Glasgow Metropolitan College is a 'Highly Trusted' Sponsor by the UK Border Agency(UKBA).
Visa for Students Under the Points Based System
If you are from a visa national country, you will require a visa to enter the UK. From the end of March 2009, a Points Based System (PBS) will apply to student visa application. Under Tier 4 of the system, there are two new types of student visas and you need the ‘General Student’ Visa in order to study a full time course at the college.
To obtain a ‘General Student’ visa, you have to score at least 40 points – the pass mark against the following two sets of objective criteria: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies – 30 points; Maintenance and Funds Test – 10 points.
If you applied to study an English language course at the college, for a Tire 4 ‘General Student’ visa, the lowest level of our English course you could apply will be the ESOL Intermediate course ( for the course information, please click the link for ESOL on the left). To apply for this course, you are required to have already achieved certain level of English language skills at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level B1 which equivalents to IELTS 3.5 to 4.5.
You must also be able to follow your intended course of study. If you are married, you can bring your spouse and children under 18 years of age with you only if the course you applied to study at the college lasts more than 6 months. However, you must show that you have sufficient funds to look after your family during your study in the UK. During the term time, you are allowed to work maximum 20 hours per week only if you are studying a HND course in the college. If the course you applied to study is below degree level and is not a HND course, you are only allowed to work maximum 10 hours per week during term time and your dependants are not allowed to work (unless they qualify to work in their own right under Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the points-based system).
For further information, you can visit the UK Border Agency website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/
You can also contact the college by emailing international@glasgowmet.ac.uk and ask for advice on preparation for the visa application. Please also check with the British Council and/or British Embassy/High Commission in your country on what your requirements are.