If you are thinking of coming to the UK to study, either here at Leeds College of Art or at any other institution, it is essential that you arrange your visa (or "entry clearance") before you leave your country. This is because the UK has very strict immigration regulations and people from countries outside of the E.E.A. have to apply for a study visa (or "entry clearance") before they arrive in the country.
However, you should not make final arrangements for your journey to Leeds until you have met all the entry requirements for the course and received an unconditional offer of a place to study. This information tells you what you need to know about UK immigration before traveling here to study.
Students from the EEA do not need to apply for a visa
Entry Clearance
The documents you require will depend upon your country of residence and your nationality.
Visa Nationals
If you come from a country whose citizens need a visa to enter the UK, you must obtain a Student Visa before traveling to the UK.
To find out if you need to apply for a visa before you arrive in the country, we recommend that you check the following website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/
If you do not have access to the internet, your nearest British Council office will be able to tell you whether you are a visa national.
Non-Visa Nationals
If you are a non-visa national you also must to obtain entry clearance before coming to the UK.
How do I apply for entry clearance?
Whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national, the procedure for applying for entry clearance is the same. It is compulsory for everyone (even those who are not visa nationals) to obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK, if they want to enter as 'students'
You must apply for entry clearance at the British Embassy, High Commission or British Consulate in the country of your nationality, or the country in which you are living.
In order to apply for a visa you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies or CAS.
CAS is an electronic document that is created by a UK Border Agency licensed sponsor to demonstrate that they have accepted an applicant to join one of their courses in the UK. Under Tier 4 an applicant must have a CAS before making an application. The total cost of a CAS is £1500 deposit in addition to the £10 fee.
To apply for your visa you will be required to complete the Tier 4 Application form and you will be charged a fee for your application to be processed. You will also be asked to provide two recent passport-sized photographs and your current passport. You will need to complete form VAF 9 PBS Migrant AND and BPS Appendix 8 (General Student)
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/
Application forms are available at the address listed above
Leeds College of Art is on the Register of Highly Trusted Education and Training Providers.
Please be aware that you may be required to attend the office for more than one interview concerning your application.
You must meet the following conditions in order get a student visa or entry clearance as a student:
• You must have a minimum amount of cash in a bank or building society account. The account can be in your name, or in your parents' or legal guardian's name. See the Tier 4 Policy Guidance, paragraphs 127-134 (General students) for full details. You will need to prove you have at least the full year’s course fees in addition to £600 per month for an international student visa This would mean you need £5400 plus your fees
• You must have been accepted on to a course of study at Leeds College of Art
• You need to pay your deposit
• Complete your CAS Questionnaire and return this to the College with any required information and been issued a CAS
• You must be able and intend to follow a full-time degree course, or a weekday full-time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours per week of organized, day-time study.
• You must be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance (living expenses, including accommodation) and the maintenance of your husband/wife and children (if they are with you) without working in the UK or claiming public funds, showing that you have £5,400 plus the full course fee to cover the cost of the first 9 months in the UK
• You must not intend to work in the UK, except part-time or vacation work
• You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
• The cost is now £145 for applications made by post
Required documents
All those hoping to seek entry to the UK as a student are expected to produce various documents to show that they meet the Immigration Rules for students. These are:
• A Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies or CAS
• Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family (if applicable)
This could include evidence of a government sponsorship and/or bank statements.
Information on all of the above can be found on the this link.