Do I need a visa?

• Irish Nationals

  Irish nationals have a special status in the UK and are not impacted by Brexit.

  If you are an Irish national, your rights in the UK are protected under the Common Travel Area arrangements: owing to this ‘special status’, you are treated as being settled in the UK from the day you arrive. You will not need a visa to study here.

  The government’s position is that Irish people, whether existing residents or future migrants, have a general right to live in the United Kingdom which is entirely separate to their rights as EU citizens.

• Rest of the world

  The type of visa you need depends on how long your study period is:

  • If you are studying for six months or less, you may need to apply for a Standard visitor visa
  • If you are studying for more than six months, you need to apply for a Student visa

  Standard visitor visa

  Some nationalities don't need to apply for this - they can study on a short course in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, but must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements. 

  Find out if you need a visa before you arrive

  The Standard visitor visa is only suitable for:

  • a Study Abroad programme
  • a summer course (not the Pre-sessional english language course)
  • junior semester abroad
  • PhD student wishing to enter for viva

  This visa prohibits you from:

  • working (paid or unpaid)
  • extending your visa in any category from within the UK
  • bringing your dependants

  Only certain nationalities are permitted to use ePassport gates if arriving as a visitor: 

  • a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA

  Apply for a Standard visitor visa

   

  Student visa

  The Student visa is the only option for junior year abroad, undergraduate, and postgraduate students intending to study for:

  • a full degree
  • year-long exchange
  • Pre-sessional English language course
  • an International Foundation programme

  Only some students can bring dependants with them.

  Find out more information about Student visas

  Apply for a Student visa

• British National (Overseas)

  Honk Kong BNO visa

  If you hold a British national (overseas) passport and wish to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a BNO visa.
  Find out if you would be eligible for a Hong Kong BNO visa for British nationals (overseas).
  
  If you are from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) from Hong Kong, you and your family members can apply for a British national (overseas) visa to live, work and study in the UK. BNO visa holders cannot usually get most benefits (public funds) but may be able to access some benefits depending on your circumstances.
  
  You can apply to stay for either

  • 2 years 6 months
  • 5 years

  If you are studying a subject that requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance, you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate.
  
  Do not travel to the UK to study until you have been granted this visa. You do not need a BNO passport to travel to the UK. You can use any valid passport or travel document.
  
  The Student Immigration Service is not able to provide immigration advice on this route.