Visas

We welcome students from all over the world to study in our Hastings or London school. To attend one of our English language centres you may be required to apply for visa. It depends on your nationality and on the passport you hold.

If you are a European Union citizen (EU) you do not need a visa to study in the United Kingdom. The EU Members include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Switzerland is not in the European Union however Swiss nationals have the same rights as EU nationals as far as entering the UK for studying is concerned.

Visa Types

The two most common types of Visa for students are the General Student Visa (TIER4) and the Student Visitors Visas.

General Student Visas (TIER4) - Visa for 6 months or longer

General Student Visa is for students for 6 months or longer. 

The TIER4 Student Visa system has changed on the 21st of April, 2011. Students are not able to work with the TIER4 Student Visa in the United Kingdom.

To obtain a student visa you must be studying for a minimum of 15 hours per week (15 x 60 minutes).

Please note: our lessons are 50 minutes long. To comply with visa regulations you must study 20 LESSONS per week.

More Infromation

Student Visitor Visas - Visa for 6 month or less

The Student Visitors Visas is for students coming to study in the UK for six months or less. There is no minimum level of English. The application fee is lower that a General Student Visa's. A student visitor cannot work or extend their stay in the UK beyond six months under any circumstances.

More Information

Long Term Student Visitor Visas - Visa for 11 month or less

The Long Term Student Visitor Visa is for students who would like to come and study in the United Kingdom for eleven month or less. There is no minimum level of English. A student visitor cannot work or extend their stay in the UK beyond eleven months under any circumstances. Non-visa nationals (Japan, Chile, Argentina etc.) will also be required to apply for this Long Term Student Visitor Visa as it will not be available on arrival in the UK.

Long Term Student Visitor Visa is available from the 10 January 2011.

More Information

You can find more information on the non-visa nationals here.

Shane Global Hastings and Shane Global London are both Highly Trusted Sponsors by the UK Border Agency. We are able to provide a suitable visa letter for your application.

For more information on studying in the UK go to: UKBA - Studying in the UK or email us for more details.

Do you need help to apply for a course or a visa? We can help you.

We can provide you with the paperwork to apply for the visas.

Alternatively you can enrol with one of our local agents who can help you with your paperwork.

Email us to receive more information about our agents in your country.

WE DO NOT OFFER CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS.

• IF YOU APPLY FOR A COURSE WITH A CERTIFICATE THAT STATES THAT YOU HAVE A LEVEL OF ELEMENTARY OR ABOVE, AND  WE DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE A  BEGINNER WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT SCHOOL - YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE PRIVATE LESSONS AT EXTRA COST UNTIL YOU ARE ABLE TO JOIN AN ELEMENTARY CLASS.