The Points Based System of Studying Abroad and Adult Students

Feb. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Many Filipino adults applying to study abroad in the UK may find themselves overwhelmed by the huge amount of information and paperwork they have to deal with.  Applying for student visas, scholarships…the list seems to go on and on.  Fortunately, Finest Workers Limited is here to assist you in all of your applications, and unlike some Philippines-based companies, we do not charge you any consultation fees.  The following are some of the most common pieces of information for students applying for a Tier 4 study abroad visa.

The Student Visa

First of all, all students studying in the UK will need to have a student visa.  There are several different types of student visas.  As an adult student, you will be applying for either an adult student visa or a student visitor visa.  Anyone who is going to study at a university needs an adult student visa.  However, if you are simply coming to the UK to study for less than six months and do not want to work while studying, you can apply for a student visitor visa.  Note that once you are in the UK, you cannot switch from a student visitor visa to an adult student visa.  You must apply from the Philippines if you wish to change to an adult student visa.  You can apply for your visa three months before your courses start.

Prospective Student Visa

If you are uncertain which university you wish to attend or which course you want to study, you can apply for a prospective student visa.  You can also apply for a prospective student visa if you plan on starting your studies within six months.  You can then apply for an adult student visa while living in the UK.

Are There Any Fees for Applying Under the Tier 4 Points Based System?

Yes.  If you are applying for a student visa from the Philippines, you will need to pay £145.  If you are applying for an extension visa from within the UK, the fees are £357 for applications made through the postal system and £565 for applications made at the Public Enquiry Office.

Maintenance Fees for Adult Students

You will be required to show that you can pay all maintenance fees (general cost of living fees) while you are studying in the UK.  For those who are taking courses that last for nine months or less, you will need to show that you can afford all of your university fees and tuition plus £800 per month if you are in inner London or £600 per month if you are living in outer London or other areas of the UK.  

If your courses will last more than nine months, you’ll need to show that you can pay your first year of fees plus £7,200 for inner London or £5,400 for other locations.  This is the estimated amount necessary to cover the costs of living in the UK for one academic period (nine months).

To prove you can afford your maintenance fees, you will need to provide documents showing that you have the required cash in an account in your name, in an account your parent/guardian’s name, show that you have a loan in your name, or show that you have secured financial sponsorship.

What Counts as “Inner London”?

The Tier 4 system considers the following boroughs to be in inner London and thus subject to the higher maintenance fees: Camden, City of London, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, and Westminster.  

Working While Studying

Once you receive your student visa, you will be eligible to work while you are studying in the UK.  You can work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and full time during all vacations.  As a student, you do not need to get approval from the UK Border Agency to work.  You can also do work placement as part of your course work, but the work placement cannot take up more than 50% of your total course time.

Common Reasons for Your Tier 4 Study Abroad Application Being Refused

If you find your application to study abroad in the UK has been refused, there are several things to check:

Did you pay the correct fees?  
Do your visa letters contain all of the required information?  
Are all of your supporting documents in order?
Is there more than a month before the beginning of your next course?
Do you have enough cash on hand to meet the maintenance requirements?

Finest Workers Limited is here to help!

Have more questions or need more information?  Feel free to contact Finest Workers Limited at info@finestworkers.co.uk to consult with one of our professional experts on studying abroad in the UK.  You can also find more information on our website at www.finestworkers.co.uk.  Good luck in reaching your goal of completing a degree at a top UK university!
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