For the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a visa or entry clearance certificate from your Home country visit the UK Border Agency website.  You can also check the Visa pages on the University's website.

Please check visa fees on the UK Border Agency website.

You cannot apply to come to the UK to study until 3 months before the start date of your course of study.  You must have been issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies by the University of St Andrews before you can begin the application process. 

Contact the International Student Adviser as soon as possible. This does not mean that you will be unable to come to the UK, but you may have to make another application.  For more information see our webpage about refusals.

You will need to fill in an application form; these are available from Student Services. The International Student Advisers can offer help and advice on the application process and will submit the application on your behalf. Email to make an appointment.

At the time of writing the fee for renewing your student visa in the UK is £394 for postal application and £716 for an in person application. Please contact the International Student Advisers for more information on the application process.

The Home Office, unless there are special circumstances, will not consider applications to extend student visas more than 6 weeks prior to the expiry date. However if you are due to travel around the time of the expiry date please contact the International Student Advisers.

Contact the International Student Adviser immediately for information.

For information on immigration/visa requirements for other countries you should check the Embassy website for the country you wish to visit. You are advised to make applications 3 months in advance of travel.

There are 15 European countries that have entered into the Schengen Agreement to make travelling in Europe easier. For more information and for information if you need a visa and how to apply see this website: Schengen Visa.

If you are a visa national (a country that requires a UK Visa even to come as a visitor) and you have friends or relatives that want to come and visit you, you will need to provide an ‘invitation letter’ (student status letter) for them.  This letter confirms your student status in the UK; you are not required to confirm the details of the visitor, the reason for their visit or any other information.  This letter can be requested at the ASC (Advice & Support Centre), located at 79 North Street.