If you are a non-European national, you will probably need a visa if you want to come and study in the UK.
First of all, it is important that you enrol with a reputable college or university to study at in the UK. You should check that they have a licence under what is called Tier 4 of the Points Based System.
If they do have such a licence, that enables them to issue you with a document called a "Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies” (a ”CAS”). They will issue this if they are happy that you are qualified to take the course in question. You can then use that "CAS” to apply for a visa at your nearest British Embassy or High Commission.
When you apply for that visa, you will need to show that you have sufficient money to pay your tuition fees and to maintain yourself in the UK. You will also have to show that you have had that money for a certain length of time. The amount you need depends on where you will study and for how long your studies will last.
If you will be studying at below degree-level, you may need to take an English test.
As to whether a foreign student studying in the UK can work, non EU nationals can work for 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacations, provided you are studying on a degree course. If you are not studying on a degree course, you may only be able to work for 10 hours a week in term time, though you will be able to work full-time during holidays.
• Children studying in the UK
If you are a non-EU national, you can apply for a visa to enable a child of yours aged between 4 and 15 to study at an independent fee paying school in the UK.
You will need to check that your chosen school has a licence under what is called Tier 4 of the Points Based System. If the school does have such a licence, then it can issue your child with a document called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - "CAS”- which you need to apply for the visa.
You and your child must show that he/she has enough money to cover both the school fees and their living costs. How much money is needed will depend on the child's care arrangements in the UK.
Our leading Immigration Law Team can advise you on each stage of these visa application processes, including on how much money you will need in your bank account, and for how long you must have had it.
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