With the beginning of the New Year, overseas students who aged under 18 are able to go to the United Kingdom on educational visits without a visa. According to the new amendment by the UK Border agency, from January 1, 2010 students of aforesaid age are now allowed to visit the UK with educational purpose, with no requirement of a visa or entry clearance. Overseas students can visit any school, including both state and private sectors in the nation for a maximum period of 6 months.

However, overseas students could also reap the advantage of a similar concession (temporary) in order to enter the nation until December 31, 2009. But, the concession has now been replaced with the new rule. As per the rule, if you are intending to enter the UK, you are required to:

• Be under 18-year-old.
• Leave the UK on completion of your six-month-long educational visit or exchange.
• Produce a written letter or proof from the school you are intending to attend, which could support the reality of the educational exchange.
• Have proper arrangements for your stay in the UK.
• Have adequate funds for your support.
• Have the consent from your parents or guardian to the UK visit. You may be required to produce a letter from your parents confirming that they are responsible for your foster care.
• Make sure that you are not going to attend an educational institution with a Tier 4 sponsor license. The institution that you are attending should not be accredited by the UK Border Agency, or inspected by a public review body.

This is worth mentioning that child students from a visa national country would still need to have a visa in order to enter the UK!