Postgraduate Research Students
Postgraduate research programmes have a very different structure to Taught Masters courses, so Tier 4 and Student rules can differ.
Most PGR students will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply for a visa to cover their period of candidature, plus any writing up (pending submission period). This is usually enough time for students to complete their programme of study, but occasionally, due to academic circumstances, it may be necessary to make a Student Route application either in the UK or in your home country.
The Visa Support Team can help you with your Student Route application in the UK. See Applying for the Student Route Visa for details.
The University has policy and guidance as to when further sponsorship will be offered in these circumstances and when discretion can be applied. The University policy governing the immigration sponsorship, and registration, of non-EEA students sets out the circumstances applicable to sponsorship - see the Policy on Student Immigration Compliance.
For further help, see Guidance for PGR Students.
Click on a section below for specific advice for postgraduate research students.
Requirements for making a Student Route application in the UK
There are very specific requirements for making a Student Route application in the UK.
If you have an offer from Newcastle University and are already in the UK, or are already studying at the University, and you meet all appropriate Student Route requirements, you can get help from the Visa Team with applying for a Student Route visa.
Specific requirements for continuing PhD Students making a Student Route application in the UK
PhD students currently registered at Newcastle University, or moving to Newcastle University from a different sponsor, can make an application for a further Student Route visa in the UK, if ‘they are applying to complete the PhD or other doctoral qualification for which they were last given Tier 4 or a Student Route visa…..in the UK or overseas (including where they are completing the qualification at a new sponsor).’
This means that you can’t make a Student Route application in the UK to move from a research masters to a PhD unless the research masters has been awarded.
Moving to a new programme at Newcastle University
If you have completed a programme at Newcastle University and you are moving to a new programme here, you can register for your new programme on your existing visa.
You must, however, make a Student Route application within 6 weeks of registering on your new programme, or before your visa expires, whichever is sooner.
English language requirements
The Student Route has specific English language requirements for students studying at degree level.
Please refer to the list of acceptable English language evidence for Student Route sponsorship.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
An ATAS certificate is issued for a specific programme and is valid for the stated length of the programme, plus 3 months.
A number of PhD programmes in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering will require ATAS clearance. If you are making a Student Route application for a PhD which requires an ATAS certificate, please see information on the ATAS page and the UKCISA website.
ATAS and changes to your programme of study
If there are any changes to your programme, if your programme end date is delayed by more than 3 calendar months or you need to apply for a new Student Route visa, you will need to apply for fresh ATAS clearance. You will need to obtain your ATAS certificate before you request your new CAS.
Tier 4 and Student Route Sponsorship for PhD students nearing the end of their programmes
In most cases, the Tier 4 or Student Route visa issued for a PhD programme will offer you enough time in the UK to complete your studies.
However, if you need extra time to complete your PhD, be aware that it can take a while to issue a new CAS. You can check the visa timescales for postgraduate research students.
Working in the UK during your studies
Tier 4 and Student Route students studying at degree level should be granted a visa which states that they are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time. You should check that your visa gives you this permission. If it does not, please contact the Visa Support Team.
PhD students do not follow regular term-time patterns, but do get an annual leave allowance - see PGR Holiday Entitlement Policy .
If you want to work more than 20 hours per week, you must have an annual leave request approved by your academic unit. Your employer may need written confirmation of your annual leave entitlement.
If you have a Tier 4 or Student Route visa, you may not work more than 20 hours per week, unless you have authorised annual leave, if:
- you are pending submission
- under examination
- pending re-submission
You can work full-time for up to 4 months after the completion of your PhD or the end of your Tier 4 or Student Route visa, whichever is sooner. For PhD students, your programme ends on submission of your hardbound thesis.
If you are unsure about your working conditions under Tier 4 or Student Route, contact the Visa Support Team.
Graduate Route Visa
Postgraduate research students who successfully complete their studies can apply for the Graduate Route visa.
Please see the Graduate Route webpage for further details about this visa.