Entry Clearance

International students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may need to apply for entry clearance (commonly known as a visa) before coming to study in the UK. You must check with the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your home country before making travel arrangements. 

If you travel without this entry clearance, you will not be allowed to enter the country and will have to return home to apply for the correct visa.

It is important that you do not enter the country on a visitor's visa if you intend to study full time, as you may not be given an extension when your visitor's visa expires.

Immigration and Non-EEA Students

In order to enter the country as a non-EEA student you must satisfy the immigration authorities that you:

1. Have been accepted on a full-time course at a recognised inistitution
2. Are able and intending to take the course
3. Can fund your studies and living costs without working or claiming public funds
4. Do not intend to work (except part-time/vacation work, if permitted)
5. Plan to leave the UK at the end of your studies.

For more information, please download our Pre-Arrival Pack which gives a full description of how to apply for entry clearance, and how to prepare for coming to the UK.

Useful Contacts

www.lcos.org.uk
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.ukcosa.org.uk