Many Americans dream of moving to England on a student visa, but big changes are coming in 2024 that will make it harder. Here’s what you need to know.
A student visa presents an excellent opportunity to experience everything living in England has to offer, while getting a world-class education.
If you have already started to research going to “uni” in England, you may have noticed that a lot of the terminology differs from the United States. Taking a few minutes to understand these differences will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Basic Terminology
College and 6th form
The term “college” is not the same as university (or “uni”) as it is in the US.
In England, students complete compulsory education at age 16 and can go on to 6th Form or college prepare for uni or pursue vocational training.
Students in England who wish to attend uni will study to take A level exams for admission.
A Levels
As previously mentioned, these are the exams that UK students take in order to apply to university in the UK. Students study for 2 years in 6th form to take A level exams.
While A Levels are not a general requirement for international applicants, there are some advantages to taking them. If you have a specific uni or course in mind, check the entrance requirements for international students.
Course
A “course” in the UK refers to a whole degree or course of study, not just one class as it does in America.
Clearing
Clearing is a way for students to get a second chance at a place in a university course if they didn’t apply on time, didn’t get into a desired course, or want to change to a different course or university.
Revision
This is what Brits call studying. If you are looking for studying materials, it will be called a Revision Guide.
How do I apply to university in England?
Before you can apply for student visa in England, you will need to be offered a placement for a course of study at a university.
Students wishing to attend university in the UK can learn more about different courses of study and apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website, which is an excellent resource for prospective international students.
Applying to university in the UK is different than in many other countries. You’ll want to get a good understanding of what UK universities are looking for to increase your chances of getting into your desired course of study.
If you have your heart set on a Russell Group school (such as Oxford or Cambridge) know that applications for these schools end earlier! Plan ahead, do your research, and start the application process as early as possible.
Is University free in England?
University is not free in the UK and the cost has risen in recent years. Tuition is capped at £9,250 for UK and EU citizens. Fees for international students can vary from £10,000 to over £38,000 per year, depending on the university and course of study.
When calculating costs, keep in mind that most undergraduate degrees in England are three years rather than four (unless you are required to take a foundation year).
What is a foundation year?
If you have been look at different courses of study, you may notice that many offer (or require) a foundation year.
A foundation year is an extra year of study that you may take for a number of reasons, such as not being able to meet the entry requirements, lack of English proficiency, or because you wish to change courses.
You may choose to take a foundation year, or it may be required by the university.
How much do student visas cost?
How much do student visas cost?
As of September 2024, the cost for applying for a student visa is £490 for the main applicant and each dependent.
You will also need to proof that you can pay the fees for your course of study and, if you have not been living in the UK for 12 months, prove that you have enough money to support yourself. The amount that you will need to prove this depends on where you will be studying.
You will need either:
- £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you are bringing dependent family members with you, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support each of them.
For each dependent you will need to have either:
- £845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
You will also need to pay the immigration health surchage at the time of your application, which is currently £776 per year for students and each of your dependents. This fee allows you to access fee healthcare while living in the UK.
Can I take out student loans to fund my education in England?
If you are from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you may be able to take out a loan from the UK government to cover tuition fees.
If you are an American, you may be able to pay for some or all of your education abroad with financial aid and/or student loans from the US Federal Student Loan Program. If you are planning to pay for university in the UK with US Federal Student Loans, you will need to ensure that your school participates in the Federal Student Loan Program. You can find a list of participating schools on the studentaid.gov website.
If you decide to remain in the UK, you will still be responsible for paying your loans just as if you resided in the United States.
Can I take my family with me on a student visa?
As of January 2024, you will no longer be able to bring dependents to the UK while studying at the graduate level. You may be able to bring your family if you have been offered a placement in a PhD or postgraduate course.
Can I bring my adult children with me as dependents on a student visa?
In most cases, your adult child will need to apply for a dependent visa before their 18th birthday in order to join you in the UK.
If they are already in the UK as a dependent when they turn 18, they can remain on a dependent visa as long as you are supporting them financially .
Can I stay in England after I have completed my study?
After completing your degree, you may be able to change your visa and remain in the UK longer. For instance, you may be able to switch to a Graduate visa after you finish your studies, giving you permission to stay in the UK for 2-3 additional years.
You may also be able to change to a skilled worker visa if you job is on the list of eligible occupations.
If I go to university in the UK, can I become a UK citizen?
A student visa is not a path to citizenship and your time in the UK as a student does not count towards applying for citizenship, even if you change to a different visa later. For example, if you were on a student visa for 3 years and then switched to a skilled worker visa, those first 3 years would not count toward the 5 years you need to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
What Worked For Us
School was one of the biggest stressors when preparing for our move to England. We knew we had to be in the UK before my daughter turned 18, and that meant we would need to move in the middle of the school year. It took a lot of research and creativity, but it all came together perfectly.
We moved to England in January, when our daughters were 14 and 17 years old. Our younger daughter started her new school in Year 10 after the half-term break, and our older daughter finished her senior through home-study.
When deciding on a place to live in the UK, one of the “must-haves” was a university with low international fees.
Our eldest was able to apply to university as an international student with her high school transcripts and SAT scores.
She did not need to take a foundation year or A levels, and because the course was three years long, the cost was comparable to in-state tuition in the US.
Moving to England on a student visa requires a little more preparation and research, but it can be an invaluable experience for you and your family.
Still have questions about moving to England on a student visa? Drop them in the comments!
IMPORTANT: I am not an immigration professional and I am not qualifies to give any type of legal advice. All information featured in this guide can be found on the UK Home Office website.
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