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Who can apply?

New full-time students

You can apply for a Student visa six months before the start date of your programme of study when applying from outside of the UK, or three months before if you are applying from inside the UK.

You must meet the following requirements:

  • you have accepted an offer to study at Birkbeck for a full-time programme of study. 
  • the programme is longer than six months
  • you have paid a deposit
  • you have been issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for study at Birkbeck
  • you meet all the Student visa requirements
  • please note the following programmes are excluded from this and do not warrant Student visa sponsorship:
    • short course/modular programmes
    • Certificates of Higher Education, including Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Certificates
    • Foundation degrees (excluding combined four-year bachelor's degrees) and all distance learning programmes.

Continuing full-time students

You can apply for a Student visa three months before the expiry date of your current visa if you require further time to complete your current study and are making satisfactory academic progress. You must submit a Request for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for Continuing students (please login to Microsoft 365 to access this form) at least eight weeks before you intend to make your visa application. You will also need to meet all Student visa requirements.