Douglas Olsen
International students can study part-time in the UK, but their options are limited. While the UK Home Office has expanded the Student Route to include part-time study, not all universities offer this route. Additionally, part-time students may face restrictions on working during their studies and bringing dependents to the UK. Some universities only offer sponsorship for student visas for full-time programmes. International students studying part-time may need to apply for a Visitor Visa or another type of visa, and should check with their university and the UK government for specific requirements and restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate part-time study | Allowed by the UK Home Office, but not all universities offer it |
| Student visa for part-time study | Available, but with restrictions, e.g., no work permit, no dependents, and health surcharge |
| Work permit | Not available for part-time students |
| Student visa sponsorship | Not offered by all universities for part-time students |
| Attendance requirements | May vary, but some courses require attendance for short teaching sessions |
| Visa support | Depends on the course structure and attendance requirements |
| Disability | Part-time study due to disability may be eligible for a student visa |
| Existing UK immigration status | Evidence required during the admissions process |
| Visitor visa | May be required for short periods of attendance |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements for part-time study
The requirements for a student visa for part-time study in the UK vary depending on the level of study and the student's circumstances. Here are the key requirements and considerations for international students seeking to pursue part-time study in the UK:
Part-time Postgraduate Degrees
For part-time postgraduate degrees, visa support can vary depending on the attendance requirements and structure of the programme. Students should check with their department, faculty, or institution to determine if visa support is available for their specific course. If a student already has a UK immigration status that permits part-time study, they will need to provide evidence of this during the admissions process.
Part-time PhDs
Universities typically only sponsor student visas for part-time PhDs if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability. In such cases, the student is expected to be based in the UK for the majority of their course and actively engaged in their studies. This type of visa does not permit work or allow dependants to live in the UK.
Visitor Visa for Part-time Study
Some part-time degree courses that require short periods of attendance can be supported under the visitor visa route. This includes instances where students are based overseas and only need to attend teaching sessions in the UK for brief periods. Students on these courses should be aware of the restrictions associated with their immigration status.
Financial Requirements
Regardless of the course type, international students applying for a student visa must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course. The required amount may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
To apply for a student visa, you must first obtain an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. The education provider will then issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is a reference number confirming your offer. This is a necessary step before initiating the visa application process.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Students pursuing a master's degree or higher may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate as part of their visa application.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
As part of the visa application process, students may need to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Physical BRPs will no longer be valid from 31 December 2024, and individuals will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account instead.
Work Restrictions
The student visa may allow part-time work, but the number of hours permitted depends on the specific visa conditions and university rules. Engaging in paid part-time work may impact eligibility for a refund on the Immigration Health Surcharge payment.
Visa Fees and Validity
The student visa fee is £524 for both extensions and switching to this visa category. The duration of the visa depends on the length of the course and prior study completed in the UK. For those 18 or older, a degree-level course typically allows a stay of up to 5 years, while a below-degree-level course permits up to 2 years.
In summary, the student visa requirements for part-time study in the UK involve a range of factors, including course structure, attendance, sponsorship, and individual circumstances. Prospective international students should carefully review the specific requirements for their chosen course and institution to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for a student visa.
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Work restrictions for part-time students
International students on a part-time course in the UK may have work restrictions, depending on their visa type and level of study.
Student Visa
If you are on a Student Visa, you are allowed to work part-time while studying, provided you meet certain conditions. The University of Plymouth, for instance, outlines that students on a Short-term study or Standard Visitor visa cannot do any kind of work, work placement, or work experience during their studies in the UK. The work conditions, including the maximum number of hours you can work during term time, are usually printed on your visa sticker.
Visitor Visa
International students on a part-time course at Cambridge University, for example, may be supported under the visitor visa route. This is applicable to students who are based overseas and only need to attend Cambridge for short periods for certain activities across the year. Such students are advised to be familiar with the restrictions of studying with a visitor immigration status, as these courses cannot be sponsored for a student visa.
Part-time Postgraduate Degree
Students accepted for a part-time postgraduate degree will need to check what visa support can be provided as this can vary depending on the attendance requirements and structure. If you already have UK immigration status that permits you to undertake your course of study, you will be asked to provide evidence of this during the admissions process.
Part-time PhD
The University of Cambridge will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability. In such cases, the student is expected to be based in Cambridge for most of the course and engage with their studies. This visa does not permit any work or allow dependent family members to live in the UK.
Work Opportunities for International Students
Many universities offer on-campus job opportunities for their students, which are usually part-time roles in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support. There are also off-campus job options available. International students with a UK bank account can also apply for part-time jobs outside of their university.
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Part-time postgraduate study
International students can study part-time postgraduate courses in the UK, but there are several factors to consider, including visa requirements and restrictions.
Firstly, it is important to note that the availability of part-time postgraduate programmes may vary between universities in the UK. While some universities offer part-time options, others may only offer full-time programmes for international students. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific universities and programmes of interest to determine their offerings.
Regarding visas, international students pursuing part-time postgraduate studies in the UK may need to obtain a Student Visa or a Visitor Visa, depending on the nature of their programme and their country of origin. The Student Visa is typically required for more extended periods of study, while the Visitor Visa may be sufficient for shorter periods of attendance or part-time degrees with minimal physical attendance requirements. It is important to note that the Student Visa for part-time study may not be offered by all universities, as mentioned in the case of UCL, and it comes with certain restrictions, such as not allowing dependent family members to accompany the student or engaging in any work, paid or unpaid, in the UK.
Additionally, some universities may have specific requirements or recommendations for part-time international students. For example, at Cambridge, students accepted for a part-time postgraduate degree are advised to check the visa support provided for their particular programme, as it can vary depending on attendance requirements and structure. Similarly, Aberystwyth University advises part-time international students to agree on a schedule of attendance with their supervisor and the relevant Head of Department to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for their visa.
It is worth noting that part-time postgraduate studies may impact work opportunities for international students. As previously mentioned, part-time students holding a Student Visa are generally not permitted to work during their studies, and this includes remote work outside of the UK. Therefore, it is crucial for international students considering part-time postgraduate studies in the UK to carefully review the visa requirements, restrictions, and potential implications for their individual circumstances.
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Part-time study at Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a diverse international community that welcomes talented students from around the world. Cambridge offers over 300 postgraduate study courses, including part-time programmes that offer a flexible way to earn a degree while balancing career and other commitments.
International students who are interested in part-time study at Cambridge should be aware of visa requirements. For part-time postgraduate degrees, students will need to check what visa support can be provided for their particular programme, as this can vary depending on attendance requirements and structure. The University of Cambridge will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability. In these circumstances, the student is expected to be based in Cambridge for most of the course and engaging with their studies.
Some part-time degree courses at Cambridge, where attendance is required for short teaching sessions, can support students under the visitor immigration route. This includes part-time degrees at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School. Students on these courses will be based overseas, studying for the majority of their time outside the UK, and only intending to come to Cambridge for short periods for certain activities across the year.
International students should refer to the University's website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and consult with the relevant department, faculty, or institution to check whether visa support is possible for their intended course.
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Aberystwyth University's part-time courses
International students can study part-time in the UK, but there are some visa requirements and restrictions to be aware of. For example, a university will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the student is studying part-time due to a disability. In this case, the student is expected to be based in the UK for the majority of the course and cannot work or have dependant family members live in the UK.
Now, for Aberystwyth University's part-time courses, here is some information I found:
Aberystwyth University offers part-time postgraduate research courses for international students without requiring a Student Visa. These students are, however, expected to attend the university for the equivalent of one week per academic year and must agree on a schedule of attendance with their supervisor and relevant Head of Department. A Visitor Visa may still be required for these students.
The university offers Taught Masters' programmes that include lectures, seminars, and workshops taught by senior academic staff. Students who successfully complete a Master's degree may then go on to study for a doctoral degree. In some cases, a Master's degree may form part of a Professional Doctorate.
For more information on visa options for part-time study at Aberystwyth University, prospective students can contact the International Student Adviser at [email protected].
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study part-time in the UK. However, the type of visa and the level of study will determine whether a student can work in the UK.
International students can study part-time in the UK on a Student Visa or Visitor Visa. The Student Visa is only available for part-time postgraduate courses and does not allow the student to work in the UK. The Visitor Visa is for students who will be based overseas and only need to come to the UK for short periods for certain activities.
Students on a Student Visa for a part-time course are not permitted to undertake any work in the UK, paid or unpaid. This includes self-employment, setting up a business, or being employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
It is unclear whether students on a Visitor Visa are permitted to work in the UK. Students on a Visitor Visa are expected to be based overseas and only come to the UK for short periods. Therefore, it is unlikely that they would be permitted to work during their stay.
