Visa Information

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

To find out if you will need a visa, please click here.

General Student Visa (GSV), Tier 4 (PBS)

• Students must be at least 16
• Students must have CEF B1 level English, ready to study at level B2
• You will need to provide evidence of your level.
• The course you apply for must have a minimum of 15+ hours a week of organised daytime study. Please note that evening classes do not count towards your required hours

• Until 1 April 2012, if the course involves a work placement, the work placement itself must not exceed 50% of the total programme length. From 1 April 2012, visa regulations specify that the work placement must not exceed 30% of the course length
• Applicants will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Crest Schools of English

• Students must be able to show that they have enough money available to pay for their course fees and living costs in the UK without working or using public funds

How much funding will I need to show?

• You will need to prove you have the funds to pay the course fees (either for the length of the entire course or for the first year)
• living costs* for the length of the course or 9 months (whichever is shorter)

*From April 2012 students must budget for £800 per month to study at Crest Schools of English in Edgware (this is £200 cheaper per month than schools in Central London!)

Student Visitor Visa (SVV) / Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV)

• Students must be at least 18 years and planning to study for no more than 11 months in the UK
• Available for students with any level of English, including beginners
• Students must leave the UK at the end of their course. There is a short amount of time after the course ends for students to prepare for their departure
• Applicants must be able to support themselves and be able to pay for their accommodation
• Students cannot work
• Students cannot renew their visa but they can apply for a GSV (see above) after they have arrived back in their country
• Applicants under 18 should apply for a child visitor visa: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visitingtheuk/childvisitors/

Please see the information above for proof of funds, amount of funds, and living costs.

You must show your visa stamp in your passport or your identity card at port when you arrive. We advise that you carry the documents you provided with your original application (or copies of them) in your hand luggage, including your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) or your original visa letter.

For more information on visas, please visit the following websites:

UKBA: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/

UK Visas: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply

For pre-departure advice and orientation:

British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/eumd-immigration

Crest will not be held responsible for changes introduced by the Home Office which might affect students’ status and will not be held liable for the above information.