What you need to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

Under the points based immigration system you have to obtain 40 points before you can apply for a T4 (General) Student Visa. To achieve 40 points you will need:

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - which states that you have accepted an unconditional offer to study at SMU for which you gain 30 points.
• Evidence of funds to demonstrate that you are able to pay the tuition fees for the first year of your course and support yourself and any dependents for which you gain 10 points.

Students on courses of less than one year must show they have sufficient funds to cover the full cost of their course fee plus £800 per month for each month of the course. Students on courses which are more than 12 months must show they have sufficient funds to pay the first year of course fees plus £7,200 to cover living costs for the first nine months.

Students wishing to bring dependents with them will need to show they have a further £450 per month for up to 12 months for each dependent they bring with them.

Guidance on financial requirements for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is available here

How to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

Once you have been given a place to study at SMU you will need to apply for a Visa at your nearest Visa Application Centre

This must not be more than 3 months before your course start date. Guidance on visa processing times is available here.

You will need to complete two visa application forms (VAF 9-PBS Migrant and Appendix 8 - General Student). You may be able to apply online depending on where you are applying from. Otherwise you can download the form

All Visa applications will be required to supply biometric data (including 10 digit finger scans and a full face digital photograph).

Applicants from certain countries have to undergo screening to ensure they are free from infectious pulmonary tuberculosis. Testing has begun in a number of countries which are listed on the UK visa website

For further information and guidance on applying for a visa visit these websites:

UK Visas

UKCISA

UK Border Agency

Conditions of your T4 (General) Student Visa

You will be given a Visa linking you to your sponsor (SMU) for the duration of the course, or up to a maximum period of 4 years.

You will be permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and full time during vacations, and will not have to seek approval from the UK Border Agency before you commence such employment. You would only be able to work up to 10 hours per week if your course is below degree level. Postgraduate students are not permitted to work full time during the summer holidays if they have not completed their writing up or dissertation or any aspect of their course of study. Your entry clearance/visa will state the conditions relating to working in the UK.

You are also required to supply the following information to the University on arrival:

• A photocopy of your current passport and visa showing evidence that you are entitled to study in the UK including your period of leave to remain

• Your contact details - United Kingdom residential address, telephone number, mobile telephone number and email address. You must also inform the University if any of your personal contact details change during your studies

Sponsor Responsibilities under Tier 4 of the points based immigration system

When you are issued with your general student visa to come to study at SMU, you should be aware that you will be sponsored by Swansea Metropolitan University whilst you are in the UK. 
Under the new visa regulations, Sponsors (SMU) will be expected to inform the UK Border Agency if:
• You fail to turn up to enrol on your course by 31st October 2012
• You discontinue your studies
• You change your educational institution
• You do not regularly attend your studies

This will indicate that your sponsor (SMU) is acting responsibly and providing information in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Sponsor licence.

Switching Sponsors

When you receive your entry clearance/visa it will state that SMU is your sponsor under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. If you decide to study at a different Institution you will have to reapply for a new visa/entry clearance with a CAS from your new sponsor.

If you already have a visa to study in the UK you will not be able to study at SMU if your visa was issued after the 5th October 2010, and if it was issued for you to study at an Institution other than SMU. Please see the UKBA website, for further details on ‘Switching Sponsors'.

Download a step by step guide to help you apply for a Visa