It is common for students to have a change to their study plans after starting their programme. This happens for a variety of reasons such as the need to take a break in studies, financial constraints, academic issues or other reasons. Depending on the change to your study plans your Student visa may be affected.
Transferring to a new programme mid-way through study
If you are transferring your programme because you wish to study something different then you may be able to start your new programme and keep the Student visa you were issued for your old programme. Initially, you should speak with your new School support office to see if you will be allowed to transfer. If there is enough time on your current visa to complete the new programme then you may be able to transfer without changing your visa. You can transfer without changing your visa if your new programme is at the same or a higher level than your previous programme and in the same field of study, or the two programmes help achieve your career aims. You must also be able to complete the new programme before your current Student visa expires. If this is the case, the University will inform the UK Home Office of the change in your course.
However, if there is not enough time on your current visa to complete your new programme or your new programme is at a lower level or not in the same field of study then you must make a new Student visa application outside the UK and obtain a new visa before you can transfer. For details about the process of transferring please see here.
Taking a break in your studies - suspending
If you need to take a break in your studies this is called a ‘suspension’. Students take a suspension of studies for a variety of reasons, such as medical, financial or maybe they just want to take a break and get some work experience.
A student who suspends studies whilst holding a UK Student visa sponsored by the University would need to leave the UK during the suspension period as their visa would become invalid. We explain what happens to a Student visa during a suspension period and action students need to take when they are due to resume online here. Details about the suspension process can be found online here.
Leaving your programme early - withdrawing
Occassionally students may need to finish their programme early and not complete; this is called ‘withdrawing’. Students who withdraw from studies whilst holding a UK Student visa would need to leave the UK soon after withdrawal as their visa would become invalid. We explain what happens to a Student visa when a student withdraws online here. Details about the withdrawal process can be found online here.
Repeating/Resitting parts of your programme
Some students are given the option to repeat parts of their programme, for example, if you have previously failed, or there were extenuating circumstances which affected your ability to study. It will depend on whether the repeat is with or without attendance as to how this would affect your UK Student visa. Please ask the IAG team for further advice once you know whether if you are able to repeat with or without attendance.
Extending your programme
Some students are given the option to extend their programme length. This is usually only research students, however, some taught students at the end of their studies are also given this option. If your programme length is extended please speak with the IAG team for advice on whether it is possible to extend your Student visa to remain in the UK until your new programme end date.
Speak to a International Advice and Guidance advisor
If you are unable to find an answer to your query on our web pages email iagteam@liverpool.ac.uk or book an online confidential one-one appointment.