Immigration - Exchange & Study Abroad

Studying for less than 6 months

Studying for more than 6 months

If you are studying for less than 6 months it is most likely that you will enter the UK on a standard visitor visa (previously, students applied for short term study visa however this changed in 2020). Some nationals will be able to obtain a visitor visa stamp upon entry to the UK however others may need to apply for a visitor visa prior to arrival. The link above will say if you need to apply for a visa prior to arrival or not. If you are still not sure you can contact visa@keele.ac.uk. 

Important points:

• You cannot work on a visitor visa
• You cannot extend a visitor visa for more than 6 months
• If you travel to the UK via Ireland you will not obtain the correct stamp so please avoid doing this.
• You will be issued paperwork by Keele which you must use when applying/on entry to the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa

If you are studying for more than 6 months you will need to apply for a student visa (previously known as Tier 4 visa). You must apply for this before you enter the UK however you must not apply until you have been issued with a CAS from Keele. This is done post application (no earlier than mid July).

Important points:

• Do not apply until you have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from Keele.
• You may be able to work – if you are permitted to work this will be stated on your visa along with the number of hours permitted per week.
• You should check application decision response times and apply as early as possible once you have obtained your CAS from Keele

https://www.gov.uk/student-visa