Quick guides for students
Course to prepare for study
This quick guide explains how a student can apply to do a course to prepare them for study (also known as a pre-sessional course) under tier 4 of the points-based system.
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What is a course to prepare you for study?
A course to prepare you for study (also known as a pre-sessional course) is:
- an intensive English language course; or
- course to prepare you for your full-time study course.
What do I need to apply?
You need 40 points to be able to apply for a student visa and must provide the proof needed with your application form.
| Points | What you get points for | Proof and documents needed |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Doing a course (at an acceptable level)course with an approved education provider (also known as sponsorship) |
Visa letter or confirmation of acceptance of studies issued by your approved education provider, before February 2010 (if you are applying within the United Kingdom) and the documents used to get the visa letter or confirmation of acceptance for studies. From February 2010 the UK Border Agency will only accept a confirmation of acceptance for studies and will no longer accept a visa letter. |
| 10 | Having enough money to cover your course fees and monthly living costs (also known as maintenance) | Bank statement or letter confirming that you have enough money available to cover your course fees and monthly living costs for up to one year, at the time you submit your application |
You must be able to prove that the money you need to apply has been in your account for 28 days before you submit your application.
You can apply to do a course to prepare you for study as an adult or child student.
If I have an unconditional offer from an approved education provider
If you have an unconditional offer, we will give permission for both courses at the same time if you are doing the course to prepare you for study:
- with the same approved education provider as your full-time course; or
- with a partner institution named of your approved education provider (they are named on the approval licence).
If I have a conditional offer from an approved education provider
If you only have a conditional offer to do your full-time course, you will need to apply to do the course to prepare you for study first. If you successfully finish that course, you should apply for an extension while inside the United Kingdom to continue your studies on your full-time course.
How much will my student visa cost?
The student visa application fee depends on where you apply from:
Inside the United Kingdom by post - £357
Inside the United Kingdom at a public enquiry office (PEO) - £565
Outside the United Kingdom - £145
Can I work?
You will be able to work:
- part-time work during term-time which is no more than 20 hours a week; and
- full-time work during vacations.