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Tier 1 (Post-study work) - closed to new applicants

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Studied at a UK institution

This page explains how you can score points for having studied at a UK institution when you make an application under Tier 1 (Post-study work) of the points-based system.

Before you apply, you must read the Tier 1 (Post-study work) policy guidance, which you can find on the right side of this page. The policy guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

You can score 20 points if you have studied for your UK qualification at an institution that is:

  • a UK recognised body;
  • a UK listed body;
  • a licensed Tier 4 sponsor;
  • a Scottish publicly funded institution of further or higher education (for HNDs only); or
  • a genuine (bona fide) Scottish private education institution which keeps satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance (for HNDs only).

A UK recognised body is an institution that has been granted degree-awarding powers by a Royal Charter, an Act of Parliament or the Privy Council. The UK government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) maintains a full list of UK recognised bodies. All UK universities and some higher education colleges are UK recognised bodies.

A UK listed body is not a UK recognised body but provides full courses leading to the award of degrees by UK recognised bodies. BIS also maintains a full list of UK listed bodies.

You can download a list of Tier 4 licensed sponsors from the right side of this page.