Studying Part-Time In The Uk: Options For International Students

International students hoping to study an undergraduate or equivalent course in the UK are generally not permitted to study part-time. However, there are some exceptions for postgraduate courses. The UK Home Office has expanded the Student Route to include part-time study, which allows some international postgraduate students to study part-time in the UK. However, the part-time Student Visa route is very restrictive. For example, part-time students cannot bring dependents to the UK, must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full duration of the program, and cannot undertake any work in the UK. Additionally, some universities, like the University of Cambridge, will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the student is studying part-time due to a disability.

Student visa requirements

To study in the UK as an international student, you must meet specific visa requirements. The type of visa you need depends on your age, level of education, and the nature of your course. Here is a detailed overview of the student visa requirements for international students in the UK:

• Age Requirements: To apply for a Student Visa, you must be 16 or older. If you are under 18 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you will need to apply for a Child Student Visa. This visa is also suitable if you are 16 or 17 years old and planning to study at an independent school.
• Course Requirements: Your chosen course must be full-time and lead to a qualification. The course should be at a licensed student sponsor institution, and you must have an unconditional offer of a place on the course. Additionally, the course should meet certain qualifications levels, such as RQF level 3, 4, or 5 for below-degree-level qualifications, and RQF level 6, 7, or 8 for degree-level or higher qualifications.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You will need a CAS reference number from your education provider to apply for a Student Visa. This number serves as confirmation that you have been offered a place on a qualifying course.
• Identity and Consent Documentation: As part of your visa application, you must prove your identity with appropriate documentation. If you are under 18, you will also need to provide proof of parental or legal guardian consent and proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian.
• Financial Sponsorship: If you have received financial sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months, you must obtain written consent from your financial sponsor for your visa application.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate: If you are pursuing a master's degree or higher, you may need to apply for an ATAS certificate. This requirement depends on the nature of your course and your nationality.
• Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge: Applying for a Student Visa incurs a fee, and you may need to pay an additional healthcare surcharge, depending on the length of your visa.
• Timing of Application: You can apply for a Student Visa up to 6 months before the start of your course. However, you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa's expiration.
• Visa Conditions and Restrictions: Adhering to the conditions of your Student Visa is crucial. Violating these conditions may result in future difficulties entering the UK. The Student Visa outlines specific permissions and restrictions regarding work, bringing dependents, and the duration of your stay in the UK.

It is important to note that part-time international students at the postgraduate level may have different visa requirements or may be eligible for a Visitor Visa, depending on their attendance requirements and the structure of their program. Prospective part-time students should consult their university's department, faculty, or institution to determine the specific visa requirements for their intended course of study.

Postgraduate degrees

Some universities, such as the University of Cambridge, offer part-time postgraduate degrees that can be supported under the visitor immigration route. These include degrees at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School, such as the Cambridge Executive MBA, Master of Accounting (MAcc), and Master of Studies (MSt). These courses are not eligible for student visa sponsorship, and students should be aware of the restrictions that come with studying under visitor immigration status.

Additionally, the UK Home Office has expanded the Student Route to include part-time study, allowing some international postgraduate students to study part-time. However, this visa route is very restrictive. Under this visa, part-time students cannot bring dependants to the UK, undertake any work, or receive sponsorship from universities like UCL, which have decided not to offer this visa route due to its restrictions.

For courses that require a placement or work experience, a part-time student visa is not an option, as it does not permit any work. To obtain a part-time student visa, international students must meet the same requirements as full-time students, including demonstrating proficiency in English and having sufficient funds to support themselves and pay for their course.

The cost of postgraduate study in the UK for international students is around £11,000 per year in tuition fees, plus living expenses, which can range from £8,000 to £11,000 per year. Some courses may have higher fees, up to £30,000 per year. It is recommended to apply at least six months in advance of the desired start date, and there may be multiple intake periods throughout the year.

International students should research the specific requirements and restrictions of their desired postgraduate programme and university to determine if part-time study is an option and to understand the associated visa requirements and limitations.

Part-time work

International students on a Tier 4 visa are allowed to undertake most paid work in the UK, but there are some restrictions. The UK Home Office has expanded the Student Route to include part-time study, allowing some international postgraduate students to study part-time. However, not all universities offer this visa route, and it is very restrictive. Under this visa, students cannot bring dependents to the UK, must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for the full duration of the program, and cannot undertake any work.

Some universities may only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the student is studying part-time due to a disability. In these cases, the student is expected to be based in the university's city for most of the course and engage with their studies. This visa also does not permit any work or allow dependent family members to live in the UK.

Students on part-time courses longer than six months, where the majority of the time is spent outside the UK and attendance is only required for short teaching sessions, can be supported under the visitor immigration route. This includes some courses at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School.

Overseas students at Aberystwyth University can study research courses part-time without requiring a Student Visa, but they must attend the university for one week each academic year. These students will still need to apply for a Visitor Visa before visiting the university.

It is important to note that the rules and restrictions surrounding part-time work for international students in the UK can be complex and vary depending on the university and the student's specific circumstances. It is always best to check with the university and seek specialist advice to understand the options available.

University sponsorship

International students intending to study part-time in the UK may not require a student visa. This depends on the level of study and the attendance requirements. For example, at Cambridge, international students on part-time postgraduate degrees will need to check what visa support can be provided, as this can vary depending on the programme's structure. Similarly, Aberystwyth University notes that overseas students on part-time research courses are expected to attend the university for one week per academic year and do not require a student visa.

However, if a student visa is required, it is possible to obtain university sponsorship. The University of Portsmouth outlines that international students can be classified as sponsored if the sponsoring organisation pays fees directly to the university. Students cannot apply directly to the university for sponsorship but must first arrange this with their sponsor, who can be an employer. The sponsor must then notify the university of their intention to pay the student's fees by filling out an External Company Sponsorship (RE2) Form. The University of Liverpool also mentions that they value their relationships with sponsorship partners and provide a dedicated contact and email account for sponsors and sponsored students.

It is important to note that the University of Cambridge 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 Cambridge for most of the course and engage with their studies. Additionally, the visa does not permit work or allow dependent family members to live in the UK.

To apply for a student visa, international students must have an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor. A student visa may also be required for full-time study, and some universities may offer sponsorship for these programmes as well.

Visa restrictions

Firstly, it is important to note that the UK Home Office has expanded the Student Route to include part-time study options for international postgraduate students. This allows eligible students to pursue a part-time programme in the UK. However, it is essential to understand that not all universities in the UK offer the Student part-time study visa. For instance, University College London (UCL) has decided not to provide this visa route due to its restrictive nature. Under this visa, part-time students face several limitations, including the inability to bring dependants to the UK, restrictions on working, and the requirement to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for the entire programme duration.

For international students considering part-time study at the postgraduate level, it is crucial to carefully review the visa support provided by their chosen university and programme. Visa support can vary depending on attendance requirements and the structure of the course. Some universities may only offer visa sponsorship for full-time programmes. Additionally, the eligibility for a part-time student visa may depend on the student's specific circumstances, such as a disability that prevents them from studying full-time.

The type of visa and its restrictions can also depend on the level of study. For example, at the undergraduate level, international students are typically not permitted to study part-time in the UK. In contrast, at the postgraduate level, there may be more flexibility with the availability of part-time options, as indicated by the new pilot scheme mentioned earlier. This scheme simplifies the visa application process for international students pursuing postgraduate part-time courses.

Furthermore, some international students may be eligible for a Child Student Visa if they are under 18 and studying at an independent school in the UK. Additionally, students undertaking specific subjects may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. This requirement typically applies to master's degree programmes and above.

It is worth noting that part-time study visas may have different requirements and restrictions compared to full-time visas. For example, students on part-time courses longer than six months, where the majority of time is spent outside the UK with short teaching sessions in the country, can be supported under the visitor immigration route. This route is applicable to certain part-time degrees at specific institutions, such as the Institute of Continuing Education and Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

Frequently asked questions