.

Applying to enter the UK with a current student visa.

If you are starting a new course but already have an existing Tier 4 student visa for Aston University, or any other institution in the UK, you are strongly advised against re-entering the UK with your existing visa. Your current visa may have been reported to the UKBA and as such may not be valid.  You may also be refused entry to the UK if your previous course has finished.  (You will not be able to enrol on a new course at Aston University even if you have an existing visa which covers the duration of the course and will have to apply for a new visa).

If you do try and enter the UK on your old visa you must carry your new Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) in your hand luggage and be sure that you are able to make a valid visa application on arrival.  If you are unable to make a valid visa application on arrival you will not be able to enrol on your course and are likely to be required to return to your home country.

The application from outside the UK is very similar to those applying for a new Tier 4 student visa. The main difference is that if you have an 'established presence in the UK' you need only show £1600 + remaining tuition fees to be paid for 28 days for maintenance instead of the usual £7200.  

You have an established presence only if you have a valid student or Tier 4 visa for the UK and 

  • you finished a single course that was at least six months long within the period of your current Tier 4 or student visa  [For example: this would apply if you have completed an undergraduate course at another institution; have been issued a CAS for a Master's course at Aston University; have returned to your home country and make your new visa application before your current visa expires.]
    or 
  • you are applying for to continue on a single course where the applicant has completed at least six months [If you are in this position you are not a new student; it means you are already enrolled on a course at Aston University.]


For further help on applying from outside of the UK please see here. (Just remember to check whether you qualify for the reduced maintenance levels if you meet the definition above for an established presence in the UK). Any problems please contact us.

If you have a Tier 4 student visa for another institution, and want to study at Aston University you will be required to make a fresh Tier 4 general application from within the UK.  Please come to the Hub help desk to book an appointment with a visa adviser; we will then be able to send your application for you.  Please do not send your application by yourself; you may not be able to enrol on your course if you do so. If you have any questions please contact us.

Please check if you qualify for the reduced maintenance levels if you have and 'established presence in the UK'. This would mean you need only show £1600 + remaining tuition fees to be paid for 28 days for maintenance instead of the usual £7200.  

You have an established presence only if you have a valid student or Tier 4 visa for the UK and 

  • you finished a single course that was at least six months long within the period of your current Tier 4 or student visa  [For example: this would apply if you have completed an undergraduate course at another institution; have been issued a CAS for a Master's course at Aston University; have returned to your home country and make your new visa application before your current visa expires.]

    or 
  • you are applying for to continue on a single course where the applicant has completed at least six months [If you are in this position you are not a new student; it means you are already enrolled on a course at Aston University.]

 

This process is very similar to making an extension application. For further information please see  here. (Just remember to check whether you qualify for the reduced maintenance levels if you meet the definition above for an established presence in the UK).

If you have an 'old style' student visa issued prior to 31st March 2009 and intend to undertake a course of study at Aston University using this visa please email issu@aston.ac.uk for further advice.

Last updated 23/04/2013 JLW