If you are interested in studying in the UK or you have already secured a place on a UK course, you will need to know about UK immigration procedures and obtain a student visa in order to enter the UK.

Below are the main things you will need to consider:

			what criteria must I meet to enter the UK as a student?
			how do I know if an institution offers a high level of teaching?
			what is the procedure for applying for entry clearance?
			what if I have not been accepted on a course yet?
			what happens if I am attending a short course?
			what documents do I need to apply for a visa?
			what if I encounter any problems when applying for entry clearance?

For detailed information on all of the above as well as the required online application form, you can visit the website of the British Embassy in Iran at: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/iran

The latest changes to the ‘Student Visa’ category

A new category of ‘Student Visa’ has been introduced and enforced from 1 September 2007. The new rules make ‘student’ entry clearance mandatory which means everyone will be stamped in as a ‘student’ even if they are applying for courses below six months. In addition those arriving on or after 1 September with immigration permission as a ‘visitor’ should not intend to undertake a course of study. For more information, read the UKCISA Information Sheets.

There are also several other useful resources to help you find the information that you need.  These include:

			The Border & Immigration Agency, Home Offiice - for detailed information relating to UK law and policy on people wishing to enter the UK .
			The Department for Education & Skills  for a list of education and training providers in the UK.
			The British Council for a list of accredited English Language Colleges
			UKVisas for all the necessary forms
			The UKCOSA Council for International Education, for information relevant to overseas students