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- What is an acceptable course of study?
What is an acceptable course of study?
What is an acceptable course of study?
You must study a course at an acceptable level, and there are additional requirements for certain types of course.
You may be able to do a work placement as part of your course, and a short preparatory course (known as a 'pre-sessional course') - if you need one - before you begin your main course.
As well as being at an acceptable level, your course must be provided by an education provider which is a licensed Tier 4 (General) sponsor. For more information about sponsors, see the Your education provider page.
What is an acceptable course of study?
You must be applying to:
If you will be studying full-time on a course other than a Foundation Programme, the course must also:
(If you are studying English as a foreign language, this qualifies as 'an English language course'.)
If the course is below revised NQF level 6 or equivalent and is not an English language course or a study abroad programme, it must:
Level 3 of the NQF is equivalent to a UK 'A level'. Level 6 of the revised NQF is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.
Depending on your education provider and the level of your course, you may be able to do a work placement as part of the course. (See 'More information' below.)
Academic progression
If you have previously studied in the UK under Tier 4 (General) or under the student rules that were in force before 31 March 2009, your Tier 4 Sponsor cannot assign a CAS to you on or after 4 July 2011unless:
For example, you can be assigned a CAS to study for a new qualification at a higher academic level than your previous UK course, or to study for a qualification that complements or enhances your previous studies at the same level.