Extensions
The maximum overall period of stay for a student on successive short courses below degree level as permitted by the immigration Rule of the UK is two years. This means that a student after obtaining entry in the UK on a short level course visa can seek admission in another short course (less than or up to 2 years) and apply for extension.
However, a student after completion of a short course cannot seek admission in a degree course of more than 2 years duration, unless the degree course has a condition of first completing a foundation or English level course. Further, a student must already have a conditional offer for a place on the degree course.
We shall now discuss this with the help of examples: ­
1. Valid example where extension may normally be granted on short level course visa:
(i) A one-year English course combined with vocational specialization, followed by,
(ii) A two year vocational diploma course, followed by,
(iii) A two-year vocational Higher Diploma Course.

(iii) Three-year degree course at a University in the UK.
Invalid example where extension will not be granted on short level course visa:
(i) A six month English language course, followed by,
(ii) A two-year vocational course which the student leaves in between, followed by,
(iii) An application to repeat the vocational course.

Employment during Studies
Students admitted to undertake courses lasting longer than six months are allowed to take up employment while studying without seeking either permission from their local Job Centre or obtaining a Work Permit, subject to the conditions:
(i) That the student may not work more than 20 hours a week per term, except in the case of agreed work placements or internships.
(ii) That the student may not get engaged in business, self­ employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer.
(iii) That the student may not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy.

Note: Students may work full-time during vacations and when the course has finished subject to their having permission to remain in the UK as a student.