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What to do if you need a visa to study

Different visa types and guidance

As an international student, you'll need a visa to study in the UK. There are a few different types of visa available from the UK government, but the type you would normally need is a Student visa.

On this visa, you can study on full-time courses as well as part-time postgraduate courses (as long as they are Level 7 or above on the UK government's Regulated Qualification Framework).

On these pages, you'll also find visa advice on extra steps you might need to take, how you can travel to other European locations on your visa, and how you can invite friends and family to visit you in the UK.

Important E-visa information

UKVI is changing the way that students prove their immigration status in the UK. Physical documents such as BRP cards are being replaced by digital immigration status known as an eVisa.

What will happen?

  • You will need to create a UKVI account before your BRP expires on 31 December 2024
  • Your immigration status will be held within this account
  • You can use this account to view your online status and share it with others – such as the University, your employer or your landlord

When will this happen?

  • UKVI aims to replace your physical documents with a new digital system by the end of 2024

What do I need to do?

Things to know:

  • You will need to follow this process if your BRP card has an end date of 31 December 2024, but your course continues beyond this date and your visa has been issued for longer
  • UKVI will not ask you for money to set up an eVisa account. If you have any concerns that the email you receive is not genuine, contact the International Student Advisers
  • The UKCISA website also has helpful information about applying for an eVisa

It is more important than ever to keep all correspondence (emails and letters) you receive relating to your visa. This is so that you will be able to cross-check your eVisa with all the other information you have about the decision that was made in your case.

It is important that you regularly check and keep all emails and other correspondence from UKVI (Home Office). You should also regularly check your ‘spam’ folder to see if emails from UKVI have gone there. Making regular checks is important while you are waiting for a decision from UKVI about your visa application.

Step by step guides to help you:

UKVI have created some step by step video guides explaining what an eVisa is, how to access your eVisa and use it. 
 

If you can't find the information you need, there are various other sources of help: