Does any PGCE program qualify for Tier 4?

I see that completing a PGCE allows one to switch to a Tier 2 General visa but I am not seeing exactly where a PGCE qualifies one for a Tier 4 visa.

Can someone point me to where this is shown in the guidance or website? Is it because all PGCE's are level 6 on the OFQUAL register? I can't find any PGCEs in the register online myself.

Thank you in advance!

LondonDPO wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 27, 2020 2:39 pm

I see that completing a PGCE allows one to switch to a Tier 2 General visa

Where are you seeing that? The immigration rules are clear that a PGCE in itself would not be sufficient for such a switch. See paragraph 245HD(d)(i)(1) of part 6 of the immigration rules:

The applicant must have completed, or be applying no more than 3 months before the expected completion date for, a course leading to a UK recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree (not a qualification of equivalent level which is not a degree),

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... sed-system

LondonDPO wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 27, 2020 2:39 pm

... I am not seeing exactly where a PGCE qualifies one for a Tier 4 visa. Can someone point me to where this is shown in the guidance or website? Is it because all PGCE's are level 6 on the OFQUAL register?

Yes, although I believe they are level 7.

I think you are conflating two different matters: whether a course is eligible for Tier 4, and whether a course permits a switch from Tier 4 to Tier 2. For an employer to issue a CoS for the latter, it must be "a course leading to a UK recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree". This can include such a course that you studied before the PGCE during a continuous series of visas.

The PGCE is mentioned in the next section.

245HD(d)(i)(2) of part 6 of the immigration rules: "(2) have completed, or be applying no more than 3 months before the expected completion date for a course leading to a UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Diploma of Education (not a qualification of equivalent level), or"


I am conflating two ideas, yes, because it wouldn't make sense if one could switch from a Tier 4 by completing a PGCE, but studying for a PGCE did not qualify one for a Tier 4 visa. But thank you for clarifying that PGCEs are Level 7 and thus qualify!

LondonDPO wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:23 am

The PGCE is mentioned in the next section.

You are right, thanks for clarification. Yes, it is a separate matter from being eligible for Tier 4, but the two parts do agree after all.