Non-EEA nationals need some type of visa (or have an Electronic Visa Waiver) to study in the UK. Please click here to check on the type of visa you will need to obtain.
Dual or multiple nationality: Where an applicant applying under the differentiation arrangements holds dual or multiple nationalities, they must submit a passport issued by one of the countries listed in Appendix H of the Immigration Rules
This is a points based visa issued to students for a full-time programme of study that is longer than 6 months in duration*. Applicants need to score 40 points out of 40 to be awarded the visa. 30 points are awarded for having a valid CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies); this is issued by the University. 10 points are awarded for being able to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and pay your tuition fees; this is known as maintenance or funds (living fees). Please see the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for further information.
*Some University’s will also issue CAS to students attending pre-sessional English language courses so that they can apply for a Tier 4 visa.
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and it is an electronic document which you must request from the University after you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study here. You must have a CAS number prior to applying for your Tier 4 visa as you will need this for the application form. For further information.
If this is the only scholarship/studentship you have been awarded then, NO, do not select ‘Sponsored’ as this is aimed at government funded students.
Non-EEA nationals that come to the UK to study on a course longer than 6 months in duration are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge; this is a financial contribution to the National Health Service. This charge is currently £300 per 12 months of stay in the UK and is payable when a student makes their visa application.
Students coming to the UK to study on certain courses must obtain ATAS approval. For further information please refer to the FCO website relating to ATAS. You will need to enter the JACS code(s) for your course which can be found on your University of Southampton offer letter.
Please note: If you are applying for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa and you need ATAS clearance for your programme of study, then you must obtain this before you make your application or you will be refused your visa. This will take at least 1 month to process and you can apply before your offer becomes unconditional.
Your refusal letter will state if you have grounds for an administrative review.
If you do not have this option to review then you will need to make a new application; to do this you will need a new CAS.
If you are making your Tier 4 application outside of the UK then you may need to undergo TB screening.
No. If you are 16 or over then you must apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa as we can only sponsor students with a CAS for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. If you are aged between 16 and 18 then you will need to provide a letter of consent from your official guardian(s) stating that they permit your study in the UK
No. You must have a visa or have proof that you have applied for visa for your programme of study at this University.
