🇬🇧 Study & students

Buckinghamshire New University's Student sponsor licence was suspended by the Home Office, effective immediately. The university was removed from the Register of licensed sponsors: students. The university has 20 working days to respond to the decision, after which its licence will be revoked if it does not demonstrate that it should be reinstated. Students currently sponsored by the university can continue their studies as long as their permission to stay remains valid. The university's Worker and Temporary Worker licences are unaffected and it remains on the Register of licensed sponsors: workers.

The current Appendix Short-term Student continues to provide an immigration route for people aged 16 or over who want to study an English-language course lasting at least 6 months and no more than 11 months at an accredited institution. Applications must be made from outside the UK via the specified online form. Applicants must meet validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements, including obtaining entry clearance, providing biometrics, possessing a valid travel document, and paying any required fees and the Immigration Health Charge. A medical certificate for tuberculosis screening is required for stays over 6 months if Appendix Tuberculosis applies. The course must be an English language course only, lasting 6 to 11 months, at an accredited institution, with written evidence of acceptance. Applicants must demonstrate they are genuine students, will not work or engage in business, will not make the UK their main home, will leave within 30 days of course completion or at 11 months (whichever is sooner), and can self-maintain and accommodate without public funds, including covering return journey costs and course fees. For applicants aged 16 or 17, parental consent requirements must be met as per Appendix Children. Grants are for 11 months, with conditions of no public funds, no work, and study only on the permitted course. Specific previous clauses STS 5.2 (financial requirements) and STS 7.2 (parental consent) have been deleted.

The Child Student route is for individuals aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK that is a student sponsor. Applicants aged 16 or 17 can choose to apply either as a Child Student at an independent school or as a Student under Appendix Student if their course is at or above Regulated Qualifications Framework level 3 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6. Applications for entry clearance must use the “Child Student visa” form, and for permission to stay, the “Child Student” form. Validity requirements include paying fees and the Immigration Health Charge, providing biometrics and identity documents, and having a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued no more than 6 months before the application date. Applicants must be 4 to 17 years old at the application date. Specific care, living, and guardianship arrangements must be in place for the applicant's safety. A points-based assessment requires 50 points for study (CAS, course, independent school study, age, parental consent) and 20 points for financial requirements, totalling 70 points. The CAS must be from a valid independent school sponsor and not used in a previous successful application. Courses must align with the National Curriculum, RQF, or equivalent, or be provided in accordance with independent school inspection standards. Parental consent is mandatory, and if the child lives with a nominated guardian, close relative, or private foster carer, they must be a British citizen or settled in the UK. Financial requirements vary based on living arrangements and previous time in the UK, requiring sufficient funds for outstanding course and boarding fees for one academic year, plus, if applicable, £570 per month for up to 9 months for a private foster carer or close relative.

The Student route is for individuals aged 16 or over wishing to study with a licensed sponsor in further or higher education, pre-sessional English courses, recognised foundation programmes, or to take an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer. Applicants must meet validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements, including a points-based assessment (70 points). Key requirements include a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, financial provisions (unless exempt), and English language proficiency. Certain Students (e.g., postgraduate, government-sponsored) can bring dependants. The route does not lead to settlement. Applicants outside the UK apply for entry clearance using form 'Student visa', whilst those in the UK apply for permission to stay using form 'Student'. Applications for entry clearance must be made no more than 6 months before the course start date on the CAS, and for permission to stay, no more than 3 months before the course start date on the CAS. Permission to stay applicants must be in the UK on the application date and must not have last been granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules. Specific financial requirements apply, with funds needed for outstanding course fees and living costs (£1,529 per month for London, £1,171 per month for outside London, up to 9 months), unless exempt. Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, or Sudan cannot apply for entry clearance as a Student.