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

During your studies, you will not have any working rights in the UK whilst on a Student Visa.

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.

An inspiring and incredibly well designed course that gave me the best musical education I could have dreamt of. Life-altering.

David Dargahi, Alumni

The curriculum is fantastic, extremely comprehensive, contemporary and relevant to today’s industry.

Andrea Mastroiacovo, Alumni

This course has helped to develop me into a well rounded producer, engineer, and musician. It has helped open doors to career opportunities that I would otherwise not have had access to. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the fantastic team, course, and resources available at Abbey Road Institute London!

Yvan Chambers, Alumni

The course taught me what it means to be a producer and engineer in the industry, I learned things I couldn’t have learned anywhere else.

Marta Di Nozzi, Alumni

Abbey Road Institute trains you to deliver high quality work that matches industry standards.

Martí Canales, Alumni

I had an incredible experience. The staff have so much to offer and cover so many different areas of music.

Luke Glazewski, Alumni

The Abbey Road Institute helped me to unlock my musical potential.

Cory Lawrence, Alumni

Applying for the diploma was the best thing I could have done for my career. I'm really amazed at how much I learnt in one year.

Lizzie Arnold, Alumni

There is some real visionary foresight in Abbey Road Institute being established to preserve the cultural legacy of Abbey Road.

Youth (Paul McCartney, The Verve, Killing Joke)

It’s a unique experience in so many ways, the location, the calibre of guest lecturers and access to Abbey Road Studios for classes is pretty amazing. There aren't many places you get to record a full orchestra!

Jason O’Bryan, Lecturer

Come with an open mind and a voracious appetite to soak up the magic! Be prepared to work hard - you’ll get out what you put in.

Ian Ramage, Lecturer