Student visas - Tier 4 of the Points Based System
Background to the Points Based System (PBS)
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss foreign nationals whose primary purpose is to come to work in the UK or to study for six months or more are now required to score points in different eligibility categories in order to be granted a visa to enter the UK borders. There are five tiers – student visas are Tier 4.
What PBS means for the University and You
Under the Points Based System the University will be obliged to tell the UK Border Agency about any new students who:
- Fail to arrive and enroll at the agreed time for the start of their course;
- Defer their studies;
- Take temporary withdrawal/suspend their studies;
- Withdraw from their studies;
- Fail to attend their course for significant periods of time;
- Make significant changes to their studies (e.g. location or length of course).
You will also have responsibilities under this system. You will be expected to:
- Provide the University with a copy of your immigration documents when you enrol and each time you extend your visa;
- Keep your address and contact details in Northern Ireland up to date using your Queen's Online account;
- Tell us if you are not able to arrive at the University at the agreed time;
- Tell us if you want to defer your studies before you come to the UK;
- Tell us if you are thinking about withdrawing or suspending your studies;
- Attend all of your classes. If you cannot attend for any reason you MUST inform your School;
- Tell us if you make any formal changes to your studies;
- Register with the Police (if applicable);
- Ensure that you do not breach the conditions of your student visa (such as working more time than is permitted or making use of public funds).
Points needed to apply for a Tier 4 (G) student visa
You will need to have 40 points before you can apply for a Tier 4 entry clearance (a student visa). 30 points will be awarded for the 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies' (CAS) number issued to you by Queen's University, i.e. confirmation that you have been offered a place. 10 points will be awarded for meeting the maintenance requirement set out by the UK Border Agency. This will be proof that you have enough money to pay for full fees for your first academic year to Queen's and £800.00 for each month of your course up to a maximum of nine months. If you are bringing dependants, you must show £450.00 for each dependant for each month of your course up to a maximum of nine months. See the table below for examples of maintenance required for a single student to come to the UK.
| Course Duration | Maintenance requirement for Tier 4 (G) student application |
|---|---|
| 3 months | £2,400.00 |
| 6 months | £4,800.00 |
| 9 months | £7,200.00 |
| 3 years | £7,200.00 |
You will provide evidence of this which can include evidence of official sponsorship and/or stipends you may be receiving or by providing your own or your parents' personal bank accounts. If you have paid any money to the University for accommodation fees, then you will only need to show the outstanding balance in your bank account. You can also pay up to £1000 for accommodation to the University which can be offset against the money you need to show for maintenance.
For example, if you are coming to do a course that is 6 months long, you will need to show £4800 for maintenance in your bank account. The UKBA's limit on accommodation deposits means that even if you have paid £3000 for accommodation, you can only use £1000 of that as evidence of funds, and you would still need to show £3800 in your bank account.
Full details of acceptable financial evidence can be found in the policy guidance.
If you have any questions or queries about PBS, please email us at iss@qub.ac.uk.
You can also find more information about PBS at:
UK Border Agency website
Your nearest British Embassy or High Commission
UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs)
