Savanna Hoffman
International students in the UK may be able to change their course of study without needing to apply for a new visa, but this is dependent on several factors. These include the level of the new course, its relation to the previous course, and whether it supports the student's career aspirations. Changes in circumstances, such as early completion or a change of course, must be reported by the visa sponsor (the university), and may result in visa curtailment. Students should be aware of the implications that changes to their studies may have on their visa status, and seek guidance from the International Student Office or a Student Immigration Adviser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can an international student change their course in the UK? | Yes, international students can change their course in the UK, but they must fulfil certain requirements. |
| What are the requirements for changing courses? | The new course must be at the same or a higher level, completed within the validity of the current visa, and the student must still fulfil visa policy's academic progression requirements. |
| What about changing institutions? | If students have not completed their current programme and wish to change institutions, they must return to their home country and apply for a new Student visa. |
| What if a student needs more time to complete their studies? | Students can extend their Student visa if their current one does not cover the additional period. |
| What happens if a student interrupts their studies? | Students must not work more than 20 hours per week if they interrupt their studies. If the interruption exceeds 60 days, the university will withdraw sponsorship of the Student visa, and the student must leave the UK within 60 days. |
| Can students study away from the university? | Yes, but they must maintain their full-time student status and continue attending classes/lectures. The university will report the location change to UKVI. |
| What are the visa implications of changing courses? | Changing courses or taking a break in studies may result in visa curtailment. A new visa application will incur an immigration health surcharge of £470 per year of validity. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa implications of changing courses
International students in the UK on a student visa are allowed to change their course, but there are several visa implications to be aware of. Firstly, the new course must be at the same or a higher level than the original course, and it must be completed within the validity of the current visa. If the new course does not meet these criteria, the student may need to apply for a new visa. In some cases, the university may need to withdraw its visa sponsorship, and the student will have to apply for an alternative visa, such as a work visa.
If an international student needs to extend their visa due to additional time needed to complete their studies, they can do so by contacting the International Student Office at least three months before their current visa expires. They will need to provide documentation for the new visa once it is granted. It is important to note that the immigration health surcharge, which is currently £470 per year of visa validity, will need to be paid again for the new visa application.
For undergraduate students, a deferral of studies or a period of intermission may have serious implications for their student visa. If approved for intermission, the university is required to cease visa sponsorship and notify the UKVI. The student's visa will be curtailed to 60 days, within which they must leave the UK or apply for a new visa. Similar implications apply to postgraduate research students, depending on the length of the approved intermission.
When changing courses, international students should also be mindful of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Some courses may require ATAS clearance, and students should check the Postgraduate Admissions ATAS page to determine if they need to apply for a new ATAS certificate. Overall, while international students in the UK can change their course, it is important to carefully consider the potential visa implications and seek guidance from the International Student Office to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
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Sponsorship duties of universities
International students in the UK are typically sponsored by their university or college, which acts as their visa sponsor. This means that the university has certain duties and responsibilities regarding the student's visa and overall well-being. Here are some key aspects of the sponsorship duties of universities in the UK:
- Visa Application and Compliance: Universities are responsible for issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to international students. This document is crucial for the student's visa application and confirms their acceptance into the institution. The university must ensure that it remains licensed to sponsor international students and complies with all relevant regulations, as outlined in the UK government's "Student Sponsor Guidance."
- Reporting Changes: In the event of any changes to the student's circumstances, such as a change of course or early completion, the university must report these changes to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These reports may impact the student's immigration status and visa validity.
- Visa Sponsorship During Studies: Universities can continue to sponsor a student's visa during periods of study abroad or approved 'work away' programmes, as long as the student remains engaged with their studies. However, internships during a PhD programme, for example, may have implications for the student's visa, and the university should provide guidance on such situations.
- Student Support Services: Universities are expected to provide support services to international students, including guidance on visa-related matters. This includes assisting students with visa extensions, reporting changes, and understanding the implications of any decisions on their visa status. The International Student Office plays a crucial role in this regard.
- Academic Progression and Completion: Universities are responsible for monitoring and supporting students' academic progression. While students are expected to complete their courses by the date provided in their CAS, universities should provide guidance and support if extensions are required. This includes assisting students in extending their visas and ensuring they meet the academic progression requirements for their visa category.
- Financial Sponsorship: While universities may offer scholarships or bursaries to international students based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria, it is not the sole responsibility of the university to provide financial sponsorship. International students often seek financial sponsorship from family members, government scholarships, international organizations, NGOs, or private companies.
Overall, UK universities have a duty to support and guide international students through the complex visa application process and any subsequent changes to their circumstances. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that students comply with visa regulations and can successfully pursue their academic goals in the country.
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Changing to a different level of study
As an international student in the UK, you may be permitted to change to a different level of study, but this depends on several factors. Firstly, your new course must be at the same or a higher level than your current course. Secondly, you must be able to complete the new course within the validity of your current visa, unless you are progressing from a Bachelor's to a Master's as part of an integrated programme. Additionally, you must still fulfil the student visa policy's academic progression requirements for the new course. If you are changing to a new level of study, it is important to note that you cannot interrupt your studies to work, and you must maintain valid visa sponsorship throughout your studies.
If you are an undergraduate student and wish to change to a different level of study, you should be aware of the possible implications for your student visa. For example, if you need more time to complete your new course than your current visa allows, you will need to extend your visa. You must contact the International Student Office at least three months before your visa expires to discuss your options. Additionally, if you interrupt your studies for more than 60 days, your university will likely be required to withdraw its sponsorship of your visa, and you may need to return to your home country.
For postgraduate students, changing to a different level of study may also have implications for your student visa. If you are undertaking a period of fieldwork or writing up your dissertation, your university can usually continue sponsoring your visa as long as you remain a fully enrolled student. However, it is important to note that you must continue attending and participating in person throughout your entire programme, including during any dissertation or writing up periods.
If you are considering changing to a PhD programme, it is important to understand the possible implications for your student visa, especially if you plan to undertake an internship during your course. Additionally, if you are changing departments, you may need to apply for a new ATAS certificate, even if your research remains the same.
Overall, while it may be possible for international students in the UK to change to a different level of study, it is important to carefully consider the potential implications for your visa status and sponsorship. You should seek guidance from your university's International Student Office or a Student Immigration Adviser to discuss your individual circumstances and ensure that you maintain valid visa status throughout your studies.
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Changing institutions
As an international student in the UK, you can change your programme without needing to apply for a new visa if you are moving to the same or a higher level of study at the same institution. The new programme must be related to your current programme, either by being connected to it or involving deeper specialisation. Alternatively, the combination of your current and new programme should support your genuine career aspirations.
However, if you wish to move to a new institution, you must return to your country of nationality and make a new Student visa application. An exception to this rule is if you have previously studied in the UK and would still fulfil the student visa policy's academic progression requirements on the new course if you had originally applied for it instead of your current course.
If you are an undergraduate student and you interrupt your studies for more than 60 days, your university will normally be required to withdraw sponsorship of your Student visa. This also applies if you repeat an exam without also attending classes, lectures, etc. during the semester. In these cases, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa or a Student visa to return to your studies.
If you are an undergraduate student and you are approved for intermission or to 'disregard terms', you will normally be given intermission for a complete academic year or until the start of the next academic year. Once this is approved, your university is required to cease visa sponsorship by notifying UKVI of this change in circumstances.
If you are a PhD student, your university can continue sponsoring your Student visa during your dissertation or writing-up period as long as it can fulfil its sponsor duties. If you are considering an internship during your course, you should understand the possible implications for your student visa.
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Work restrictions on student visas
International students in the UK on a student visa can do most kinds of work, but there are several restrictions that must be followed. These restrictions apply throughout the time on a student visa and include the number of hours worked, the type of work, and the need to prove the right to work in the UK.
Working Hours
Full-time students at Cambridge University are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, including paid or unpaid work, and for one or more organizations. This restriction does not apply during vacations, where there are no limits on working hours.
Type of Work
Student visa holders cannot engage in business activity, which includes:
- Setting up a business as a sole trader or under a partnership arrangement, where the business is trading or has a trading presence.
- Being employed by a company in which they hold shares of 10% or more, including where the shares are held in a trust.
- Working for a company where they also hold a statutory role, such as a director.
- Working as an entertainer or professional sportsperson, including a sports coach, actor, musician, dancer, or other "performer".
- Working in a position that would fill a permanent full-time vacancy.
- Working as a self-employed person, which includes activities such as freelance writing, private tutoring, or selling goods or services directly to an end customer.
There is an exception to the restriction on working as an entertainer or performer for "dance, drama, and music" students if it is part of their integral and assessed work placement at degree level or above.
Proving Right to Work
Student visa holders should have online eVisa access and will be expected to provide a valid share code to prove their right to work in the UK.
Work Placements
Work placements are allowed and can be full-time, even during term time. Students must let the Home Office know that they will be working as part of their course and provide a letter to their work placement provider containing the terms and conditions of the placement.
Volunteering
Volunteering is allowed on a student visa, but the Home Office makes a distinction between volunteering and voluntary work. Voluntary work is considered unpaid employment, and any hours worked must be counted towards the weekly work hour limitation.
Part-Time Student Visa
A part-time student visa is very restrictive and does not permit any work or allow dependent family members.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can change their course in the UK, but they must fulfil certain requirements. The new course must be at the same or a higher level and completed within the validity of their current visa. The course change must also align with student visa policy's academic progression requirements.
Changing your course may result in visa curtailment. If your new course meets certain criteria, you can change without a new visa. However, if you need more time to complete your current course, you may need to apply for a visa extension.
If you need to interrupt your studies for more than 60 days, the university will likely withdraw sponsorship of your student visa, and you may need to return home.
Yes, but you must not work more than 20 hours per week, and your primary purpose should still be studying, not working.
A part-time student visa is restrictive. It does not permit work or allow dependent family members. You should carefully consider the implications before changing to part-time status.
