In January 2024, regulations prevented many international undergraduates and postgraduate students from bringing dependent family members to the UK. Due to the regulations, the Home Office witnessed a steep drop in applications, but as an aspiring student, this won’t hold you back.
Whether you missed the September deadline or your preferred course begins in 2025, January intake is the ideal time for international students to start fresh. Below, we cover which universities offer January intakes, including details on organising your student visa.
What Universities Offer January Intakes?
Most UK universities offer January intakes for various degrees, so if a September (2024) start wasn’t right, you still have time to apply today. Locations include Coventry, Westminster, Huddersfield and Bradford – for a comprehensive list, refer to the Complete University Guide.
Universities may have different intake deadlines, but most will close applications by the end of September. You should refer to the university’s website or, if you’re applying through UCAS, search for information there.
For international students, you must complete an English language test – e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Cambridge English Advanced – to showcase your proficiency. These tests are also accepted by UK immigration, so it’s crucial for your student visa, too.
When Is the Deadline for UK Student Visa Applications?
Once you’ve received an unconditional offer, you should apply for a UK student visa immediately. You can apply as early as 6 months before starting, but with January just around the corner, you should get your application submitted in October.
It can take a few weeks (or more) to get a response, so don’t leave it late, especially if your application requires more information. Student visas can get rejected for a number of reasons, so you’ll need time to prepare and get your documentation in order.
What Are the New Rules for UK Student Visas in 2024?
With a student visa, you can study and choose to work as a student union sabbatical officer. You may be eligible to work elsewhere, depending on what you’re studying and if you work in or outside of term time.
Other exclusions include overstaying the duration of your visa, claiming public funds and pensions, being self-employed or working in certain jobs. If you want to extend your stay or work in the UK, apply for a graduate visa or skilled worker visa instead.
How to Fund Student Tuition & Living Expenses
As part of a UK student visa application, you must provide evidence of the available funding to support your expenses. Student tuition fees are your biggest cost, with yearly fees nearly double that of ‘home’ students.
To fund both studies and living expenses, you should have one or more of the following in place for January intake:
- Personal funds;
- University scholarship;
- Sponsorship from an organisation, charity or individual; or,
- Government funds
You must provide sufficient evidence of your financial support to improve your chances of getting a UK student visa in time.
Need Support with Your Student Visa?
Applying for university is stressful enough, so let Holmes & Partners carry the burden of your UK student visa application. Our immigration consultants will check and advise on all documentation required, prepare your application, liaise with the Home Office and answer any questions you have.
As experts in student visas, we guarantee your application will be handled swiftly and effectively. Give yourself time to prepare for your dream school, and contact our team today to get started.
