Savanna Hoffman
International students hoping to study an undergraduate course in the UK usually cannot study part-time. However, there are some exceptions for postgraduate courses. For example, at Cambridge University, students on part-time postgraduate degrees are advised to check what visa support can be provided as this depends on the attendance requirements and structure of the course. Similarly, Aberystwyth University allows international students to study research courses part-time without a Student Visa, as long as they attend the University for the equivalent of one week per academic year. In some cases, a pilot scheme can be offered to international students who want to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, which has a simplified application process and entitles the applicant to a longer stay in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students studying part-time in the UK | Generally, international students can't study part-time in the UK. |
| Visa requirements for part-time study | A Tier 4 study visa is required for full-time study. A new pilot scheme with a simplified application process is available for some international students wishing to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis. |
| Student visa restrictions | Students cannot work on a part-time student visa. Dependants may be allowed to join the student in the UK. |
| Work restrictions | Students cannot be self-employed, set up their own business, or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. |
| Work allowance | Students can work up to full-time hours outside of term time. |
| Visa duration | The duration of the visa depends on the length of the course and previous study in the UK. For degrees and above, students can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. For below degree-level courses, students can usually stay for up to 2 years. |
| Visa fees | Students must pay the visa fee for each dependant and the healthcare surcharge as part of the application. |
| Visa processing time | A decision on the visa application is usually provided within 3 weeks. |
Explore related products
$11.95 $11.95
What You'll Learn
Postgraduate degree visa support
The visa requirements for international students looking to study part-time postgraduate degrees in the UK vary depending on the university and the course.
Visitor Visa
If you are studying a part-time postgraduate degree where attendance is only required for short periods, you may be eligible under the visitor visa route. This is applicable if you will be spending the majority of your time outside the UK and only visiting the UK for short teaching sessions.
Student Visa
If you are applying for a Student Visa, you must be 16 or over and be able to prove your identity. The earliest you can apply for this visa is 6 months before your course starts, and you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. The length of your stay depends on the length of your course and what study you have previously completed in the UK. If your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is below degree level, you can usually stay for up to 2 years.
Student Visa Sponsorship
Some universities will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time degree if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability. In this case, the student is expected to be based in the UK for the majority of the course and actively engaging with their studies.
Graduate Visa
If you have completed your degree in the UK, you can apply for a Graduate Visa to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, for 2 years (3 years for PhD students). You can apply for this visa before receiving your degree certificate, but after your university has informed the Home Office of your successful completion of the course. You will need to provide your CAS number from your previous Tier 4/Student Visa application.
International Students: Poshmark Selling Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Part-time work options
Part-time work is a great way for international students in the UK to earn extra money, get professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK. However, it is important to thoroughly understand your visa conditions before engaging in work.
Visa Requirements
The type of visa you will need depends on the level of your course and the attendance requirements and structure. If you are studying at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is below degree level, you can usually stay for up to 2 years.
If you are studying part-time, you may be able to do so without a Student Visa, but you may still need to apply for a Visitor Visa. The University of Cambridge, for example, offers certain part-time degrees that can be supported under the visitor immigration route. These include part-time degrees at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School.
If you do need a Student Visa, you will need to prove your identity as part of your application and pay a visa fee. You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge. If your application is successful, you will be told what you can and cannot do on a Student Visa, including whether you are allowed to work and how many hours.
There are several options for finding part-time work as an international student in the UK. Many universities have employment sites or career services that include postings of part-time jobs targeted at students, including career fairs and employment boards. You can also look at online job portals, such as Indeed or Reed, which frequently include sections for part-time employment for students.
Another option is to get in touch with your university's alumni association to ask for advice and, if you have a good relationship with any alumni, you can ask them to refer your profile to their company. You can also ask your instructors, peers, or university personnel if they know of any part-time work openings.
In terms of the types of part-time work available, many international students in the UK work in retail, hospitality, or cleaning jobs, as these are flexible and easily available. Bartending is another popular option, as it involves customer interaction and gaining skills in mixology. For postgraduate students, becoming a teaching assistant can be a lucrative option, as it allows them to gain valuable hands-on experience in academic settings.
FBI Checks: What International Students Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Student visa requirements
International students intending to study part-time in the UK may not need to apply for a Student Visa. However, they may be required to apply for a Visitor Visa, depending on the nature of their course and their attendance requirements.
- Student visa applicants must be 16 or older and intend to study in a further or higher education course in the UK.
- Applicants must prove their identity as part of their application.
- If the applicant is under 18, they will need proof of parental or legal guardian consent. They must also provide proof of their relationship to their parent or guardian.
- Applicants must have valid immigration permission that allows them to study. Pending applications and permissions granted in expired passports may need to be verified with the Home Office.
- Applicants must have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course. The amount will vary depending on their circumstances.
- If the applicant has received sponsorship for their course fees and living costs in the last 12 months, they must provide written consent from their financial sponsor.
- Applicants doing a master's degree or above may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
- Applicants must pay the visa fee for each dependent joining them. They must also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application.
- The earliest applicants can apply for a visa is 6 months before the start of their course. They must apply before their current visa expires, and their new course must begin within 28 days of their current visa expiring.
- Applicants will usually get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks.
- How long applicants can stay depends on the length of their course and what study they have already completed in the UK. If they are 18 or older and their course is at the degree level, they can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is below the degree level, they can usually stay for up to 2 years.
- Applicants may be able to extend their visa to stay longer in the UK. However, if they break the conditions of their visa, they may not be able to return to the UK.
International Students: Can They Enter Singapore?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
University sponsorship
To study part-time in the UK as an international student, you will need to consider your visa options. While some overseas students may be able to study part-time without a Student Visa, others may need to apply for a Visitor Visa or a Student Visa. The University of Cambridge, for example, will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time MPhil, MRes, or PhD if the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability or if the programme does not have a full-time equivalent.
If you are planning to study at a UK university part-time and require a visa, you should check with the university what visa support can be provided, as this can vary depending on the attendance requirements and structure of the course.
The university will also need to verify your financial sponsorship and ensure that your financial sponsor can be held liable for the payment of fees. If your sponsor cannot pay the fees, the university will inform you, and the outstanding fees will be transferred to your student account, becoming your responsibility to pay.
To secure financial sponsorship, you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your course. This can be in the form of bank statements or a financial sponsorship letter. The most common source of financial sponsorship is family members, but many countries also offer government-funded scholarships for their citizens to study abroad.
If you are unsure about your financial sponsorship, you can contact the university for support. For example, at the University of York, if you cannot resolve your query with your financial sponsor, you can email [email protected] for assistance.
Brown's Financial Aid: International Students' Eligibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visa expiration and extension
International students in the UK on a Student Visa must ensure that their visa remains valid for the duration of their studies. If a student's visa is due to expire, they must apply for an extension before their current visa expires. The new course must begin within 28 days of the current visa's expiry date. For instance, if the visa expires on December 1, the new course must start by December 29.
Students can apply for a Student Visa extension if they intend to continue their studies or switch to a different visa category. The application fee for extending or switching a visa while in the UK is £490, and applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge. Students with dependants must pay the visa fee for each person separately.
To extend a Student Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. They must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, demonstrated by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Additionally, they must show that their studies will be at a higher academic level than their current course, known as the 'academic progress requirement'. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Students who have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves. Applicants are required to prove their identity and may need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
It is important to note that the visa extension process can take up to 8 weeks, and applicants may have to pay more to expedite the decision. Applicants can stay in the UK while awaiting their visa decision. If the application is successful, they will receive an eVisa, accessible through a UKVI account.
Some universities may only sponsor student visas for specific programs or circumstances. For example, 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. Similarly, the university will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time MPhil or MRes if the student is studying part-time due to a disability or if the program lacks a full-time equivalent.
Understanding Your SSN as an International Student
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Generally, international students cannot study part-time in the UK. However, there are some exceptions. For example, overseas students can study research courses part-time at Aberystwyth University without requiring a Student Visa. They will, however, be expected to attend the university for the equivalent of one week per academic year.
To study full-time in the UK, a Tier 4 study visa is required. The requirements for this visa include:
- Having been offered an unconditional place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
- Being able to speak, read, write, and understand English to an acceptable level.
- Having enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
- Being from a country outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
The length of stay on a student visa depends on the course length and the type of study. If the course is at degree level or above, students can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. For courses below degree level, the stay is usually up to 2 years.
International students on part-time degrees who are in the UK on a visitor visa are not allowed to work. However, some student visas allow holders to undertake paid work, which can help pay for expenses.
