Adult students
When and where to apply
This page explains the date you can apply to come to or remain in the United Kingdom as a student, and when and how to apply both inside and outside the United Kingdom.
You can apply to come to or remain in the United Kingdom when you have your visa letter, and no later than six months after you are given your visa letter (this will be the date on the visa letter).
You can apply from inside the United Kingdom by post or in person at one of our five public enquiry offices.
If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, you will need to check the process of applying in the country you are applying from. Go to our visa services website, whcih you can find on the right side of this page, to find your local visa issuing post.
More information
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If your existing permission to stay has run out
If you are already in the United Kingdom and your permission to stay runs out more than one month before the start date of your proposed course of study, you will be expected to return overseas and apply from outside the United Kingdom. If you apply from inside the United Kingdom, your permission will be refused. -
When to apply to extend your stay
If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom to extend your stay, we suggest you should apply in the last four months of your permission to stay if possible. This is because as soon as we give permission to stay (your application is approved), your new approved education provider (the one who issued your visa letter) becomes responsible for you. -
Date you can apply
You can apply when you have your visa letter, and no later than six months after you are given your visa letter (this will be the date on the visa letter). -
The date of your application if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom
The date of your application is the date when the fee associated with your application is paid. This means the date shown on your payment receipt, which depends on how you paid for your visa application - for example, at a British Diplomatic Post, at a visa application centre or online.
Go to our visa services website, which you can find on the right side of this page, if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. You can download the application forms and find out more about the process in the country you are applying from.
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The date of your application if you are applying by post or courier from inside the United Kingdom
If you send your application by post, the date of application is the date of posting.
If you send your application by courier, the date of application is the date when it is delivered to the UK Border Agency.
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The date of your application if you are applying in person inside the United Kingdom
If you want to apply in person at any of our five public enquiry offices, you must make an appointment by phone on 0870 606 7766. You can find the contact details for each of the public enquiry offices on the right side of this page.
Our public enquiry offices offer a same-day service, at a premium fee, for considering straightforward applications for permission to stay in the United Kingdom. They cannot consider complex applications.
Our public enquiry offices are very busy and appointments cannot be guaranteed before your current permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') runs out, so we strongly advise you to submit your application by post where possible.
Application forms
Application form and guidance for adult students applying under tier 4 of the points-based system
- Tier 4 (general) application formPDF 433KB opens in a new window
- Help text leaflet for form Tier 4 general applicationPDF 374KB opens in a new window
- Guidance for students applying under tier 4 of the points-based systemPDF 664KB opens in a new window
- Photo guidance (new)PDF 325KB opens in a new window