- Can I extend my Student visa in the UK?
- When might I need to apply from overseas?
- Can I switch to a Student visa from another visa?
- What if I am taking a placement or study abroad year?
- Can I study part-time on a Student visa?
Can I extend my Student visa in the UK?
You may be able to extend your Student visa in the UK to continue your current course or start a new course.
To extend your visa, you must currently be in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa and have an unconditional offer for a course with a licensed student sponsor. You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your studies will usually need to meet the academic progress requirement. However, there are exceptions.
These include if you are:
- resitting exams or repeating modules
- completing your studies after repeating part of your course
- completing a PhD or other doctorate
- extending your studies because you have completed, or plan to complete, a work placement or study abroad programme
- applying to work as a Students' Union sabbatical officer
- completing a qualification after working as a Students' Union sabbatical officer
- completing a course you started at another institution that has lost its student sponsor licence.
If you are starting a new course, it usually needs to be at a higher academic level. In some circumstances, you can study at the same level if the new course is related to your previous course or career aspirations and meets the other requirements.
You must apply before your current visa expires. If you are starting a new course, it must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
When might I need to apply from overseas?
You may need to apply for a new Student visa from overseas if you cannot meet the requirements for extending or switching from within the UK.
For example, the current page identifies circumstances including:
- transferring to a new course before completing your current course when you do not have enough time remaining on your visa
- returning to the UK for your final year after a study abroad year if your Student visa has expired
- studying a course at a lower level than your previous course
- circumstances where you will not need to attend your course for 60 days or more.
Because immigration requirements depend on individual circumstances, check whether you are eligible to extend your Student visa before making an application.
Check the requirements for extending your Student visa.
Can I switch to a Student visa from another visa?
You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK.
You cannot switch to a Student visa from within the UK if you currently have:
- a visit visa
- a short-term Student visa
- a Parent of a Child Student visa
- a Seasonal Worker visa
- a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
- leave outside the Immigration Rules.
You must also have an unconditional offer for a course with a licensed student sponsor and a CAS.
Check if you can switch to a Student visa
What if I am taking a placement or study abroad year?
If you are taking a placement or study abroad year and do not have enough time remaining on your Student visa to complete your course, you may be able to extend your visa in the UK.
The Student visa rules include an exception to the normal academic progress requirement if you need more time to complete your studies because you have completed, or plan to complete, a work placement or study abroad programme.
If you are studying abroad, consider the timing of your Student visa application alongside any visa you need for the country where you will be studying.
Can I study part-time on a Student visa?
You may be able to get a Student visa to study a part-time course leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or above.
Different Student visa conditions may apply depending on your course and circumstances. Check the official guidance before applying or making changes to your studies: