Adult students – Tier 4 (General)

This section explains how you can apply to come to or remain in the UK as an adult student under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system.

Tier 4 is part of our points-based system for immigration. It is for migrants who want to study in the UK.

This page contains basic information about the Tier 4 (General) category. Other pages will help you to decide whether you can and should apply in this category, and will give you the information you need to make an application.

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be able to study in the UK without needing to apply under Tier 4 (General) as an adult student. However, your ability to work while you are studying here may be restricted.

What is the Tier 4 (General) student category?

The Tier 4 (General) category is for adult students who want to come to or remain in the UK for their post-16 education.

If you are 16 or 17 years old and you want to study a course at or above National Qualfication Framework level 3, you can apply under this category or under Tier 4 (Child) – you should discuss and agree this with your approved education provider (known as a ‘Tier 4 sponsor’). But if you want to study English as a foreign language, you must apply as a Tier 4 (General) student.

Do you need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa?

You can study in the UK without a student visa if:

  • you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland;
  • you are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus;
  • you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK because at least one of your grandparents was born here; or
  • you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.