Student Visas
When you decide to study in the UK you have to make sure that your chosen school is:
- approved by the UKBA under Tier 4 of the Points Based System
- on the Tier 4 Register of Sponsors
- accredited by an authorised body such as the British Council
ABC School of English is a Highly Trusted Sponsor on the UKBA’s Tier 4 Sponsor Register. We are also accredited by the British Council which is your guarantee of quality.
To the best of our knowledge, the information below is correct at the time of publication. However, we strongly recommend that you check the relevant websites and with your nearest High Commission for the most up-to-date information.
There are two types of student visas you can apply for:
- General Student Visa (GSV) – suitable if you want to study in the UK for six months or more and have a proven level of English (B1). You can extend your stay in the UK if you decide to register on another course.
- Student Visitor Visa, Extended Student Visitor Visa (SVV, ESVV) - suitable if you are 18 years old or over, if you want to study in the UK for six months, up to a maximum of eleven months, and do not want to work while you are here.
To apply for a General Student Visa (GSV) you have to:
- Fill in a booking form.
- Provide proof that your level of English is at CEFR B1 level, or higher by approved secure English language test (SELT)
- Enroll on a full-time course of a minimum of 15 hours per week (20 lessons including breaks) leading to a formal qualification.
- Provide all relevant documents, translated into English if necessary by a professional translator and fully certified.
You will also need to show that you have enough funds to pay for your course and your living expenses for the duration of your stay.
For nine months or less you will need course fees and £800.00 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course. For more than nine months you will need the first years fees and £7,200.00 to cover living costs for nine months in the UK. If you have already paid some of your fees or accommodation before applying for your visa, this amount will be taken away from the total amount of money you need to show. For accommodation, this only applies if you are staying in accommodation arranged by us.
Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
To apply for a Student Visitor Visa or Extended Student Visitor Visa you have to:
- Fill in a booking form.
- Enroll on a course at an accredited school.
- Have enough funds to pay for your course and living expenses for the duration of your stay.
- Obtain an enrolment letter from an accredited school.
Student Checklist
Applying to ABC School of English: GSV and SVV/ESVV students:
- Complete a booking form.
- Send us a scanned copy of your passport.
- Send us proof of your English level.
- Send us proof of funds.
When we receive all the above documents, we will decide if we can accept you in the school. Please fill in all the fields in the booking form, otherwise your booking form will be not valid.
Student Visa Summary
Details | Student Visitor Visa (SVV) | Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV) | General Student Visa (GSV) Tier 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Length of course | up to 24 weeks | up to 44 weeks | 24 - 48 weeks |
Level of English | any level | any level | minimum B1 (CEFR) SELT required |
Hours per week | any | any | 15 hours minimum |
Right to work | no | no | no |
Right to extend | no | no | yes |
