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Immigration

Applying for a visa (entry clearance)

Certain students will require a visa to study in the UK. You will need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK. The list of countries whose nationals will require a visa prior to travelling is available on the UKvisas website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk.

Even if you do not require a visa to come to the UK, if you plan to come to the UK for more than six months you must obtain ‘entry clearance’ from your nearest British Embassy or High Commission before travelling to the UK, unless:

  • you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland
  • you are a British National (Overseas), or another type of British national who does not have the right of abode in the UK, even if you want to come for more than 6 months.

If you arrive in the UK without a visa or entry clearance, you will be refused entry.

For further advice on the immigration process, see the guidance notes on making an immigration application as a student visitor on UKCISA's website.

Conditions of entry to the UK as a student

You must meet certain conditions in order to enter the UK as a student, and you will need to provide documentation to support your application for a visa or entry clearance.

The conditions of entry to the UK as a student are:

  • You must have an unconditional offer for a place on a course
  • The course must be registered with the Department for Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers
  • The course must be taught by a publicly funded institution of further or higher education (or a bona-fide private institution)
  • The course must be full-time, and at least 15 hours of organised study per week
  • You must have the ability and intention to follow the course
  • You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies (unless you are a degree student hoping to stay on and work in the UK)
  • You do not intend to take employment unless authorised by the immigration authorities to do so
  • You must have enough money to pay for your fees and maintenance (and that of any dependant spouses or children) without working

Evidence you will need to supply includes:

  • A recent letter from the institution you will be studying at confirming that you have been accepted and giving the full course details, duration, entry qualifications required and cost of fees.
  • Evidence of funding: bank statements (minimum last three months), letter from sponsor or employer confirming their funding
  • If you have a job offer upon completion of your degree, a letter from this employer
  • Details of a house, partner and children (if applicable) that you intend to return to upon completion of the course
  • Certificates for any qualifications you have which are relevant to the course.

Can I bring my family with me to the UK?

Yes, but only your spouse/civil partner and your children. Your children must be under the age of 18 when they first enter the UK, and you must show evidence of enough funding to support yourself and your dependant family whilst studying in the UK.

Click here to download guidance notes on bringing your family to the UK.

UKCISA

The UKCISA website contains several highly useful ‘Guidance Notes’ which can help advise you on immigration matters. There are also Guidance Notes available on working in the UK during and after your studies, driving in the UK, dealing with culture shock, financial assistance, study methods in the UK and many more.

http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

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