Latest News
Iran - Acceptable Financial Institutions for Points-Based System Visas
The UKBA has now issued lists of financial institutions in Iran (e.g. banks) from which it will or will not accept financial evidence. Students are recommended to ensure that financial resources intended to be used in a Tier 4 visa application are kept with a financial institution which is accepted by the UKBA.
Full information is available from the UKBA website.
Tenancy Deposit Protection changes from April 2012
From April 2012 landlords or agents who take a security deposit from a tenant have 30 days in which to safeguard the deposit in an approved scheme and to notify the tenant which scheme they have chosen. Landlords can face serious penalties for failing to comply with the requirements. Read our deposits information.
Tuition fee amounts for undergraduate UK and EU students for 2012/13 academic year
Returning students
- Normal study year rate - £3,465
- Placement year rate - £725
New students
- Normal study year rate - £9,000
- Placement year rate - £800 (generally 2014/15 academic year for those starting in 2012/13)
Immigration changes - 6 April 2012
The Government has published information on planned immigration changes from 6 April, including:
- If you apply for Tier 4 permission you must show that you have higher levels of funds. The rate for studying outside London increases from £600 to £800 per month, funds for dependants also increase from £400 to £450 per month.
- If you have paid accommodation fees to the University you will only be able to deduct a maximum of £1,000 from the maintenance you have to show when you make your application, even if you have paid more than this.
- Under Tier 4 (General) permission you will be limited to spending five years on courses at degree level (including Bachelors and Masters degrees). There will be exceptions if:
- your undergraduate degree course was four or five years long and you want to study a Master's degree at a higher education institution
- you want to study a PhD at a higher education institution (subject to a maximum 8 years spent in Tier 4 (General))
- you are studying a specific course: architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and science, law, music studied at a conservatoire.
- The Post Study Work scheme will close to new applicants on 5 April.
- There will be new opportunities for graduates to work under Tier 2. Sponsor employers will not need to show that they could not otherwise fill the post from the settled labour market, the post will not be subject to the annual limit on Tier 2 numbers.
- A new scheme called Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) will be introduced, most likely later in 2012.
Full details from the Home Office.
New visa application fees from 6 April
The UKBA has announced its intention to increase application fees from 6 April 2012. Tier 4 entry clearance fee is expected to rise to £289, the fees for extending a Tier 4 visa in the UK are set to rise to £394 (postal application) and £716 (applying in person).
More information is available on the UKBA website.
Contract checking service and more!
If you’re looking for a house or flat off-campus read our tenancy contracts information before you sign up. Make sure you understand what you are signing.
If you have any doubts get the contract checked at the Student Support Centre. Find out whether a retainer, deposit, or rent in advance is required and always get a signed, dated and itemised receipt for any payments.
2012 Fees and Finance
See Martin Lewis’ quick guide to the 2012 changes in tuition fees and student funding: View guide on Money Saving Expert website.
