From April 21st 2011, new regulations came into force regarding UK student visa applications for nationals from outside the European Union/EEA under Tier 4. The FAQs below outline NCUK’s understanding of how the changes will affect students on NCUK programmes overseas and in the UK.

The most important message is that students who have successfully completed an NCUK course outside the UK and are progressing in the usual way to undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in the UK are unaffected by these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have passed the NCUK programme and have an unconditional offer for a degree course - do I have to take any additional tests to get a visa?
No. Undergraduate degree courses and postgraduate degree courses are exempt from these regulations.

2. I didn’t get the results I needed on the NCUK programme. If I want to study on another foundation programme in the UK, do I need an English test to get a visa?
Possibly. You will need to check with the centre offering the foundation programme.

3. I have a CAS issued before April 21st – if I apply for my visa after that is it still valid?
Yes. CAS letters are valid for 6 months.

4. I have a conditional offer for a degree course which means I have to pass their pre-sessional course first – do I need to take a test?
Yes. You will need to get a CAS for the presessional course and take a UKBA approved English test to get a visa. You will also need to re-apply for a new CAS after you complete the presessional course but you can do that when you are in the UK and your university will help you apply.

5. I want to come to study the IFY at an NCUK centre in the UK. I’ve taken the Password Test - do I need to take another test?
Yes. The Password Test is not on the UKBA approved list.

6. I want to be able to work part-time in the UK while I am studying my degree. Is this still possible?
Yes. You can still work part-time; students at university can work up to 20 hours per week.

7. I want to be able to work in the UK after I have finished my degree. Can I still work for two years with my student visa (the Post-Study Work Route)?
No. You would need to secure employment before your student (Tier 4) visa expires and apply for a Tier 2 visa. However, Tier 2 visas are easier to obtain than previously when you have found a job.

8. Following my NCUK programme I have not secured a place on a degree course. Can I still come to the UK to study?
Each year there are a small number of NCUK students who do not meet the EAP requirements for a degree course and are offered an alternative or linked programme in the UK below degree level (for example, a repeat foundation programme, pre-masters or HND in the UK). The NCUK EAP score is welcomed by institutions even for students who need to study at below degree level but you will also need a UKBA approved English test certificate (SELT) to apply for a visa. However, the need for a SELT is an extra requirement for a visa for students who are studying at below degree level. The following link gives the current list of approved SELTs: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbase dsystem/new-approved-english-language

Please note that the level of pass required for visa purposes for students in this category is low (currently, for example, the minimum in IELTS is 4.0 in each component, which is below the entrance level to NCUK programmes) and should be easily attainable by NCUK students, even if they have failed the NCUK EAP exam.

You can read more about the changes to visa regulations here