Applying for a visa
Please note that immigration policy changes regularly and that whilst the college will endeavour to keep this section of the website up to date, it is advisable that you also consult the UK Border Agency website for the most up to date information.
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
EU/ EEA/ Swiss Nationals
You do not require a visa or entry clearance and are not subject to immigration control for the UK.
Non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss Nationals
You must apply for a Tier 4 General Student or Student Visitor Visa depending on the length of your course
Which visa should I apply for?
Tier 4
You should apply for a Tier 4 visa if you will be studying a course which is over 6 months in duration (with the exception of ESOL courses, in which you may be eligible for the Extended Student Visitor Visa – see below) or if you require to extend in-country
What do I need to know about this route?
- Students are able to extend their student visas in the UK under the Tier 4 route if required
- HND students are eligible to work 10 hours per week term time and full-time during college holidays on this visa
- Tier 4 students at City of Glasgow College must submit proof of having sat a UKBA-approved English language certificate (eg. IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Academic, Cambridge ESOL) at or above the minimum level set for that course before we can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (unconditional offer)
- The College must carefully monitor the attendance of all Tier 4 students and report those with poor attendance to the UK Border Agency
- The College must maintain an up-to-date file for all Tier 4 students which includes contact details, passport copies and copies of any other documents used as evidence for a students visa application eg. copies of qualifications
What do I need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa?
- Fully completed application form
- Visa application fee
- Valid passport
- A valid CAS statement from City of Glasgow College
- Original qualifications as listed in your CAS statement (including English language certificate)
- Bank statements/ bank letter demonstrating that funds for the course fees/ living costs are available
OR
For officially financially sponsored students, an original letter from your sponsor
- Receipt for course fees paid so far (if applicable)
*The above list is given as an indication only and there may be additional documents required depending on your personal circumstances.
For full information on this route and how to apply visit the Adult Students page on the UK Border Agency website.
Student Visitor
You should apply for a Student Visitor Visa if you will be undertaking a course which will be of less than 6 months duration.
What do I need to know about this route?
- This route is open to applicants outside of the UK only
- This route is non-extendable – you must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
- Students are not permitted to take paid or unpaid employment under this route
- You must demonstrate that you have enough money available to support and accommodate yourself without working or help from public funds (or prove that you will be adequately supported and accommodated by relatives or friends)
- You must show that you can meet the cost of the return journey
- You must be 18 or over to apply
What do I need to apply for a Student Visitor visa?
A Student Visitor Visa Support Letter will be issued by the College to students who are coming under this route.
For full information on other supporting documents required, please consult the Student Visitor page on the UK Border Agency website.
Extended Student Visitor
This route applies exclusively to ESOL students, who are eligible to apply for a visitor visa of 11 months duration.
What do I need to know about this route?
- This route is open to applicants outside of the UK only
- This route is non-extendable – you must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
- Students are not permitted to take paid or unpaid employment under this route
- You must demonstrate that you have enough money available to support and accommodate yourself without working or help from public funds (or prove that you will be adequately supported and accommodated by relatives or friends)
- You must show that you can meet the cost of the return journey
- You must be 18 or over to apply
- To qualify for this route, you must be studying ESOL only. Students who are studying ESOL alongside another course do not qualify for this route
What do I need to apply for an Extended Student Visitor visa?
An Extended Student Visitor Visa Support Letter will be issued by the College to students who are coming under this route.
For full information on other supporting documents required, please consult the Student Visitor page on the UK Border Agency website.
