Visa Preparation - Keele University
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Keele International: Study Abroad

Visa Information for Chinese Study Abroad Students

As a non-EU international student you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa (also called 'Entry Clearance') to study in the UK.

Details of your nearest Visa Application Centre can be found here:

Visa Application Centres in China 

To apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, you need to complete two application forms:

Points Based System Form VAF9

AND

Appendix 8 Tier 4 (General) Student


You are required to apply for entry clearance before you leave China.  You should apply for your visa as soon as you have received your CAS from Keele University.  Applications can take a long time so please make sure you apply as soon as possible.

Please check the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk to make sure you have the latest version of the application form and guidance as they are frequently updated and amended. 

Checking your Visa

Once you have been granted your visa, you must check it thoroughly to make sure that all the information is correct. 

If you apply as a Tier 4 (General) Student and are coming to Keele for one year of study abroad, your visa should end:

  • Two months after the end of the course if your total course length is six months or more, but less than 12 months.

Make sure the following details are correct:

  • Name is spelled correctly
  • Date of birth
  • Type of visa
  • Check the 'valid until' date
  • You will be required to register with the Police on arrival in the UK. Keele has special arrangements in place with Staffordshire Police and International Student Support can assist you with this.
  • Your working permissions and restrictions

If you think any of the information on your visa is wrong, please contact International Student Support at iss@acad.keele.ac.uk for advice and assistance. 

Medical Screening

You may be required to get a certificate to show that you do not have infectious tuberculosis (TB).  There are plans to introduce more countries to the list of those requiring a TB test over the next 18 months.  Please check regularly with the website mentioned below.

There is a cost for this screening and it is your responsibility to meet this cost.  Further information and how to apply can be found on the following website - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/guidance/ecg/med/