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Study limit and length of Student visa

The Home Office sets a maximum time limit on how long you may spend studying in the UK while holding a Student visa. This will be dependent on your level of study. 

Bachelor's Degree level 

  • There is a five-year cap on the time you can spend studying at RQF Level 6, e.g. bachelor's degree or graduate diploma.

Postgraduate level 

  • There is no limit on the amount of time you can spend studying at RQF Level 7 or above, e.g. master's degree, PG diploma or PhD.

We may request your previous immigration and education history in the UK if this information is not included in your application form. 

Length of Student visa granted

The duration of your visa depends on the length of your course, which is calculated on the basis of the course start and end dates stated on your CAS.  

  • If the total length of the course is 12 months or longer, add four months to the course end date.
  • If the total length of the course is less than 12 months but longer than six months, add two months to the course end date.
  • If the total length of the course is less than six months (calculated as 180 days), add seven days to the course end date.