Previous Subsection | Subsection Contents | Main Contents | Next Subsection

1.2 UK Entry Requirements and Visas

The documentation that you will need to enter the United Kingdom depends upon which country you are from and the length of your course. Entry regulations can change so it is best to check with the British Embassy, High Commission or Consular Office in your home country as early as possible about the requirements for you to enter the UK as a student. You can also use the following Home Office website to check if you will need a visa: www.ukvisas.gov.uk or the UKCISA website on www.ukcosa.org.uk It is important that you establish what UK entry requirements apply to you as early as possible, as it can take a considerable amount of time to obtain the documentation you may need.

European Economic Area (EEA): Individuals from the European Economic Area, which is made up of the European Union plus a few additional European countries, have few restrictions on their travel to the UK. If you are from these counties you do not need a visa, nor would you normally be asked to supply detailed information about your intentions to study or about your personal finances. To enter the UK, you should only need a valid Passport or National Identity Card.

It can take a significant amount of time to obtain a student visa, so it is strongly recommended that you apply for one as soon as possible. Although it may seem to be easier to obtain a visitors visa, you must not do this! It is not possible to change a visitor's visa to a student visa while you are in the UK, and you will most likely have to travel back to your home country to obtain a student visa, which can lead to serious difficulties. When travelling to the UK, on your student visa, you should still bring your acceptance letter from the College and financial statements with you, as these will be checked when you enter the UK. More information about the visa process and application forms are available from the Home Office website listed above.