Quick Guide

The Tier 4 General category is part of the Points-Based System (PBS) and was designed for students above 18 years coming to study in the UK for more than 6 months.

As with all PBS visa categories, you need to score enough points in order to meet the visa requirements.

The main requirements for Tier 4 can be divided into 4 sections:

Education Provider

You need to study with an education provider that is licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). You can check if your institution is licensed by clicking here (bottom right corner). There are 3 types of licence ratings for sponsors: Highly Trusted, A-Rated and B-Rated

Course of Study

• Your course must be full-time and at NQF/QCF Level 6 or above
  or
• Full-time and involving a minimum of 15 hours per week of organised daytime study and (except in the case of a short pre-sessional course) leading to a qualification below degree level (not below level 3)

After you have been accepted on a course, your college or university will provide you with an unconditional offer, called Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS), to confirm your study. You will need this document in order to apply for your visa.

Please note: Only Highly Trusted education providers can offer level 3 courses or courses below degree level that contain a work placement element.

Maintenance Funds

The necessary funds depend on whether you study inside or outside of London, your first year tuition fees and if you are an established student.

You will need to show that you have had the required funds available to you for at least 28 days. You can proof your funds by showing e.g. bank statements in your name or your parent’s names.

For details on the most common documents you can use for to proof your maintenance funds, please click here.

English Level

Depending on the the level you will study you need to meet different English requirements:

If your course is at degree level (NQF level 6) or above you need to show that your English level is at least at CEFR level B2 e.g. equivalent to IELTS Band 5.5 in all categories.

If you course is below degree level you need to show that your English level is at least at CEFR level B1 e.g. equivalent to IELTS Band 4.0 in all categories.

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How can Forgate help?

Applying for a student visa can be very complicated, stressful and costly. The immigration rules for students change constantly and small mistakes can easily lead to refusals of visa applications.

Our aim is to make your life as easy as possible by helping you to identifying the best options for you, find you a suitable course and manage the entire visa application process for you.

Our student visa service includes the following:

• There are several visa routes available for students wanting to come to the UK to study. We will advise you on the best route for you

• Help to find the right college for you. We have a list of all publically funded colleges in the UK. Just contact us for more information.

• Expert consultation and advice on your visa application considering your individual circumstances
• We will take care of the entire visa application process from ensuring you have the right documents to filling out the application form and sending it to the Home Office or Embassy
• We ensure that the sponsor provides the right information and documents for your application
• We act as your official representative in front of the Home Office throughout the entire visa application process up until the decision of your application
• We give you ongoing advice and support and you can contact us any time if you have questions or need any information

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Fees

Forgate has a transparent approach to fees. We charge a flat rate with no hidden charges. Our fees do not include Home Office or Embassy / High Commission fees and we do not follow a “no win, no fee” policy. Our services do not incur VAT

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