Tier 1 (Post-study work) - closed to new applicants
UK qualification
This page explains how you can score points for having a UK qualification when you make an application under Tier 1 (Post-study work) of the points-based system.
On this page
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 will score 20 points if you have been awarded:
- a UK recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level;
- a UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education; or
- a higher national diploma (HND) from a Scottish institution.
UK recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level
To score points, your degree must have been awarded by a 'UK recognised body'. This 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 maintains a full list of recognised bodies. All UK universities and some higher education colleges are UK recognised bodies.
You will not be awarded points for a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma, except a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (see below).
UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education
UK Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs), including Professional Graduate Diplomas in Education obtained in Scotland, are acceptable qualifications.
The awarding body does not need to be a UK recognised body.
HND from a Scottish institution
The qualification must be at HND level. The institution where you studied for your HND must be a Scottish institution. We will use the institution's address to confirm this.
Qualifications that are not acceptable
You will not score points for:
- foundation degrees;
- honorary degrees;
- qualifications awarded in the UK by overseas awarding bodies;
- qualifications undertaken in overseas campuses of UK institutions;
- professional and vocational qualifications; and
- postgraduate certificates or diplomas.
Application forms
Tier 1 (Post-study work) guidance
- Tier 1 (Post-study work) policy guidancePDF 347KB opens in a new window