UK Course or Sponsor Change
UK students changing course or sponsor should check CAS, visa timing, academic progression and cost.
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Changing course or sponsor in the UK: what the rules require
What a switch inside UK involves, from the official sources. Your new offer does not change any of this.
| Question | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Changing university | Changing university needs a new CAS and visa application before you start; if you haven't finished your course, usually from outside the UK. A same-university course change avoids reapplying only if it's degree level, not lower, university-approved and finishable on your current visa. GOV.UK, student sponsor guidance |
| Work while you study | Up to 20 hours a week in term time for full-time degree-level study at a university (higher education provider); 10 hours for below-degree study at one. No work for part-time study or below-degree courses at other colleges. GOV.UK, Student visa |
| After you graduate | Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027; 3 years after a PhD or other doctorate. GOV.UK, Graduate visa |
| Money to show | GBP 13,761 a year. GBP 1,529 a month in London or GBP 1,171 outside London, for up to 9 months (GBP 13,761 or GBP 10,539), plus any unpaid first-year course fees, held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of applying. For applications from 30 November 2026 this rises to GBP 1,570 / GBP 1,203 a month (GBP 14,130 / GBP 10,827). GOV.UK, Student visa: money |
| Visa processing | Typically 3 weeks. 3 weeks is the standard service from outside the UK; priority services exist. |
Grounds the UK rules name for refusing a student visa
- Not accepted as a genuine student (credibility is often tested at an interview)
- Not enough money shown, or funds not held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of applying
- Academic progress requirement not met when extending your Student visa inside the UK
Rules checked on 24 September 2026 against the official pages linked. They change: confirm on the linked page before you act.
What to check before you switch
Switching university, course or country can solve the wrong-fit problem, but it can also affect credits, refunds, visa status, graduation timing and post-study work options.
Do not assume a new offer automatically protects your visa or credits. Ask the current institution, the new institution and the relevant official source what changes before you stop studying or move money.
If you are switching after a refusal, low GPA, failed subjects or a poor university choice, write down the reason for the change clearly. A safer switch usually has a better academic and financial explanation, not just a new country name.
What to check before switching
Use this page to understand documents, timing, visa/status risks, credit questions and safer next steps.
Recommended tools
Use these tools to turn a switch concern into a document and timing checklist.
Transfer Eligibility Checker
Check whether your switch may need a new offer, release step, visa update, credit review or timing buffer.
Open →Credit Transfer Estimator
Prepare transcripts, syllabi, grades and course outlines before a university reviews your credits.
Open →Visa Risk Checklist
Check funds, course logic, gaps, refusal history and status timing before changing route.
Open →Core switch and transfer guides
Use these deeper guides when the switch involves F-1 status, OPT/CPT planning, credit review or financial-support terms.
USA F-1 Transfer
Explains SEVIS transfer timing, I-20 handover, school start dates and F-1 status risks.
Open →USADay 1 CPT
Use carefully to understand CPT questions, employer expectations and why approval is never automatic.
Open →USAOPT Guide
Check OPT timing, eligibility, STEM extension basics and how switching schools can affect planning.
Open →CreditsCredit Transfer Guide
Use this when credit loss could add semesters, tuition or visa complications.
Open →FundingCashback / Financial Support
Review what financial support or cashback means, what is conditional and what must be written before relying on it.
Open →Unhappy with your university? Find out what switching could look like.
Share your current university, course, completed study and budget. We will help you identify potential alternatives and the cost, credit-transfer and timing questions to resolve before moving.
Start on WhatsApp. No documents needed for the first conversation.
