Student Visitor Visas

If you are coming to study at Durham University for 6 months or less, or to study part time, you can apply for a Student Visitor visa. This is an alternative to the Tier 4 (General) Student visa and is not part of the Points Based immigration System (PBS).

Your Department or School will provide you with a letter giving details about the University and your study which are required in addition to the completed application form VAF1D.

UKBA Student Visitor Visa information 

Points to note about Student Visitor visas: 

• Your programme should normally be studied part-time, though full-time study is acceptable.
• The period of study must be completed in less than six months
• Distance Learning students can use this visa if they need to attend for periods in th UK, providing the period does not exceed 6 months. 
• You cannot use this visa to study a full-time programme on a part-time basis
• You cannot work in the UK as a Student Visitor
• A Student Visitor Visa cannot be extended in the UK and you must return home to apply for any other type of visa.

Extended Student Visitor visas

Students studying English language programmes (such as pre-sessional English) can apply for an extended Student Visitor Visa allowing them to stay for up to 11 months. The extended Student Visitor Visa is only available to applicants outside the UK.

UKBA website: Student Visitors

Further guidance including requirements and application costs can be found on the UK Council for International Affairs (UKCISA) information sheet