Choosing to study in the UK
Choosing to study in the UK is a big decision so you’ll want to be sure you’ve chosen the course and the university that are right for you. Getting familiar with our education system and entry requirements will help with your application process. Your British Council office can give you impartial advice about studying in the UK. You can also contact one of our recognised overseas education representatives in your country.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for each course are outlined on our course pages.
For information on whether your qualifications meet our entry requirements, please see our information for your country. If you have an enquiry about your specific circumstances or qualifications, you can contact:
Academic history
Importance advice: When completing your application for a course at Staffordshire University you must declare any previous study in the UK, regardless of whether you’ve achieved a qualification. Failure to do so will be considered an immigration offence, which will affect your Student visa application.
How long can you study in the UK?
You can spend no more than five years in the UK studying at or above UK bachelor's degree level as a student. This five-year limit is in addition to time spent studying below degree level as a student and in the Child Student visa category.
The limit is six years if you’re studying for a master's degree, following completion of an undergraduate degree where the length of that degree course is four or five academic years.
Law
The five-year limit does not apply if you’ve completed a course at degree level in the UK and are progressing to:
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a Law conversion course validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board; or
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the Legal Practice Course; or
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the Bar Professional Training Course
PhD
The time spent studying in the UK at or above the degree level for the completion of a PhD must not exceed eight years.
Please consult the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) from gov.uk for further information.