Tier 4: 5 year limit on degree course or above

[liuzhbob]

Does the proposed 5 year limit on degree course or above apply retrospectively?

I notice that for the 3 year limit there is a note stating that it does not apply for the time before March 2009 where the old student rule was in place. Is it the same for the 5 year limit?

Also, does it only restrict the time under "Tier 4" category? ie, if previously held a Student visa, does the time count within the limit?

Thank you for anyone who can help.