Jump to content

Child students

Can you apply?

This section explains whether you can apply to enter or remain in the UK as a child student under Tier 4 of our points-based system.

On this page, you can find out how to score enough points to make your application. For more information about the requirements, see the following pages in this section:

Additionally, you must meet our requirements for your care arrangements while you are in the UK.

This section also tells you how long you can stay in the UK as a Tier 4 (Child) student.

You will need to enrol your biometric information with us as part of your application. For more information, see the Applying section.

More information

  • How many points do you need?

    A child student needs:

    • 30 points for a confirmation of acceptance for studies, which they get for studying an acceptable course with an approved education provider (also known as sponsorship); and
    • 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) for the child's course fees and living costs.

    There must also be suitable care arrangements in place for their travel, reception and care. The money a child will need depends on their living arrangements while they are in the UK.

  • If you have official financial sponsorship

    An 'official financial sponsor' is an organisation that wholly supports you to study in the UK by giving you money to cover your course fees and living costs. The UK government, your home government, the British Council or any international organisation, international company, university or UK independent school can be an official financial sponsor.

    You will need your official financial sponsor's permission to stay in or return to the UK as a Tier 4 student if that organisation is currently supporting you, or was supporting you w ithin the past 12 months, to study here as :

    • a Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) student; or
    • a student under the Immigration Rules that were in force before 31 March 2009; or
    • a student nurse; or
    • a student re-sitting an examination; or
    • a student writing up a thesis; or
    • a postgraduate doctors and dentists.

    You will need to provide us with your financial sponsor's unconditional permission in writing. The financial sponsor must confirm that it has no objection to you continuing your studies in the UK. If the financial sponsor does not give its consent, we will refuse your application.

  • Other requirements (general grounds for refusal)

    Even if you meet the requirements for the Tier 4 (Child) category, we may refuse your application for other reasons (such as your previous immigration history) . For more information about these 'general grounds for refusal', see Chapter 9 of our immigration directorate instructions.

Application forms

Application form and guidance for Tier 4 (Child) students applying from inside the UK

Do it online

Policy & Law