Child students - Tier 4 (Child)
Can you apply?
This section explains whether you can apply to enter or remain in the UK as a child student under Tier 4 of our points-based system.
As a Tier 4 (Child) student, you must score 40 points in our points assessment. You can score:
- 30 points for a confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying an acceptable course with an approved education provider (also known as a 'Tier 4 sponsor'); and
- 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) for the your course fees and living costs.
There must also be suitable arrangements in place for your travel, reception and care in the UK. The Your care arrangement page contaisn more information. The money that you will need depends on your living arrangements while you are in the UK.
There are other requirements that you may need to meet. These are described under 'More information' below.
If you are already in the UK in a different immigration category, you may be able to 'switch' into Tier 4 (Child) without leaving the UK. See 'More information' below.
You will need to enrol your fingerprints and facial image (known as 'biometric information') with us as part of your application. You can find more information on the Applying from inside the UK or Applying from outside the UK pages.
More information
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Additional requirement if you have official financial sponsorship
An 'official financial sponsor' is an organisation that wholly supports you to study in the UK by giving you money to cover your course fees and your living costs. The UK government, your home government, the British Council or any international organisation, international company, university or UK independent school can be an official financial sponsor.
You will need your official financial sponsor's permission to continue studying in the UK as a Tier 4 student if it is currently supporting you (or was supporting you w ithin the past 12 months) to study here as :
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a Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) student; or
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a student under the Immigration Rules that were in force before 31 March 2009; or
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a student nurse; or
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a student re-sitting an examination; or
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a student writing up a thesis; or
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a postgraduate doctor or dentist.
You will need to provide us with your financial sponsor's unconditional permission in writing. The financial sponsor must confirm that it has no objection to you continuing your studies in the UK. If the financial sponsor does not give its consent, we will refuse your application.
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Other requirements (general grounds for refusal)
Even if you meet the requirements described above, we may refuse your application for other reasons (such as your previous immigration history) . For more information about these 'general grounds for refusal', see Chapter 9 of our immigration directorate instructions.
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Can I switch into the Tier 4 (Child) student category?
You can switch into the Tier 4 (Child) student category if you have, or were last given, permission to stay in the UK as:
- a Tier 4 (General) student;
- a prospective student; or
- a student under the Immigration Rules in place before 31 March 2009.
If you are currently in the UK in any other immigration category, you must leave the UK and apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa from your country of residence.
Application forms
Policy guidance for Tier 4 students
- Tier 4 policy guidance PDF 690KB opens in a new window