International Student Support

You need to meet certain conditions to qualify.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the Doctorate Extension scheme you are required to meet the following requirements:

• you need to already have current Tier 4 leave of study for a research degree programme leading to a PhD or other doctorate level qualification at UCL
• you can only apply within the UK and if you have an existing Tier 4 leave, you are not eligible for this scheme if you are in the UK under any other immigration category (including Student Visitor)
• you need to be studying for a UCL award, you are not eligible if you are studying for a University of London award
• you have not yet completed your PhD or other doctorate level qualification at UCL

Work

You should adhere to the normal Tier 4 limits on work until you have successfully received leave to remain under the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension scheme AND you have been awarded your degree. At that point, you will no longer be subject to any work restrictions (other than work as a doctor or dentist in training or professional sportsperson or coach).

Application

You will need a new CAS number issued by UCL in support of your application. To obtain this, you will need to complete the CAS Doctorate Extension form available on the Current Students webpage.

You need to ensure you meet the following conditions before submitting the CAS Doctorate Extension form:

• you have reached the viva stage of your research programme
• you have agreed an expected award date with your research supervisor

More information on the scheme and details on how to apply are available from the UK Border Agency website. 

In order to qualify for the Tier 2 (General) route you need to be in the UK with a current student visa and have a job offer from an employer who holds a Tier 2 Sponsor License with a salary of at least £20,300, or the minimum appropriate rate set out in the relevant Code of Practice, whichever is the higher.

If you are a PhD student you can switch into this route from Tier 4 if you have completed at least 12 months of study. All other students must have completed their studies and have been awarded their qualification.

Full information about switching to Tier 2 (General) and the other immigration routes available to you at the end of your studies can be found in the Working in the UK section of the UK Border Agency website, which also outlines the requirements that will have to be met.

For the purpose of the Immigration Rules ‘business’ means an enterprise as a:

• sole trader
• partnership or
• company registered in the UK.

UCL will be able to endorse up to ten applicants on this route in one year. If your application is successful, you will be granted an initial leave of 12 months which then can be extended to a total of 24 months if UCL is satisfied with your progress. You will be allowed to take employment for up to 20 hours a week in addition to the time spent developing your business. At the end of the second year you will need to have funds of £50,000 if you wish to switch to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category.

If you wish to apply for this route, you are asked to read carefully the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) guidance on the UK Border Agency website.

The Business Advisers at UCL Advances will be responsible for assessing if you have a viable business plan and make a decision if you qualify to be endorsed by UCL under this immigration route. You can find further information and contact details on their Business Advice webpage.