What does UK PGCE visa sponsorship cover?

Visa sponsorship for students, particularly in the UK, typically refers to a university or an employer officially supporting an international student's application for a visa to study or work in the country. When it comes to your PGCE Science with Physics course, if the university offers visa sponsorship, it means they are licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor students for the Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 visa).

What Is Involved in Visa Sponsorship for Students?

Here’s what visa sponsorship from a UK university entails:

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

o As part of the visa sponsorship process, the university will issue a CAS to you, which is a unique reference number that confirms your place at the university. You need this CAS to apply for your Student Visa.

o The CAS will contain details of your course, your tuition fees, and your financial situation (how you’re going to support yourself).

2. Financial Requirements:

o You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. This includes having money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.

o The university might provide a statement in your CAS letter that helps show they are sponsoring your application and that you meet the financial requirements.

3. Immigration Health Surcharge:

o As part of your visa application, you will need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while studying.

o The cost varies depending on the length of your visa, but it is generally £470 per year for students.

4. Visa Application Process:

o After receiving your CAS from the university, you can proceed to apply for your Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) through the official UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website.

o This will involve submitting required documents, including proof of funds, your CAS, passport, academic qualifications, and language proficiency, as well as biometric information.

5. Sponsorship and Compliance:

o The university is responsible for keeping records of your attendance and academic progress while you are on a Student Visa.

o They must report any significant changes, like if you stop attending your classes or if you change courses, to the UK Home Office.

Does Visa Sponsorship Cover the Visa Fee?

In most cases, visa sponsorship provided by the university does not cover the visa application fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). You will be responsible for paying these fees yourself. The university's role in the sponsorship process is to issue the CAS and support your visa application, but they do not typically cover the costs associated with the visa application itself.

What the University Likely Covers:

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies): The university issues the CAS free of charge, which is required for your visa application.

• Tuition Fee Payment: Some universities may offer partial or full scholarships that help with tuition fees, but this is separate from the visa sponsorship itself. The CAS letter will mention how much of your tuition has been paid and what you still need to pay.

Additional Costs You Should Consider:

• Visa Application Fee: As of 2025, the standard Student Visa application fee is typically £363 for applications made from outside the UK. This fee may vary depending on where you apply from and the length of your course.

• Immigration Health Surcharge: This is typically £470 per year for students.

In summary, visa sponsorship from your university will help you with the process of obtaining a Student Visa by providing the CAS and confirming your eligibility. However, the visa application fee and health surcharge will generally be your responsibility, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the university.

It’s a good idea to contact your university’s international student office for clarification on whether they provide any assistance with these fees or if there are any scholarships or other financial support options available for international students that could help.