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Who can apply?

New full-time students

You can apply for a Student visa three months (six months if applying from outside the UK) before the start date of your programme of study if:

  • you have accepted an offer to study at Birkbeck for a full-time programme of study. Please note the following programmes are excluded from this and do not warrant Student visa sponsorship: short course/modular programmes, Certificates of Higher Education, foundation degrees (excluding combined four-year bachelor's degrees) and all distance learning programmes.
  • 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.

You can work in most jobs while on this visa and you may be able to bring your family with you.

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 at least eight weeks before you intend to make your visa application. You will also need to meet all Student visa requirements.