Visa Application
The University of Leicester is licensed by the UK Border Agency to sponsor international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System and is classified as a ‘Highly Trusted’ sponsor. Our sponsor licence number is JTV8BV799. For further information on the UK Border Agency register of sponsors, please visit their website
Most international students who will spend more than six months on a course of study and who are from outside of the European Union or European Economic Area will need to apply for a visa and provide evidence of study to be able to enter the UK as a student.
If you need a visa, you must apply to the UK immigration authorities. To find out where your nearest embassy or Visa Application Centre is, please visit the FCO website.
Applying for a visa can be a complicated and lengthy process, therefore it is advisable that you allow plenty of time for this and you ensure that the documents you submit with your application are accurate and appropriate. When your visa application is assessed by the UK Border Agency, they will consider the following aspects: the college or university at which you wish to study; your chosen course and your ability to follow it; your finances and your intentions during and after your studies.
Documents required for a visa application
As a general guide, your visa application should contain the following supporting information:
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Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from the University of Leicester: this is contained within your CAS statement. Although you are able to apply for a CAS from more than one university, you are obliged to select only one university at the point you make a visa application. Your chosen university effectively sponsors you for the duration of your studies, therefore your visa is tied to this institution. You are not permitted to change institution without seeking approval from UKBA first.
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Original copies of the academic qualifications used by admissions staff to make an admissions decision. It is important that you submit the documents that we have listed in your CAS statement otherwise your visa application may be refused. Specifically, this refers to evidence of your highest or most relevant academic qualification and of your English language ability, if required.
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Bank or building society statements to evidence your ability to pay for the course and your living costs in the UK: the account can be in your name, or in your parents’ or a legal guardian’s name only. If the account is not in your name, you will need to demonstrate how you are related to them and that you have their permission to use the money for the purposes of your education.
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Evidence of government or employer sponsorship if you will be sponsored: this should be a letter of confirmation on official headed paper or stationery and must bear the organisation’s official stamp. It must show:
- Your name
- The name and contact details of the official sponsor
- The date of the letter
- The length of the sponsorship
- The amount of money the sponsor is giving or a statement that they will cover all of your fees and living costs.
However, it is important that you also familiarise yourself with the latest information on making a visa application by consulting the UK Border Agency guidance.
A further source of support is UKCISA, a national advisory board which offers useful guidance on the visa application process.
Undergraduate applicants
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree (such as a BA or BSc), please read the following:
Postgraduate applicants
If you are applying for a postgraduate degree (such as an MA or MSc), please read:
UK Border Agency
It may be useful to refer to additional Student Visa Policy Guidance on the UK Border Agency website.
