Guide to UK Student Visas

For all international students, coming to the UK, should check if you need a visa. Previously, it was quite a simple process to apply for a UK student visa but laws and procedures have changed and I will explain what you will need to know.

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Who needs a UK Visa?

You will need a UK visa if you are not an EU or an EEA national. EU and EEA nationals have unrestricted stay and unrestricted permission to work in any EU or EEA countries including the UK. However if you are from outside the EU or the EEA (e.g. USA) you will need a visa.

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Ok, so how do I get one?

You should apply in the country of your current residence. If you are school aged, you must apply to a private school. In some cases you will have to apply directly to the British Embassy but now as the UK is receiving so many applications the UK Border Agency is using commercial agencies that will handle your application. These companies do not make any decisions but they will process your application for the agency.
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Do I need a Biometric ID card?
Any non EU or EEA student will need one. This is compulsory. This was a response to the increase in illegal immigration. The card will show your immigration status; eligibility to work, nationality and your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) will be stored on the card.

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What is the Points-Based System Tier 4?
The British Government has introduced the points-based tier system. This system is quite similar to that of the Australian Visa system where you will need a certain amount of points to qualify for a visa. International students are placed in Tier 4 and there are two subgroups (Child student and General student). A prospective student must accumulate 40 points. 30 Points is awarded for CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Study). This will be the proof that you have been accepted into a school/course and you have paid for it. Only the place of study can issue this certificate. 10 Points is available for Maintenance and Funds. This will prove that you have the necessary money and funds to support yourself without having to claim ‘Benefits’ or public funds. For courses less than 1 year, £800 is needed per month. For courses lasting more that a year, £9,600 is needed in your bank account. You may want to bring dependants (children, husbands, etc). They will be eligible for Free State education and may be eligible to work. However on top of your initial funds you must also have £535 per month for each dependant you wish to bring.
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Can I work?
Those with a full student visa may be allowed to work. This all depends on what it says on your ID card. If it reads, ‘no work’, this means no work and you will be deported if you are found to be engaging in any paid or un-paid work. However for some, it may read ‘Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State’. This will allow you to work for 20 hours maximum during term time and 40 hours during the holidays. It will be clear whether you are allowed to work or not. However it is important to follow the rules as illegal work is taken very seriously.
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Do I have to register with the police?
If your ID card or visa states that you need to register with the police, then you must do this. Those aged under 16 will not have to do this. If you don’t do it, it may have very serious consequences for any future UK visa applications and you could be banned from entering the UK (for any reasons) for 1 year or up to 10 years in some cases.
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These rules may seem very strict and harsh, however unfortunately it is a measure that the UK had to take in order to prevent the abuse of the system by a minority. Nevertheless, the UK welcomes every student and will make sure that you have the best time!

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some useful information:

Official UK Visa website: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students

Public School & Private School: What's the difference?

So, I've noticed some people get confused between Public Schools and Private Schools. Well, I'm here to explain! Most of you people will think that public schools will be the government provided education! Actually both types of schools are fee-paying schools and what's more, 'public schools' are more exclusive than 'private schools'. Examples of public schools are schools on the Eton Group. The link was posted on the first post. I realise how confusing this may be so I will try to explain in 2 sections.

Public Schools

These schools have very long history and they have been founded centuries ago. These schools can be very expensive and are regarded as very prestigious. Some schools may be very difficult to gain admission due to strong competition. An example is Tonbridge School as pictured above. When you think about famous British Schools, you will probably be thinking about Public schools. These schools traditionally have a charitable status, this means schools do not have to pay taxes on fees. They gained the name 'public' because they provided education 'to the public' centuries ago but has now changed. They still provide scholarships and bursaries in order to retain the charitable status.

Private Schools

These schools won't be as well known as public schools. However they still have excellent facilities and good academic standards. An example would be St. Lawrence College School. These schools are relatively easy to get into and do not (normally) require CEE (Common Entrance Exams). Some private schools have charitable statuses. Essentially it is quite similar to public schools but sometimes lacks the history and fame and the continuous result of academic excellence.

So, here it is! two types of fee-paying schools, but with a difference. Please do ask any questions you may have and leave a comment!

Private Schools or State Schools; What's the difference?

King's School Canterbury

Those of you new to education in the UK, will be wanting to know how the general education system works. I will be explaining this in two separate bits. Sate education system and the Private education system. The two have very different systems but they do interlink with each other. For example everyone does GCSEs and A-levels/IB.

Please bear in mind that I am more of an expert in the Private education system so some of the State education knowledge may not be as accurate!!

The State education system

Education here is free; it is provided by the government and the majority of UK students have their education here. It is divided up into three parts. Primary education, secondary education and higher education. It is a legal requirement for children to stay at school from 5 years to 16 or the GCSE age.

Primary Education - this is from the ages 5 to 11. This includes key stages 1 and 2. At 11, children do the 11plus which is an examination determining which secondary school they will go. This examination is used less now but each region has their own set of examinations.

Secondary education - this is from the ages of 11 to 16. This covers Key Stages 3 and 4. Students work towards the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Within the secondary education system there are grammar schools. These schools are highly competitive in selecting their students. This includes the 11plus, the distance living from school, siblings already at the school or faith.

Higher education - This is from the ages of 16 to 18. This education is not compulsory however it is essential if you wish to go to University. This is also sometimes called a Sixth Form college. Here you will be able to do your A-levels. Some secondary schools have their own sixth form as well. You will need at least 6 Cs at GCSE in order to enter the Sixth Form.

In order to use the state education, the parent must be in the UK and the child registered as a dependent. Therefore you must be working, studying ect. This does not apply to EU and EEC nationals.

The Private Education System

This is the fee-paying education system. It is also called Independent Schools.

Prep(atory) School - This would be the equivalent of primary schools up to the age of 13. Nurseries are also joined to the prep schools. These schools are called Prep(atory) schools because it 'prepares' you for the secondary schools. There are no formal exams until the child is 13. At 13, all children do the Common Entrance Examinations (CEE). This is taken at nationally and it is formal exam. This exam is to get into UK independent schools. Competition can be very fierce and it is an important exam for the student.

Independent (Private) school - After the child successfully passes the CEE they go on to secondary education. These schools include some of the world's famous British Schools. Entrance to these schools can be very competitive and I will be doing a separate post on the subject. There will always will be a Sixth Form in the school. So, students are expected to continue school after 16. These schools produce some of the best GCSE results and A-level result. Many send a lot of student to prestigious universities.

This is just a glimpse of the UK education system and it is very brief summary. Hopefully you understand a bit more about how education works and I will be explaining more in detail on the private education system.