Your visa
Student visa information
You will need a Student visa (formerly known as a Tier 4 visa) to study an integrated programme at Teesside University International Study Centre.
Students at Teesside University International Study Centre applying for one of our integrated programmes will benefit from an Integrated CAS (iCAS) – with visa sponsorship from the University for the full duration of their integrated programme. You will benefit from only needing to make one visa application to study in the UK, saving you time and money as you won’t need to obtain a new visa before you progress to your course of study with the University. Please note the 3 term International Foundation Year in February and October are offered on a Study Group CAS.
The UK has introduced a new Student visa route (replacing the previous Tier 4 route) which forms part of the new Points Based Immigration System. EEA nationals outside the UK will now apply under this route for entry to the UK from 1st January 2021. For all other nationals, this new route took effect from 9am on 5th October 2020. You can see an overview of the changes here.
Will I be eligible for a student visa?
You can apply for a Student visa to study at Teesside University International Study Centre if you’re 16 or over, and you:
When should I apply for my visa?
When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. The earliest you can apply for a visa from outside the UK is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
The earliest you can apply from inside the UK is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires and your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
A CAS will only be provided within these time limits** and you should make sure you apply early, to leave enough time for your application to be processed and to arrive and enrol before the course start date.
How long can I stay?
In addition to the period of leave given to you to carry out your course of study, permission to stay will also be granted depending on your length of course. For integrated programmes of 3 year duration, you should be granted an additional 4 months after your course end date, to allow you time to settle your affairs before your leave the UK or switch into another visa category that allows you to remain in the UK. You may be eligible to switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course.
Conditions of the visa
Once you have received your visa and have begun studying with us, it is important that you attend 100% of your classes. If you do not meet the attendance requirements, you risk losing your visa – as well as the right to live, study and work in the UK.
The visa process
To apply for a Student visa to study on an integrated programme, you must:
- Apply for the programme of your choice at Teesside University International Study Centre, and receive an offer.
- Send the requested documents to be checked by the admissions team or your student enrolment advisor.
- Pay a deposit.
Subject to meeting the required conditions of your offer and in accordance with the University’s Sponsored Student Policy, a CAS will be issued for you to apply for your visa.