International

Applying As An International Student

If you are applying for our Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering as an international student you will also need to apply for a visa.  You will apply using the Student Route, which is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.

This applies to all international applicants apart from those from the EU/EEA and Switzerland who already live in the UK and have Pre-settled Status.

Before You Apply for a visa

make sure you’re eligible to apply for a student visa

To apply through the Student Route, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the required 70 points as part of your visa application. You’ll achieve the required points if you have:

• an offer from an approved educational institution (in this case Abbey Road Institute)
• speak a required level of English
• are able to support yourself financially during your studies in the UK.

Our Student Visa Guidance includes important information and guidance in relation to the documents that you’ll need to submit to us in order for Abbey Road Institute to issue your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS). A CAS number is required before you can apply online to the Home Office for your Student Visa.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

If you require a visa to study with us, you’ll need to submit evidence that you meet the appropriate level of English for study. You can meet this requirement by taking an IELTS (UKVI) test at a UKVI Approved SELT centre and attaining a Grade B2 overall and in each of the four key areas (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

IELTS  (Academic) – Grade B2 Overall and in each area (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)

After Receiving Your Visa and arriving in the uk

The UK British Council has put together a useful hub of information for students moving to the UK. We recommend you read through these pages and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

COLLECTING YOUR BRP

When you arrive at airport border control, you’ll need your letter confirming that you have successfully applied for a Student Route visa. The Immigration Officer will issue you with a 30-day* multiple-entry vignette. On arrival in the UK, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from your allocated Post Office before your vignette sticker in your travel document/passport expires, or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later. Further guidance on Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) is available on the UK government website.

TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE UK

Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) allows you multiple-entry into the UK, however, you will need to ensure that you have your BRP with you every time you travel in and out of the UK and Common Travel Area (CTA).

WORKING IN THE UK ON THE STUDENT ROUTE visa

You will be able to take up part-time work in the UK alongside your education (10 hours a week maximum in term time). Different restrictions apply regarding the type of employment permitted and you’ll be notified of the work conditions that apply to you when your Student Route application is granted. Your visa may be curtailed, if you are found to be working longer hours than you are permitted to do so, as specified on your visa/Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Generally, we encourage students to focus as much time as possible on developing their production and engineering skills and using our facilities for the duration of the course. If you’re able to study without working for the year you spend with us we strongly encourage this.

HEALTHCARE in the uk

As part of your Student Route visa application, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) – this is an annual fee to cover the cost of using the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, it is paid for the duration of your visa upfront. Students receive a 25% discount on the fee. It’s important to ensure you’ve paid the surcharge before you submit or send your visa application, otherwise, it will likely be rejected. Calculate your Immigration Healthcare Surcharge in advance.

Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll need to register with a doctor (GP) before you can use the NHS. Find out more about registering with a GP.