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Do I need a visa?

EU/EEA nationals

European Economic Area (European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) nationals do not need a visa (entry clearance) to study in the UK.

American students

If you are coming to study in the UK for less than six months, you may enter as a Student Visitor. You can make this Student Visitor visa application on arrival at a UK airport by showing your acceptance letter, You will also have to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your time here. Please make it clear to the Immigration Officer that you are going to be studying in the UK, and check that either 'VST' for 'Visiting student' or 'STS' for 'Short-term Student' has been hand-written on your entry clearance stamp.

Student Visitor visa holders are prohibited from working for the duration of their time here, and their visas can neither be extended nor switched to other visa categories. If you are likely to want any of these opportunities, or are coming to study in the UK for more than six months, you must apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa before coming to the UK.

Please note that General Visitors are not permitted to study.

Non-EU/EEA nationals

All non-EU/EEA nationals do need a visa (entry clearance) to come to study in the UK if staying longer than six months. All non-EU/EEA national students MUST obtain entry clearance (a visa) before travelling to the UK. The type of visa you need may depend on the programme you are on. Students who are studying degree-level programmes will usually need a Tier 4 (General) student visa, unless they are on another visa category such as 'Dependant'. However, language students and students who do not meet the UK Border Agency's minimum English language requirements for the degree level programme they wish to attend may have to apply for a Student Visitor visa for up to 11 months.

The Immigration Authorities will not let you enter the UK if you do not have entry clearance (a visa). It is essential to check the UK Border Agency website www.ukvisas.gov.uk for new information on entry clearance and visas before you travel to the UK.

It is also advisable to use the UKCISA website for more information on applying for a visa: www.ukcisa.org.uk

Remember to contact the University’s International Student Officer if you have any questions.