UK International MBA - Visa Rules, Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme and Tier-2 Visa Easy for Students from Top Schools

UK follows a point system that qualifies an applicant for a Student visa, work permit in UK, or to shift to other visa categories. There are requirements for each visa type. In this article, we will cover the relevant visa categories for MBA Aspirants, and those who intend to work in UK after their MBA program.

For EU Students

Visa is not required for students from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

International MBA Students - Tier 4 Student Visa

Tier 4 is a General Category visa for adult students. Business Schools accept non-EU students through this visa category. Once the offer is unconditionally accepted by the students, the school becomes the sponsor.  A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number will be provided by the school for visa processing.  Since UK follows a point-based system, incoming students must earn at least 40 points to be considered eligible to study in UK. The CAS Number contributes 30 points towards the 40 points requirement. The remaining 10 points is awarded based on the proof of funds to cover tuition fee and other expenses in UK.

Post-MBA Visa for Non-EU Students

Earlier Non-EU Students would apply for a Post-Study-Work Visa or Tier 1 and be eligible for a job in UK but from 6th April 2012, this category, also known as Tier 1 visa was closed by the UK Border Agency. Now the available categories for Visa in UK for MBA graduates are:

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)
Tier 2 (International Work Visa)

Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

If you are part of a top Business School in UK, the school will be able to endorse your ability as an Entrepreneur based on the Business plan, competitions won and proven potential shown in courses related to Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Communication. From 6th April 2013, the Govt. has relaxed the rules in this category. 1000 places will be allocated to Business Schools planning to endorse students under Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme. International MBAs can also go back to their home country and apply for Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa from there, as long as the application is sent within 12 months of graduation.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

For Students who are interested in setting up Business in UK with a minimum capital of £200,000 or £50,000 from registered venture capital firms, a higher point is granted. There are other criteria to be eligible for a visa under his category. Click here to learn how.

Tier 2 Visa

For MBA graduates planning to work in UK, Tier 2 Visa is the most common work permit route. It is the General International work visa but the advantage for International students who are part of top Business Schools is that they are able to meet and exceed several eligibility criteria required for this visa. MBA students will earn more points by applying internally from UK, being part of a Tier-4 licensed institution, and completing the program from a recognized university. However, the job should be offered by an Employer who is a registered Tier-2 Sponsor. To see the list of registered Tier-2 sponsors in UK, click here.

The good news is that there is no limit on the number of Tier 2 Visa for qualified graduate, post-graduate and PHD students. With a tier 2 Visa, MBAs can stay back for three years, and extend the visa thereafter.

Next Step

Read Top MBA in UK - Part 1 and Part 2
Latest Visa Rules