Before beginning your UK education, you may need to apply for a visa. There are different types of visa, depending on your age, and on the length and level of the course that you want to study.
If you are between 4 and 17 years, then you will be able to apply for a Child Student Visa. If you are post 16 years then you will be able to apply for an Adult student visitor.
For adult and child student visas, the UK has a points-based visa system which is designed to be objective and transparent. To apply, you need to gain 40 points. This includes 30 points for a “confirmation of acceptance for studies” from the university, college or school where you want to study.
Your chosen place of study must be on the “register of sponsors” kept by the UKBA. This register is designed to give you peace of mind that you are applying to join a bona fide institution.
The remaining 10 points comes from demonstrating that you can afford to cover all or part of your fees and living costs to study in the UK. This has been put in place to help you avoid any financial difficulties that might affect your ability to complete your studies.