Studying in the UK - Types of Student Visas

There are currently 5 main types of student visas as follows:

• Tier 4 (Child) student: This is for children aged between 14 and 17 years old. Those aged between 4 and 15 must be coming to the UK to be educated at an independent fee-paying school.

• Child visitor: This is a short-term visa.  If you are 17 years old or under you can apply as a child visitor to study in the UK for up to 6 months.  Note that you cannot switch from this category into the Tier 4 (Child) student category while still in the UK.  You would have to leave the UK and re-enter if you wish to switch switch into a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

• Tier 4 (General) student: This visa category is for those coming to study in the UK for post-16 education, that is, after secondary school or high school.  The application is made under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.

• Student visitor: If you are over 18 years old, wish to study in the UK for up to six months and do not intend to work in the UK while you study, then this visa is for you.  Again, note that you can't switch to a Tier 4 (General) student visa while in the UK on a student visitor's visa.  You would have to leave the UK and apply for the Tier 4 (General) visa from your country of residence.

• Prospective student: This visa is for those who wish to come to the UK to help them decide which course to study.  It could also be used if you intend to start a course of study within 6 months of your arrival.  You will normally be permitted to switch from a prospective student visa to a Tier 4 (General) student visa without having to leave the UK.