Tier 4 (General) Doctorate Extension Scheme application

If you are currently following a course leading to the award of a PhD with a Tier 4 sponsor that is a UK HEI, you can apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme to stay in the UK for 12 months after your course has ended. This scheme can be used for, among other reasons, developing plans to set up as an entrepreneur.

You can apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme by making a new Tier 4 (General) application. You are expected to meet all the normal Tier 4 (General) criteria, including having a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your Tier 4 sponsor.

You can only apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme up to 60 days before the course end date stated on the CAS. You cannot apply after you have completed your PhD.

Requirements:

• have permission to stay as a Tier 4 (General) student, or as a student under the old rules, to study a course that leads to the award of a PhD qualification;
• be studying with a Tier 4 sponsor that is a UK HEI; and not yet have completed your course; and
• have a CAS from your Tier 4 sponsor confirming that they expect you to complete your course on the stated expected course end date and that they will sponsor you during the 12 months you are on the scheme; and
• be applying no more than 60 days before the course end date

As this is a sponsored scheme, your Tier 4 sponsor must agree to continue sponsoring you.