Changing University: Moving to Durham

If you are already studying in the UK and you plan to start a new course at Durham University you may need to extend your existing student visa. 

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

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

If you would like to move from your current education provider to Durham University you must make a fresh Tier 4 student visa application (with the CAS number you will be given) before you arrive at Durham University.

If you do not have your new visa by the time you come to enrol, Durham University will allow you to enrol on your new course before a decision on your visa application has been made. However, you do this at your own risk and if your visa application is later refused, you may be forced to withdraw from your course.

To enrol, you must provide proof that you have applied for a new visa, either with the Confirmation Letter from UKBA or the Special Delivery receipt from the Post Office

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

For information on applying for a new Tier 4 visa in the UK, click here.

If you applied for your current Tier 4 student visa between 31st March & 4th October 2009

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

Durham University will allow you to enroll on your new course before you have received permission to change education providers from UKBA. However, you will enroll at your own risk and permission is later not given, you may be forced to withdraw from your course. If you are refused permission to change institutions you should seek legal advice.

To enrol, you must provide proof that you have applied for permission to change Tier 4 Sponsors, either with a Confirmation Letter from UKBA or the Special Delivery receipt from the Post Office

If you need more time on your visa to complete your new course you can apply to extend 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 student visa before 31st March 2009

If you applied for your current visa before 31st March 2009 and do not have a Biometric Residence Permit (Identity card visa) then you do not need permssion from UKBA to change universities in the UK. You can enrol and study on your current visa but you should apply for a new Tier 4 Student visa before your current visa expires.