(2013 entry)
The UK Government has introduced a Points-Based System (PBS) for immigration. Tier 4 of this system affects international students from outside the EEA/EU who are applying for entry clearance or a student visa to come to the UK, or those who are already studying in the UK and applying for a new degree course. The system is intended to produce a more transparent and objective application process.
It is a requirement of the PBS that institutions have to be registered with the UK Border Agency in order to recruit international students. The University of Sussex is registered and has been awarded Highly Trusted Sponsor Status, the highest available.
Once your offer by the University is confirmed as unconditional, you will be issued with a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’ (CAS) number, which you will need to use as part of your visa application. To be able to apply for a student visa, you will need a total of 40 points: 30 points will be awarded for a CAS and a further 10 points for showing you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and £600 per month for accommodation and living expenses (up to a maximum of nine months). This money must have been in your bank account for at least 28 days before you submit your visa application.
Note that, as of July 2011, students on undergraduate courses are not allowed to bring family to the UK unless they are government-sponsored students taking a course of six months or more.
You will be expected to make a final choice of university before applying for your visa. When you are issued the visa, it will allow you to study only at that particular institution. It is therefore very important to apply for your visa with a CAS from your chosen university. Note that, as part of the requirements under PBS, universities are required to notify the UK Border Agency if a student does not register as expected, withdraws from their course, or does not maintain good attendance.
Further details about immigration procedures for Sussex applicants are available at Visas and immigration. General information about the Points-Based System is available on the UK Council for International Student Affairs.