INTO Newcastle Students

Guidance for students studying at INTO Newcastle

Most students who are studying at INTO Newcastle will be on programmes below degree level, except for the Graduate Diploma. The Tier 4 or Student Route rules and conditions for students studying below degree level (Academic English, International Foundation, International Year One) can be very different from those for students studying at degree level. For guidance on Tier 4 or the Student Route, you should first look at the Student Route Guidance.

Short Term Study visas

If you are in the UK on a 6 month Standard Visitor visa or 11 month Short Term Study visa, you won’t be able to renew your visa or apply for a Student Route visa in the UK.

You can only study an English language programme on an 11 month Short Term Study visa.

You should leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your programme(s) or at the end of your visa, whichever is sooner.

Tier 4 or Student Route Visa

See below for information on the Tier 4 or Student Route Visa.

Time limits for Tier 4 and Student Route students studying below degree level

Students can only spend a limited number of years in the UK on a Tier 4 and Student Route visa. When calculating the permitted time spent in the UK, UKVI take into consideration all of the time you have spent in the UK on both types of visa, not just the time you’ve studied here.

The time limits for students studying at degree level are different from those studying below degree level. Further information about the time limits can be found at the UKCISA webpage.

If you have any concerns that applying for a new programme below degree level might not be possible under the Student Route due to time limits, please contact the Visa Support Team.

Requirements for making a Student Route application in the UK

There are specific requirements for students making a Student Route application in the UK.

If you have an offer from INTO Newcastle and are already in the UK or are already studying at INTO Newcastle, and you meet all appropriate Student Route requirements, you can get help with your Student Route application from the Visa Support Team.

English language requirements

The Student Route has specific English language requirements for students studying at degree level and below degree level.

University Policy for Sponsorship

INTO Newcastle is covered by Newcastle University’s Sponsor licence for the sponsorship of International students - see the University's Policy on Student Immigration Compliance (PDF: 235KB).

There are some circumstances when INTO Newcastle may not offer or may withdraw sponsorship.

Working in the UK during your studies

There are different Tier 4 and Student Route conditions for working in the UK for below degree level and degree level students.

Most INTO Newcastle students, except those studying a Graduate Diploma, are restricted to 10 hours work per week during term-time.

You can work more hours than those stated on your Tier 4 or Student Route visa only during INTO Newcastle vacations and for the time remaining on your visa at the end of your programme. If you want to work during these times, you should obtain written confirmation that it is either an INTO vacation period or that you have completed your programme. Your employer will need written confirmation of this before they can employ you for more than the hours stated on your visa.

If you are in the UK on a Short Term Study visa, you can’t undertake any employment in the UK.

Help from the Visa Support Team

The Visa Support Team can answer your questions about your visa at our drop in sessions or by email.

The Visa Support Team can also help you with your Student Route application in the UK.

They will contact you by email several weeks before your visa expires and provide you with the relevant information. You must follow the information provided if you intend to apply for your next Student Route visa in the UK.

Making a Student Route application outside of the UK

In some circumstances, due to Student Route rules, you may need to make a Student Route application in your home country.