If I finish studying and return to my home country before my visa runs out, but I decide that I wish to return to the UK, can I return using the same visa, or do I need to apply for a new visa?
If you are on a Tier 4 general student visa or a Short Term Study (STS) visa and you wish to travel to another country after you have completed your studies and then return to the UK on that visa you may not be allowed back into the UK.
This is because your visa is for study and you no longer have anything to study as you have completed your studies. If you have time remaining on your visa after you have completed your studies and you wish to travel, we advise you to travel within the UK. If you do leave the UK and need to return, you will need to apply for a new visa which matches the purpose of your visit.