Changing University: Leaving Durham

If you are studying at Durham and decide to start a new course at another UK university or education provider, you may need to extend your existing student visa. 

If you have a Tier 4 student visa for Durham University, you will need to seek permission from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to start your studies at your chosen education provider, or you may be required to apply for a new visa. Read on for more information.

If you applied for your current student visa before the 5th October 2009

If you would like to move from Durham University to another UK University or other education provider and use the remaining leave on your current visa to start and complete your new course there, you must get permission from UKBA to do this first. You must apply to UKBA using the Tier 4 (PTS) application form (permission to change Tier 4 sponsor) to request permission.

You should contact your new university or education provider and ask them whether you will be allowed to enroll on your new course before you have received permission to change from UKBA. If you are not allowed to do this, you must wait until UKBA give you the permission to change before you enroll at your new university or education provider. If you are refused permission to change institutions you should seek legal advice.

If you will need more time on your visa to complete your new course you can apply for an extension of your visa in the usual way.

For more information, read the UKBA guidance on changing to a different education provider.

If you applied for your current Tier 4 student visa after the 5th October 2009

If you would like to move from Durham University to another UK university or education provider you cannot use the procedure above and must make a fresh Tier 4 student visa application (with the CAS number you will be given) before you arrive at your chosen university.

If you do not have your new visa by the time you come to enroll, you may not be allowed to enroll on your new course until your new visa is granted. This depends on the education provider you are moving to and you should check with them before you move.

For more information, read the UKBA guidance on changing to a different education provider.