International Students

Due to current UK immigration laws we can only accepts application from countries within the European Economic Area and also Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Monaco.

Each year on the Leadership Academy we accept students from many different countries and nations. If you are thinking of applying to Academy from overseas we will do everything we can to help your transisition to England be as smooth as possible.

Students from within the Europe Economic Area do not require a visa to come and study within the UK and those aged between 18 - 30 from the other countries listed above can obtain a Tier 5 youth mobility visa to enter the UK and study with us. We cannot issue Tier 4 visas and therefore cannot accept students from any other countries.

Visa Requirements

In 2009 the UK government imposed new regulations on students coming to study in England from overseas. All students from outside the European Economic Area (All European Union countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway) now need to obtain a Tier 4 visa in order to study within the UK. Tier 4 visas are only granted for students coming to study at institutions who have obtained a sponsor licence from the UK border agency. The Leadership Academy doesn't hold a sponsor licence. As a result we are only able to accept applications from students who have are residents of countries within the European Economic Area (EEA). The countries within the EEA are:

(*) These countries are not members of the European Union (EU) but are still part of the EEA
(**) Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU and EEA on 1 January 2007 and there are special rules about working in the UK if you area resident of either of these countries.
(***) While Switzerland is not in the EEA, Swiss nationals have the same rights as EEA nationals

In addition to the countries listed above it is possible to obtain a Tier 5 visa to enter the UK via the Youth Mobility Scheme. This is available to those aged 18-30 who live in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Monaco. Please contact the British Embassy in your home country to discuss this further. This specific visa will allow you to the enter the UK and study with us.

For the most up to date information concerning overseas residents studying and working in the UK please visit the UK border agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

IELTS Test

At interview, each student must demonstrate to the interviewing panel that they have a competent level of English and will be able to meet the academic demands of the course. The required level will be at least the equivalent of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 5.5.

Some applicants may be required to sit an IELTS test to establish their level of English. Test results that are more than two years old will not be considered. To find out more about where and how you can take an IELTS test please visit their website www.ielts.org