Student route visa offer holder information

A conditional offer means that you have not yet fulfilled the criteria set by Ravensbourne in your offer letter, such as academic requirements, English language or other entry requirements (please refer to your offer letter).

Please read the conditions of your offer letter very carefully and submit outstanding documents/information as soon as possible so that your offer can be upgraded. 

An unconditional offer means that you have been offered a place to study at Ravensbourne and do not have any outstanding conditions which need to be met before you can be accepted onto the course. You must have an unconditional offer to receive a CAS from Ravensbourne. 

Once you have accepted your offer, you can pay your non-refundable CAS deposit (this is 60% of your tuition fee and will be credited to your total tuition fees).

If you applied through UCAS or UKPASS, you will also need to accept your offer on the UCAS Track website. Direct applicants should refer to their offer letter for instructions on how to accept their offer. 

By accepting your offer you are agreeing to Ravensbourne's general student terms and conditions which include the Sponsored visa students Terms and Conditions (applicable to Student route (Tier 4) students). Please read them carefully before you accept your offer. 

If you were given a conditional offer please refer to the offer letter for information about any outstanding academic requirements.

You will not be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) until you have met all academic requirements for your offer.

Please note that you will need to bring your original academic certificates and/or transcripts (unless your academic quals can be verified online e.g. UCAS) if you were made an offer on this basis when you attend the in-person enrolment session at Ravensbourne.

You will need to provide us with evidence of your English language ability (if required) before you can give you an unconditional admissions offer or issue a CAS to you. 

Go to our English language requirements page for more information on how to meet the English language requirement.

You will need to bring the original English language test certificate when you enrol at Ravensbourne (unless Ravensbourne is able to verify your results online with the test provider e.g. IELTS).

You must submit all outstanding documents/information to be eligible for a CAS. You must do the following before we can issue your CAS:

• Provide us with evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies (this applies to all applicants including nationals from countries that are eligible for 'different documentary requirements' by UKVI). This evidence must be in the form of a bank statement (covering 28 consecutive days period-finishing on the date of the closing balance) or other document confirming the funds available to you. You will also be required to show that you have at least £1,334 for each month of your studies up to a maximum of nine months which is £12,006 to cover your living costs in the UK. Please read our Financial requirements guidance for further information on the requirements. Here are examples of acceptable financial documents: bank statement, electronic bank statement, a bank letter, a loan letter, an official sponsorship letter and a parental consent letter.
• Pay either a non-refundable CAS deposit (which is 60% of your tuition fee) or your full course/tuition fees*. Payment must normally be made online via our website through TransferMate. Please visit the International tuition fees section of our website for more information on tuition fees and our CAS Deposit and Tuition Fee Refund Policy; and
• Provide us with any outstanding documentation (e.g. your passport bio page, copies of your previous Tier 4/UK visa etc.)

*US Federal Student Loans recipients are exempt from the requirement to pay the 60% CAS deposit.

Ravensbourne can only issue a CAS when you have met the following conditions:

• You have formally accepted your unconditional offer
• You have provided evidence of all qualifications as requested
• You have provided a copy of the passport you intend to use to apply for your Student Route visa
• You have demonstrated that you are a genuine student and have met all of UKVI's Student Route eligibility criteria
• You have met all of Ravensbourne's CAS eligibility criteria
• You have provided evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies
• You have paid either the non-refundable CAS deposit (which is 60% of your tuition fee) or your full tuition fees (first-year tuition fees for undergraduate students) unless you are exempt.

Tuition fees

The tuition fee amount you need to show evidence of to the UKVI will be indicated in your CAS letter which will be provided by Ravensbourne. 

Ravensbourne International tuition fees details

Please note that the remainder of your tuition fees must be paid by or on enrolment (enrolment dates) unless you are a US Student Loan recipient or your official sponsor has paid Ravensbourne directly.

N.B: Please note that once we have received all required documents and/or fee payment your CAS will normally be issued within 5 working days from the date of receipt.

Issuing a CAS and/or a CAS Letter does not guarantee that an applicant will be successful in securing a UK visa/permission to stay. Ravensbourne is not responsible for any decisions made by the Home Office/UKVI and cannot accept any liability for an applicant failing to obtain a visa/leave to remain and/or for the consequences and/or losses (whether financial or otherwise) of such failure. Nor is Ravensbourne liable for the consequences of declining to issue a CAS/CAS Letter for an applicant on request.

For more information on the conditions that must be met before a CAS is issued please refer to our CAS Issuance Policy and the Visas and Immigration section of our website. 

Once we have issued your CAS and you have received your CAS letter from us, you should be able to apply for your Student route visa.

Please refer to our Student route visa application guide page for detailed information on the visa application process, completing the online application form and credibility interviews for visa applications made outside and inside the UK.

Correcting the error before travelling to the UK

Please contact the Visa Application Centre where you made your application or UKVI by completing the email form. When completing the form please state what the error is (e.g. incorrect work condition, sponsor licence number, expiry date etc) and that you would like to have it corrected before you travel to the UK. You should also include the date of your intended travel to the UK.

If you decide to correct your visa before travelling to the UK, please forward the response/instructions you receive from UKVI to us.

Correcting your visa/BRP after travelling to the UK 

Alternatively, you could travel to the UK and then correct your short-term visa. It is likely that you will also need to correct your BRP also if it is available.

Correcting your short-term visa endorsement after travelling to the UK

Contact UKVI International Sheffield.

In the email explain to them that your visa endorsement is in correct (e.g. incorrect work condition, expiry date, sponsor number etc). Please provide them with a scanned copy of your visa endorsement and the decision letter.

Correcting your BRP

You can have the error corrected by completing the online form to notify UKVI of the error within 10 working days from the date you collected it from the Post Office, otherwise you may have to apply and pay for a replacement BRP. You should provide as many of the following details as possible: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, BRP reference number, case reference number and the exact nature of the error on the BRP.

Once you have submitted the online form to report the error UKVI should send you instructions on what to do next. Please note that you should take a copy of both sides of the incorrect BRP for your records before returning it to UKVI.

The application to replace your BRP is quite straightforward, however if you have any questions about the application form, please contact the Migrant Helpline on 0300 123 2241. Please ensure that you correct your BRP as soon as possible.

UKVI will inform you whether you are required to apply for a new BRP. 

If there is an error with the length or conditions of your visa and you applied for your visa from inside the UK OR  you did not report an error on your BRP within the 10 days as required by, you will need to submit an administrative review request in order for it to be corrected. Once you receive your new BRP provide it to the Tier 4 Compliance team so that we can update our records.

Replacing lost or stolen immigration documents

If your BRP is lost, stolen or damaged while you are in the UK

You will need to report the loss to the police and ask them for a reference number. You must also report the loss/theft to UKVI via their online reporting form. You must then apply for a replacement BRP using the BRP (RC) form. You will need to apply within three months if it was lost/stolen.

If you fail to apply within the 3 months deadline you can be fined up to £1,00 and made to leave the UK. UKVI advises that it could take up to eight weeks for an application to be processed unless you use their expedited services.

The application to replace your BRP is quite straightforward, however, if you have any questions about the application process please email us.

If your visa/BRP is lost or stolen whilst you are outside the UK
You will need to apply immediately for a Tier 4 'replacement BRP' visa before returning to the UK (more information).

It is crucial that you do not attempt to travel to the UK until you have received your temporary BRP confirming your student visa, if you enter the UK as a visitor your student visa may be cancelled and you will be required to leave the UK in order to reapply for a new Student Route visa which will, of course, disrupt your studies.

If you lose your Visa/BRP whilst overseas you need to contact the Visa Compliance team ASAP.

If you lose your passport please contact your local embassy/consulate in the UK or the country where it was lost for advice on replacing it.

Once you receive your new BRP and/or passport please provide us with the new document so that we can update our records.

Please tell us if you require help in finding accommodation by email, using the phrase "Ravensbourne accommodation required" in the subject line, and in your message please state your name, Ravensbourne ID number and course of study.

For more information, please visit our accommodation page 

Before you arrive in the UK

• Provide an electronic copy of your 30/90-day visa (short-term), UKVI decision letter (if available) or confirmation of submission of your Student Route visa application to the Admissions team or upload them to your Admissions portal account.
• Complete the online enrolment task. You will be sent more information about this closer to the relevant time. 

Please ensure that you read all relevant terms and conditions before completing the online enrolment task.

After you arrive in the UK 

• Attend in-person enrolment, induction and orientation sessions. The International Welcome induction will take place in-person on Saturday 17 September 2022 at the main university building. 

What you should bring:

• Your academic qualifications and IELTS or other English language test certificate  (if applicable) if this/these were used to gain admission to Ravensbourne. If Ravensbourne was able to verify your documents directly with the issuing or other relevant body (e.g. UCAS or IELTS) you will not be required to provide originals. Please check with the admissions/Registry team. 
• Personal identification and immigration documents - current passport, short term visa and UKVI decision letter (if available), Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• If you used the e-gates to enter the UK, your boarding pass and/or flight ticket/booking confirmation. 
• Your offer letter from Ravensbourne.
• Receipt confirming submission of an in-time leave to remain application made to the Home Office/UKVI, if you applied for your Student Route Visa from inside the UK.

If the documents are not available in English, certified translations will be required as proof of eligibility to study at Ravensbourne.

Should you require special assistance for enrolment please kindly let us know.

In-person enrolment and induction

You will be provided with details about enrolment, induction and orientation. You must ensure that you arrive at Ravensbourne in time for your in-person enrolment and induction sessions.

It is very important that you contact us immediately if your mailing address, phone number or email addresses change.

To ensure that you have everything you need to get through the UK border as quickly as possible, we recommend that you carry the following documents in your hand luggage. In most cases you will not be permitted to use your phone in the immigration area:

• Passport and 30/90-days short-term visa vignette
• Visa decision letter, if available
• CAS Letter/Ravensbourne offer letter
• Accommodation information (e.g. residence contract or hotel booking confirmation)
• TB test results (if applicable)
• Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements proving your maintenance requirements).

Important note: You must not enter the UK before the ‘valid from’ date detailed on your short-term visa endorsement.

Please inform us once you have confirmed your date of travel to the UK.

There are changes to the requirements for travelling to the UK due to COVID-19. Check what you need to do before you travel

Planning your travel

Visit the UKCISA and Study UK websites for some helpful tips on planning your travel to the UK and life in the UK in general. 

1. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated Post Office or UKVCAS stated in your decision letter. Normally you would be required to collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK. However due to the social distancing restrictions currently in place and likely limited capacity at Post Offices and relevant collection centres you are now required to collect your BRP before your 30/90 days visa vignette expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is the later. Do not travel outside the UK/Common travel area until you have collected your BRP (unless unavoidable).
2. Provide Ravensbourne with your current passport, 30/90 days short term visa vignette and BRP (if available), academic qualifications and English language test results (if applicable) during enrolment/registration. Unless advised otherwise originals documents are normally required.
3. Attend your course enrolment, induction sessions and  International Student Orientation programme.
4. Attend all your classes and other contact points. to comply with the conditions of your student visa. 

Below are some transport options for getting from the airport to your accommodation/central London and Ravensbourne.

Trains

This is a relatively inexpensive way of getting from the airport to your accommodation, however, if you have a lot of luggage you may find it difficult to store all your luggage on the train.

Go to National Rail website for more information.

Buses

Long-distance bus services (coaches) are inexpensive and popular with students.National Express Coaches run regular services from all London airports into central London and costs between £20-40, however you may need to get a taxi from the coach station to your accommodation, so getting the coach whilst cheaper than a taxi may not be the most convenient.

London Underground (the ‘Tube’)

Many people use the Tube to get around London. There is a Tube station at Heathrow airport, but not at any other airports near London.

If you have a lot of luggage it can be difficult to use the tube as most stations do not have a lift (elevator). The Tube can be extremely crowded at ‘rush hour’ (weekdays) and on weekends.

Go to the TFL page for more information.

Taxis

‘Private hire’ taxis, or ‘minicabs’ are car services that must be booked in advanced (via online booking or telephone), and in many cases can be found directly outside places such as train stations, or at designated 'Taxi Ranks'.

Here are some taxi options:

Heathrow Taxis and minicabs (website providing a list of minicabs service), you can put in the number of passengers, amount of luggage and destination and receive a quote before booking.

London Heathrow cars

Do not take unlicensed taxis from the airport - book online to get the best price.

Black cabs: These are iconic black taxis popular in London. Whilst travelling in a ‘black cab’ is something you should experience during your stay in the UK, please do not take a ‘black cab’ to travel from Heathrow or any other airport to your accommodation as they are very expensive.

Airport transfer service: Host International airport transfer.

Specific Airport transportation information

More information on transport options from London airports are available on the respective websites: London Heathrow Airport website and London Gatwick Airport website (click on the taxis and mini cabs option, buses/coaches or underground buttons).

Transit accommodation

If you wish to stay overnight in London during your journey, you should try to arrange accommodation before you leave your home country. You can book accommodation (using a credit card) before you come to the UK by contacting an organisation such as VisitBritain, the London Tourist Board, the Youth Hostel Association, or International Students’ House. If you arrive in London without accommodation there are hotel booking agencies at all the major train stations, which can help you find accommodation. Alternatively, you may go to one of the London Tourist Board offices at Liverpool Street Station, Victoria Station or Heathrow Airport if you arrive there. Do not accept offers from agents who may approach you at train stations (especially Victoria) – use one of the offices mentioned above.

Getting to Ravensbourne

Please visit our location page for information on how to get to Ravensbourne.

Visit the UKCISA website for more advice on arriving in the UK.

Opening a UK bank account

In most cases, international students will only be able to open an account that offers basic banking facilities initially. The type of documentation you will need to provide to open an account varies from bank to bank; you will therefore need to take this into consideration when choosing a bank.

Which documents do I need to open an account? 

• As a general guide, this is what you will be required to provide:
• Your passport with your valid student visa or valid biometric ID card (banks are required to check that you have a valid visa for the UK). 
• EU students will need to check if a national photo ID card will be sufficient. 
• A letter from Ravensbourne confirming your course details and UK and overseas addresses. Student Route visa holders can request a letter confirming their enrolment. 

Please refer to the British Bankers' Association Guide to UK Banking for International Students for more information on opening a UK bank account and a list of UK banks. 

Health Care and Registering with a GP doctor

As part of your visa application (if coming to the UK for 6 months or longer) you will be required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (this also will apply to any Student Route dependants travelling with you). The Immigration Health Surcharge entitles students to access most NHS care in the UK free of charge in the same way as a permanent UK resident.

To receive NHS treatment, you must register with a doctor. Click on the link below to search for GPs (surgeries) that are located close to where you live: register at a medical centre.

When you go to register with a doctor you will need to produce documentation to prove your identity and address. Documents required may include:

• Your passport
• Proof of address
• Your student ID card
• Letter from Ravensbourne confirming your student status
• Other documents (check with surgery).

We recommend that you check with the surgery for information on any specific documents they require prior to your appointment. Once you have registered, you should be sent an NHS card, though this can sometimes take several months to arrive. This confirms that you are now eligible for NHS treatment. You should keep the card in a safe place and always take it with you when you visit the dentist, doctor's surgery or hospital.

Trying to find a doctor when you are ill is an unnecessary pressure that should be avoided. So please register at a medical centre as soon as possible.

What does NHS registration entitle you to? 

• Free consultation with your doctor/general practitioner    
• Free hospital treatment at any NHS accident and emergency (A&E) centre 
• Free hospital treatment if your doctor recommends it
• Free contraceptive services
• Free maternity care.

What will you need to pay for?

• Any medication the doctor prescribes for you (unless you have a valid medical exemption certificate).
• Any dental treatment within the NHS scheme.
• Eye tests, glasses or contact lenses .
• Any forms or letters you may ask to be written or completed for you.
• Certain vaccinations.

Medication prescribed by your doctor (also known as a prescription drug) currently costs £8 per item.

Council Tax

What is Council Tax?

CT (Council Tax) is a charge that local councils set to help pay for services they provide. CT is charged on most homes including houses, flats, houseboats and mobile homes.

Who is exempt from paying Council Tax?

Households where everyone’s a full-time student do not have to pay Council Tax. If you do get a bill, you can apply for an exemption

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

• Last at least 1 year
• Involve at least 21 hours study per week. This includes contact hours plus hours of self-study
• Someone who is under 20 years old who studies a course of non-advanced education for 12 hours or more per week for at least 3 months.

If you live with someone who is not a full time student you are likely to be sent a bill from the Council, however, you may still qualify for the student exemption/discount.

You should also be exempt from paying Council Tax if you are under 18.

How do I apply for Council Tax exemption?

To apply for the Council Tax exemption please request a Council Tax Exemption letter here. Once you have your letter please submit it to the relevant Council Tax office. You should pay your Council Tax, if your receive a bill, until you have received written confirmation from the Council that you are exempt from paying Council Tax. 

Student Route visa holders are not normally eligible to receive Council Tax exemption once their course has ended. 

Applying for a National Insurance Number(NI)

Everyone who works in the UK needs to have a National Insurance (NI) Number which is a unique personal reference number for all your tax/employment affairs. If you are an international or EEA student and want to work in the UK you will need to apply for a NI once you are in the UK.

You can apply for a National Insurance number by telephoning the application helpline.

The telephone operator will ask you a number of questions including:

• Postcode (of your current UK address
• Personal details (name, date of birth
• Full UK address
• Employer’s name and address
• Your occupation
• Your date of entry to the UK
• Your eligibility to work in the UK (e.g. student visa, student dependant visa, EU citizen).

The phone call will last approximately 10 – 20 minutes.

If the operator considers you to be eligible for a National Insurance number on the basis of the information you have given, they will book an appointment for you to have an interview at one of the local offices (they will provide the address).

Please go to the UK government website for more information on the application process. 

Please contact the Admissions department or Compliance if you have further questions about the process. 

Discounted Travel

16+ Zip Oyster photocard

If you are on a 1 year Foundation Programme and were aged 18 or under on 31 August, you should be eligible for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.

More information on the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and the application process.

18+ Student Oyster photocard

An 18+ Student Oyster photocard entitles you to a 30% discount when you buy a weekly or monthly travelcard. In order to apply, you need to be at least 18 years old and meet the eligibility criteria specified by Transport for London (TFL). There is a charge of £20.00 for each application. 

As a new student at Ravensbourne, you will need to apply for an Oyster Card online by logging onto the TFL website. In order to complete your application online, you will need a passport sized digital photograph of yourself available to upload from your computer along with credit or debit card details for paying the £20.00 application fee. You will also need your student ID number (this will be on your Ravensbourne student ID card). 

TfL will ask Ravensbourne to confirm that you are fully enrolled. Please make sure you do not apply for your 18+ Student Oyster photocard until you have fully enrolled.  If you apply before you are fully enrolled at Ravensbourne your application will be put on hold, and it will take longer for your application to be validated by Ravensbourne. 

When you do make your application, ensure that the details you enter match those on your student record, including your full name.  If they do not match your application will be rejected by Ravensbourne.

Please note that during busy periods, such as enrolment, there may be a delay validating your application.

Once your application has been validated by us, TFL will process the rest of your application and will then send your card to the UK address you provided. If you have not received your photocard after three weeks, call the TFL helpline to check the status of your application.  

16-25 RailCard

If you are aged between 16 - 25 or if you are over 26 and a full-time student studying for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year (distance learning and part-time courses do not qualify), you could be eligible for the 16 - 25 railcard. You must be fully enrolled and not have an outstanding debt with Ravensbourne in order for us to approve your application.

Additional Resources

UKCISA: A UK organisation that supports international students and individuals who work with them.