Passports and visas
Passport
As soon as you know that you are participating in a study or work abroad programme, make sure your passport will be valid for your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. As well as being a vital travel document, your passport will be important if you have to apply for a student visa. Furthermore, some host institutions may request a copy of your passport as part of their application process.
We recommend that you photocopy your passport and leave the copy with someone at home.
St Andrews students from outside the EU: your UK visa
If you have a visa to study at St Andrews, and have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services via the Advice and Support Centre.
St Andrews students: Visas for host destinations
Visas are likely to be required if you are studying outside the EU, or if you are a St Andrews student from outside the EU and are planning to study/ work in another EU country.
Immigration laws are complex and subject to frequent changes, so it always best to check requirements with the relevant embassy. If you are studying abroad, your host institution may provide guidance about visa requirements.
Visa applications can be a lengthy process, in some cases lasting weeks or even months. We therefore recommend that you start the process as early as possible, and ensure you do everything required of you to make the process go smoothly. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the necessary visa documentation.
If you think you might like to work alongside your study at another institution, you should check with your host country's embassy about your eligibility to work and any consequent visa requirements. Some countries do not permit students on student visas to work, and others may have certain restrictions about the type of work or number of hours.
Top tip: if you plan to travel outside your host country while you are abroad, you must ensure that your student visa allows multiple entry.
Visa Information by Host Country
- Australian High Commission in the UK
- Please note: If you are an Assessment Level 1 student you may apply online.
- Average processing time: Initial response within 7 working days and processing time can take between 1 and 4 weeks
- Documents Required: Complete the Online Application and submit supporting documents
- Average cost: £365
- Entry to Australia: You may not enter prior to the entry date printed on your visa
- Leaving Australia: You may not stay after the expiration date printed on your visa
- Working: Your student visa automatically gives you permission to work. You will need to obtain a Tax File Number from the Australian Tax Office
- High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom
- Please note: If your course or programme lasts six months or less you may not need a study permit
- Average processing time: 8-10 weeks
- Documents Required: The Application Kit must be completed in full
- Average Cost: $125 CAD
- Entry to Canada: The date from which you can enter Canada will be printed on your Study Permit
- Leaving Canada: You must leave Canada by the date printed on your Study Permit
- Working: If you would like to work while studying in Canada you must apply for a Work Permit.
- Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Edinburgh
- Please Note: If your course or programme lasts six months of less you may not need a student visa
- Average processing time: 4 working days after you submit your application in person
- Documents Required: The Visa Application Form found on the website and listed support documents
- Average Cost: £90-180
- Entry to China: You may not enter prior to the entry date printed on your visa
- Leaving China: You may not stay after the expiration date printed on your visa
- Working: Please check with the Consulate-General regarding work eligibility
- Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the UK
- Please note: You must apply for a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Upon arrival, you will apply for a Student Residence Visa
- Average processing time: 2 working days if applying in person or 5 working days if applying by post
- Documents Required: Visa Application Form
- Average Cost: £14
- Entry to Egypt: You may enter Egypt once you obtain your Tourist Visa. Within 30 days of arriving in Egypt, you must apply for a Student Residence Visa. Your host institution will have this information for you.
- Leaving Egypt: You may not stay after the expiration date printed on your Student Residence Visa
- Working: Work permits may only be issued in Egypt
- Uruguayan Embassy and Consulates in London
- Please Note: You may need to call the Uruguayan Embassy and Consulates in London to find out information on how to apply for a student visa
- Embassy of the United States in London
- Average processing time: 5-7 working days
- Documents Required: DS-160 Online Application and listed supporting documents
- Average Cost: $140 USD
- Entry to the US: F and J student visa holders may arrive up to 30 days prior to the beginning of their study programme
- Leaving the US: F and J student visa holders may remain up to 30 days after the completion of their study programme
- Working: F-1 visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in certain on-campus jobs. Students are allowed to work full-time when class is not in session.