Visa information

These pages tell you everything you need to know about visas, including information on the Tier 4 (General) student visa, which is essential for international students who intend to study full-time at Birkbeck. You can also find information here about short-term visas and family visas.

Coronavirus update

Applying for a visa from the UK

Most visa centres in the UK have been closed since March. However, they are now beginning to reopen for existing customers.

Students currently in the UK who have a visa which is due to expire before 31 July are able to extend their visa without leaving the country. There are also temporary exemptions to the Academic Progress rule. These exemptions and other changes are modified frequently, so please visit the UKVI website for the most up to date information.

Applying for a visa from outside the UK

The UKVI use two commercial partners to operate visa centres across the world - VFS Global and TLS Contact. Both have large numbers of centres that are temporarily closed for new applications. We anticipate that these centres will reopen as the summer progresses.

At the current time there are changes at the UK border for individuals entering the country and everyone is advised to check what they need to do before they travel.

Visit our supporting documents page to find out about changes to the date you will receive your CAS and delays in receiving your ATAS certificate.

Need advice or help?

Please contact us for more help.

Watch this video explaining the visa process and the support we offer.

View our up-to-date information regarding the post-study work visa.

Quick links

Full-time Tier 4 (General) student visa

If you are an international student from outside the UK or EEA or Switzerland, you will have to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to pursue a full-time programme of study.

Who can apply?

Find out whether you can apply for a Tier 4 student visa.

How to apply

To apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you must submit a fully completed visa application form with supporting documentation.

Free Tier 4 application checking service

Ready to submit your Tier 4 application? Our experienced staff can check your application, free of charge.

Supporting documentation

Find out what documentation you need to support your Tier 4 visa application.

Financial requirements

You will need to show in your visa application that you have enough money to cover your course and can support yourself during your studies (maintenance).

Your Tier 4 deposit

If you need a Tier 4 visa to study, you will need to submit a deposit to secure your place.

Credibility interviews

You will be asked to attend a credibility interview as part of the Tier 4 application process.

Maximum time you can hold a Tier 4 visa

There are limits placed by the Home Office on how long you can hold a Tier 4 visa.

Tier 4 responsibilities

In order to maintain your visa rights, you must comply with the terms and conditions of your visa.

Birkbeck registration for Tier 4 applicants

Once you receive your Tier 4 visa, you will need to formally register with Birkbeck.

English language ability for Tier 4 visa holders

Applicants who need a Tier 4 visa have a separate set of English language requirements, to comply with Home Office regulations.

Other visa information

Applying for a family visa for full-time Tier 4 (General) students

A family visa allows you to bring members of your family with you when you come to the UK to study - find out more.

Forced Migrants

If you have sought sanctuary in the UK, you may be able to study at Birkbeck. Find out what documentation you will need to provide and how we can support you.

Short-term student visas

This visa allows you to enter the UK to study a short course of no more than six months, resit examinations, repeat a module or attend your viva.

Standard visitor visa for graduation

You may need a visa to attend your graduation.

Post-study work visa

Find out more about the post study work visa at Birkbeck, University of London.