Visas and work rights
Visa applications
Entry conditions for international students from outside the EU or European Economic Area are governed by the Tier 4 points based system. Students are expected to gain 40 points before they are entitled to a student visa. It is vital that students provide all the documentation and fulfil the exact Home Office requirements or their visa application will be refused. For full details about what is required you should read the Border Agency policy guidance.
Find out more about applying for a student visa.
Latest news on visas and work rights
On 22 March 2011 the Home Secretary announced some changes to the student visa that you will need to be aware of. We are pleased to see the government is sending a clear signal that it welcomes international students who want to study with high quality British universities like Middlesex.
The main areas affected by the student visa changes are:
English language requirements
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes:
Current Middlesex University English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are already in line with the government’s new requirements. We are therefore not affected by the raised level of English language requirements. Find out more about accepted English language tests.
Pre-sessional and foundation programmes:
The government recognises the importance of the pre-degree pathways that many international students access prior to undertaking their studies at UK universities, for instance those who wish to improve their English skills. Middlesex University’s admissions policies for these programmes meet the government’s new requirements. For more information on recognised English language tests please visit the Home Office website.
Work rights while studying in the UK
International students can still gain valuable work experience in the UK. Undergraduate and postgraduate students will be able to work 20 hours per week during term time and work full-time hours during vacations. Pre-degree level students will be able to work 10 hours per week.
Middlesex University students receive dedicated support to find appropriate work placements during their time of study here in London. Our ‘work placement’, ‘student ambassadors’ and ‘volunteering’ schemes are open to international students and comply with the government’s new restrictions on the study/work ratio. Find out more.
Post study work rights
As of April 2012, students who want to gain valuable work experience in England after completion of their studies can continue to do so if they fulfil the following conditions:
- Students will have to obtain graduate jobs with a highly trusted sponsoring employer (Tier 2 of the points-based-system)
- Students will have to receive a minimum annual salary of £20,000
Applications have to be made under Tier 2 of the points based system.
Dependants
Only postgraduate students studying in the UK for 12 months or more will be able to bring family members with them. Family members can apply for full-time work rights. Undergraduate and pre-degree students will no longer be able to bring dependants with them.
Length of stay on student visas
The overall time international students can spend in the UK on their student visas will be limited to three years at pre-degree level and five years at degree level. PhD students are exempt from this regulation.
More information
For more information please visit the Home Office website
More information from MiddlesexUniversity:
Information for prospective students:
International Admissions
intadmissions@mdx.ac.uk
Information for current students:
Christine Struwe, Visa and Immigration Advisor
C.Struwe@mdx.ac.uk
