Changing course or university on student visa

The answer depends on whether you are changing course with your existing university (sponsor) or moving to a different university, and on the details of the new course. In some situations you can continue on your current Student visa, but in many cases a fresh application is required.

Changing course at the same university

You can only change course without making a new immigration application if you stay with your current Student sponsor. This route is not available if you are moving to a different institution.

Even within the same university, changing course without a new application is only possible where all of the following are met:

1. Your current sponsor is a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

2. The new course is at degree level or above.

3. You can complete the new course within your current period of permission (your visa will not be extended, so the new course must finish before your visa expires).

4. Your sponsor confirms the new course is related to your previous course, for example it is connected to it or falls within the same subject group, or otherwise the sponsor is satisfied it supports your career progression.

If these conditions are satisfied, your university reports the change to the Home Office through its sponsorship duties, and you do not need to submit a new visa application. If any condition is not met, for example the new course would run beyond your current visa expiry, or it is unrelated to your original course, you will normally need to apply for a new period of permission before switching.

Changing to a different university

If you want to move to a different university or college, you cannot rely on the change of course rules described above. Changing sponsor requires a new Student visa application. The new sponsor must issue you a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and you must apply for and be granted permission before you start the new course. You should not begin studying at the new institution until the new visa has been granted.

Timing and the 28-day rule

If you need a new application, you must apply before your current visa expires, and the new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. Where you are applying for a further course of study, you will usually need to meet the academic progression requirement, which broadly means the new course represents progression from your previous study.

You can normally make a Student visa application from inside the UK to study at a new institution, provided you meet the requirements. Be careful with unrelated course transfers: if a proposed transfer does not meet the change of course conditions and cannot be treated as a valid in-country application, you may be forced to apply from outside the UK, which is disruptive and costly. Check the position before committing.

Points to confirm before you act

The right course of action turns on facts you have not yet given, so before deciding, establish the following:

1. Are you staying at the same university or moving to a different one?

2. Is the new course at degree level or above, and how closely related is it to your current course?

3. When does your current visa expire, and can the new course be completed within that period?

4. Has your university’s international student or visa compliance team confirmed in writing whether the change can be reported internally or whether a new CAS and application are needed?

Practical next steps

1. Speak to your university’s international student advice or visa compliance team first. They administer your sponsorship and will tell you whether the change can be reported to the Home Office without a new application, or whether a new CAS is required. Their assessment of whether the new course is related and can be completed in time is central to the decision.

2. Get their answer in writing so there is a clear record of what was authorised.

3. If a new application is needed, plan it around your visa expiry date and the 28-day start rule, and make sure you have a valid CAS before applying.

4. Do not start studying on a new course or at a new institution until you have confirmation that your immigration status covers it, because studying outside the terms of your permission can jeopardise your status.

5. If you want a free specialist check on your specific circumstances, UKCISA provides authoritative guidance for international students and your university adviser can escalate difficult cases.

Because the rules distinguish sharply between changing course with the same sponsor and moving to a new sponsor, the single most important thing you can do now is confirm which of those two situations applies to you, as that determines whether a new visa application is required at all.