No. 38 - Adult Student Visas - How Long Can I Stay?
As the table below illustrates, the length of time someone can stay in the UK on an adult student visa depends on the type and length of their course:
| Type of course | Length of course |
Length of stay allowed |
| Degree level or above | 12 months or more |
The full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course |
| Degree level or above |
Six months or more, but less than 12 months |
The full length of the course plus two months after the end of the course |
| Course to prepare for study (known as pre-sessional) | Less than six months |
The full length of the course plus one month after the end of the course |
| Short course (not one to prepare for study) | Less than six months |
The full length of the course plus seven days after the end of the course |
| Below degree level | 12 months or more |
The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years if you are 18 years old or above) plus four months after the end of your course |
| Below degree level | Six months or more, but less than 12 months |
The full length of the course plus two months after the end of your course |
| Postgraduate doctors and dentists on a recognised Foundation programme | Maximum of three years |
The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years) plus one month after the end of your course |
Studying below degree level
Students aged 18 or over who have already studied in the UK below degree level for three years on an adult student visa cannot apply for another visa to study below degree level.
Note, however, that this three-year limit does not include any time spent studying below degree level under the student rules that were in place before 31 March 2009.
Financial sponsorship
If a student has financial sponsorship, and their sponsor limits the length of time they can study in the UK, their permission to stay will be limited to the same length of time as their sponsorship.
** Additional Information & Advice **
You can obtain further information about immigration law on FindLaw.
As discussed in a previous blog entry, the UK government introduced new rules for student visas earlier this year - so instead of researching online, you may prefer to speak with a solicitor who specialises in immigration law.
You can be matched with a solicitor for free via solicitor matching services, which can also help you to understand the best course of action for your situation and whether you are ready to hire a solicitor.
