Time limits on studies

There is a limit on how long you can spend studying in the UK while holding a Tier 4 (General) or Student visa at degree level (Bachelors RQF level 6).

Generally, a person can only study for a bachelor's degree for five years in the UK whilst on a student visa. 

When calculating how long you have studied in the UK, the UKVI will use the dates that your visa was valid rather than the actual amount of time you have spent in the UK. This means that the one month issued before the course starts and the four months issued after the course ends will count toward the five-year limit.  

The five-year time limit will not apply if you apply for one of the following subjects:

  • Architecture
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary medicine and science
  • Music at a music college that is a member of Conservatoires UK
  • Law, where the student has completed a course at degree level or above and is applying for a course of study which is:
    • A law conversion course validated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board in England and Wales
    • Masters in Law (MLaw) in Northern Ireland
    • An accelerated graduate LLB in Scotland.

There is no time limit for postgraduate level courses.


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.