Broaden your career horizons by studying in the UK

The UK is home to many of the best and most prestigious universities in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2020 the University of Oxford is ranked as the top university in the world, whilst the University of Cambridge ranks third globally. Other high ranking universities in the UK include University College London, Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University of Edinburgh, to name a few. If you are a non-EEA national wishing to study at a university in the UK you would require a UK Student Visa, which is called a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa under the points based system.

In the following few weeks we would give you more detailed information about this attractive Tier 4 Student route to study in the UK.

There are major practical advantages of obtaining a UK student visa, first is that your partner and children may be able to live with you and work in the UK during your studies. Another benefit is that you may be permitted to work in the UK during your studies to supplement your income and experience. Studying in the UK is especially attractive now as the UK Government has announced that students on the 2020/2021 intake will be able to apply for a Post-Study Work visa which will allow students to live in the UK and work in the UK for a further two years after their course.

This article will give you an overview of applying for a UK student visa, addressing some common questions students have.

Can I change my course?
A common question that international students have is whether they can change their course. If you have been granted a Tier 4 student visa, and have started your course in the UK, however, you decide that you want to change to a different course, the first step is to check your conditions of leave. If your conditions of leave do not allow you to change your course, you may need to make a new student visa application. So, choose your course of study very carefully.

I have failed my course, what can I do?
If you have failed your course, you should speak to your university as they may allow you to resit the exam. If you have failed your course, but wish to undertake further studies in the UK, you would need to make an application for a new Tier 4 visa from your home country. Failing your course weakens your prospect of being granted a student visa for a higher level of study.

I have completed my course, what are my future prospects in the UK?
Upon successful completion of your course, you may apply for further student leave in the UK. This is ideal if you aspire to study at a higher level. For instance, upon successfully completing a Bachelor's Degree at a UK university you may apply for further student leave to study a Masters Degree. UK Visas and Immigration favour academic progression when considering applications for further student leave.

If you aspire to work at a global company or an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), being awarded a Degree from a UK university will place you at an advantage in the job market, as many UK universities are recognised by employers and institutions around the world. Further, UK universities are global leaders in research and innovation and have a reputation for providing excellence.

Obtaining a degree from a UK university is worth pursuing if you aspire to establish a career in your home country, as you would stand out from the crowd in your local and national job market.

How will Brexit affect non-EEA national students
If you are a non-EEA national Brexit should not affect your ability to study in the UK, the application progress for student visas for non-EEA nationals to is not due to change post Brexit.

If you are wondering whether it is still worth studying at a UK university after Brexit, be rest assured that UK universities are at the top of the global league tables and degrees from UK universities continue to be in high demand. The standard of education at UK universities is above many other universities in Europe. Students will continue to be drawn by the prestige of the UK’s educational establishments and safety of the country.

Who can I contact for legal advice?
If you need a U.K. immigration lawyer and need assistance with any aspect of U.K. immigration law whether from inside the U.K. or from overseas, contact Aschfords Law in Harrow, London. We have experience in offering specialist advice in respect of all U.K. immigration matters and have insight to make the process as smooth as possible. We also provide legal advice and assistance in respect to Wills & Probate, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant.

Please contact us today on: +44 (0) 7582932830 or visit our website on www.aschfordslaw.com