Take some time to settle in
You will be granted permission to come to the UK up to one month before the start of your course. You can use this time to settle into life in the UK before your studies begin.
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You can't switch from a Visitor to a Student visa in the UK
You cannot come to the UK on a Visitor Visa and apply for a Student Visa while you are here. You will have to go back to your home country to apply for a Student Visa.
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Check the cost of applying for your visa
Visa application costs vary depending on where you apply and whether or not you use a priority service. You can check the latest fees using a simple tool on the Home Office website.
Visa fees online calculation tool
Remember to plan your finances
Financial planning is extremely important and so is providing evidence that you have adequate finances to support your life and studies in the UK. Please be sure to check how much money you need and how to prove you have it.
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Remember to translate your documents
If any of the supporting documents for your visa application are not in English you must have them translated and the translations must be certified.
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Check the restrictions on working in the UK
Student holders can work in the UK alongside their studies subject to certain conditions.
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Continuing your studies on a new course
If you have just completed a course on a Tier 4 Visa or Student visa and plan to continue your studies on a new course you will need to apply for another visa. You can do that in the UK if your current visa is still valid or, alternatively, back in your home country. It is normally cheaper to apply in your home country, but easier for the RCM to assist you if you choose to apply in the UK and you don't need to provide so much supporting evidence with your application.
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Registering at the RCM while your visa decision is pending
If you have applied for your new visa in the UK and are still waiting for a decision from UKVI in September, the RCM may be able to enrol you before your new visa arrives, although we normally advise against relying on this. You should make every effort to apply for your new visa before your new course starts if possible.
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