Visa information

Points based system

As part of its major review of immigration, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has introduced a Points Based System (PBS) for those coming into the UK to work and study. This immigration scheme consists of five tiers, which allows nationals from outside the EU/EEA to live, work or study in the UK.

The system is underpinned by the principle of sponsorship. University College Falmouth is an A-rated, government approved education provider and acceptance to study at UCF takes you a long way towards gaining entry to the UK. Once you have been accepted, you should apply for a visa as a student under Tier 4 of the PBS.

This information is for guidance only and represents the latest information available. However, you should note that there may be further adjustments and changes to the scheme, so please keep checking the UKBA website for the most recent information: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

Applying for a student visa

Tier 4 - General Student: Your visa application as a student will be assessed under the points based criteria. This also applies to under 18 year olds.

To gain a student visa, you are required to reach 40 points:

The maintenance requirement is evidence that you have sufficient funds to live in the UK, over the cost of your tuition fees:

Examples of maintenance requirement level:

• Sandeep is planning to come to the UK alone to study BA(Hons) Illustration at UCF, starting in September 2011. He will need to provide evidence that he has £10,163 (course fee) + £7,200 (maintenance requirement) = £17,363 to support his student visa application.
• Anita is planning to come to the UK with her husband and 2 children, to study MA Television Production starting October 2011. She will need to provide evidence that she has £11,611 (course fee) + £7,200 (maintenance requirement) + £14,400 (maintenance requirement for dependants £400 x 3 x 12 months) = £33,211 to support her student visa application.

Once your student visa is issued using University College Falmouth documentation, you will be able to study at University College Falmouth only.

Applying for an extension to a student visas

If you are already enrolled at University College Falmouth and wish to extend your student visa, you will have to apply for your extension under the Points Based System.

You will need to show the UK Border Agency a letter from University College Falmouth - as your sponsor - confirming essential details of your course, our sponsor number and other personal information. In addition, you will need to meet the maintenance requirements above.

To gain a student visa, you are required to reach 40 points (see table above).

The letter confirming that you are a student at University College Falmouth is available from the International Office at Woodlane. You may be asked for additional information, such as your passport number, as this needs to be included in the supporting documentation. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours for these to be produced following your request.

The maintenance requirement is evidence that you have sufficient funds to live in the UK, over the cost of your tuition fees.

Application procedure

Visa application

Once you have been issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies by UCF you will be able to apply for your student visa. In addition to completed application forms, you will be required to show evidence of your main educational qualification, as well as evidence that you meet the maintenance requirements outlined above.

Course registration requirements

When you register on your course at UCF you will be required to submit a copy of your entitlement to study in the UK as well as the usual registration requirements such as paying your course fees and confirming your personal details. This evidence may be a copy of a valid student visa from your passport or a copy of your biometric ID card.

You will also be required to keep us up to date with your latest contact details including your address and telephone number.

Our role as your sponsor

As well as registering as a sponsor and providing course applicants and visa extension applicants with the right documentation, we have a duty to comply with UK Border Agency requirements.

We are obliged to inform the UK Border Agency if non-EU/EEA nationals here as students under the Points Based Scheme:

• Fail to enrol no later than 10 working days after the end of their prescribed enrolment period
• Are absent for prolonged periods - 10 expected contact points during the academic year
• Withdraw or go into abeyance from their studies
• Defer their studies after arrival in the UK
• Change their programme in any significant way, eg change the mode of study or shorten the duration of the course

Current international students on a course who applied for their student visa prior to the introduction of the Points Based Scheme in 2009 are not affected by these new requirements.

Your role and responsibilities as a student

Whilst in the UK, you must comply with the conditions of your student visa. Please pay particular attention to the following areas:

• Police registration - if you are required to register with the Police, you should usually do so within 7 days of arrival in the UK. You will be given a certificate that you must keep safely. If you need to change address or extend your visa, you will need to refer to this certificate.
• Registering for your course - it is essential that you fully register for your course, including making any payment arrangements for your tuition fees.
• Work - generally, international students that are in the UK on a student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacation time, if they are on courses of 6 months or more. Please note: There are instances where working rights are not given. You should check your student visa carefully to ensure you are eligible for work. Students on courses where there is an integral period of work placement (eg a sandwich course) are allowed to work full time for this part of their degree course.

Where to find further information

If you are making an application from outside the UK visit the Visa Services website where you can find the forms and more information on how to fill them in: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs

For the immigration rules in full and more information on how to apply, visit the UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

Contact us

For more information about applying to UCF please contact:

Julie Tucker
International Admissions

International Office, University College Falmouth
Woodlane, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RH, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1326 254259
Fax: +44 (0)1326 370725
Email: international@falmouth.ac.uk