Enquiry form
You can contact us through our online enquiry form. We strongly encourage people to contact us through the online enquiry form rather than emailing us directly.
Tier 4 pilot scheme
The University of Southampton is pleased to confirm that it has been invited to join a select number of UK universities in the Tier 4 pilot scheme. This is due to our consistently low visa refusal rates.
This means that if you are a student applying for a Tier 4 (general) student visa to commence a full-time postgraduate masters programme of 13 months or less in duration, you will be given an additional 6 months on your visa after your programme end date (instead of 4 months). Eligible students will not have to submit academic qualifications or evidence of funds as part of their visa application. However, ATAS certificates and/or TB certificates (if applicable) will still need to be submitted. This applies to students starting their masters in the 2018/19 academic year. FAQ on the Tier 4 pilot scheme.
The University has a dedicated team of staff to provide information and advice about visas and immigration for students and their dependants
The University of Southampton's VISAS Team:
- Offer advice and guidance on matters relating to UK Tier 4 immigration.
- Support international students, their dependants and recent graduates with immigration issues relating to study in the UK.
- Manage the application process and help to submit applications on behalf of current students extending their visas under Tier 4 (General).
- Liaise with UKVI on compliance matters.
The University is an Alternative Collection Location (ACL) for Tier 4 visas. We recommend that you use the University as the ACL if you are applying for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card for your Tier 4 visa. The ACL code is: 2HE382.
Lost passports and visas
If you have lost your passport or visa (e.g. BRP card) then there are some important steps that you must take.
Visa drop-in and appointments
We offer a drop-in service for quick questions regarding your visa or you can book an appointment to speak, in depth, with one of our visa advisors.
Applying from outside the UK
Information on applying for a visa from outside of the UK.
Applying from inside the UK
Information on extending your Tier 4 visa from within the UK.
Attendance and absence
Information on attendance requirements for Tier 4 students, as well as absence from studies.
Working in the UK
Find out more about restrictions and advice for working alongside your studies in the UK under a Tier 4 visa.
Inviting visitors to the UK
How to arrange for visitors to come to the UK.
Deferring, changing or suspending your course
Information regarding deferring, changing, or suspending your studies and how this will affect your visa.
Travelling outside the UK during your studies
Find out more information about travelling abroad while studying in the UK and how this may affect your visa.
Police registration
Information on registering with the police if you have this visa requirement.
Pre-sessional
Advice and guidance for pre-sessional students looking to extend their Tier 4 visas.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
If you cannot find the information that you need on our website then the UK Government's website may contain further information.
Further information and advice from UKCISA
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website contains useful further information for international students.
Useful Downloads
- Tier 4 Under 18 Guardian Consent Form (PDF Format)
- Tier 4 Under 18 Guardian Consent Form (Word Format)
- Student guide - Lost Passports and Visas
- Tier 4 Student - Declaration and consent
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Word Doc
The information contained in this website is believed to be correct at the time of publication. For further information please ensure that you refer to the relevant guidance from the UKVI at the time of applying. The University of Southampton is not responsible for the content of external webpages or information published by Government bodies.
Please note: The University of Southampton is not responsible for the content on any external websites.