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.

Need advice or help?

Please contact us for more help. Or come to one of our regular visa drop-in sessions.

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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.

Other visa information

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

Discover more about the criteria for a family visa, which allows you to bring certain members of your family with you when you come to the UK to study.

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.