need 40 points to be able to apply for a student visa. You should note, you will need to provide the evidence needed with your application form. You can achieve 30 points by doing a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as sponsorship). This would be evidenced by a confirmation of acceptance for studies reference number issued by your approved education provider and the documents used to obtain it. You may also be awarded 10 points by having enough money to cover your course fees and living costs, this is also known as maintenance and this can be evidenced by a bank statement or letter confirming you have enough money to cover your fees and living costs for a given period. In addition, you must be able to prove the money has been available in your account for 28 days before the date when you apply. You will also need to arrange for your biometric information (photograph and fingerprints) to be recorded.

The course you are planning to undertake should be at an acceptable level and should lead to an approved qualification. It should be approved at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications framework, or at the same level in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, by the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales or, by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland.

You can pursue a a short-term study-abroad programme in the UK as part of your qualification at an overseas higher education institution, as long as the authorities confirms the qualification is at or above the level of a UK degree. Also, an English language course at or above level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages may qualify.

Approved institution

The institution providing your education in the UK must be approved. When they approve an education provider, the provider is given a sponsor licence to teach international students, and the authorities add them to the Tier 4 register of sponsors. Hence, when you have chosen an education provider to study with, you should check to see whether it is on the Tier 4 register of sponsors. If it is not on the register, you cannot get a student visa. If an approved education provider offers you a place on a course, it will assign a confirmation of acceptance for studies to you. This is an electronic document containing your personal details and information about your course.

If you are successful in your visa application, you may work during your stay. You will be allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term-time; work full-time during vacations; do a work placement as part of your course; or work as a postgraduate doctor or dentist (if your course of study is a recognised foundation programme); and be a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.

I hope this helps in your decision.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practices in Jamaica. He is a Supreme Court-appointed mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com or editor@gleanerjm.com.