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If you are coming to the University of Portsmouth to study on an Exchange or Study Abroad Programme, you will need the appropriate immigration permission. The type of permission required will depend on the length of your stay in the UK.
Visas for 6 months or less
To study at the University of Portsmouth for one semester (up to six months), you will need the correct immigration permission before travelling to the UK.
Depending on your nationality, this may be an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor visa.
You can use the gov.uk “Check if you need a visa” website to check whether you need a visitor visa or an ETA.
If you are unsure which immigration route is right for you, please contact the University of Portsmouth International Student Advice team for guidance before you make your visa application.
Non-visa nationals
If you are a non-visa national, e.g. EEA, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea etc. you do not need to apply for a visitor visa in advance, unless you wish to do so. You must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.
More information regarding the ETA application process can be accessed via the UK Government website.
When you arrive in the UK you can use the eGates using your biometric passport. You will not receive a stamp in your passport. It is important to keep evidence of your date of arrival in the UK. You should be prepared to show your e-ticket or boarding pass when you are invited to complete your compulsory in-person ID check at the start of your studies at the University of Portsmouth.
Although you will not need to apply for a visa, you may be asked to show additional evidence at the border.
You should be prepared to show the following evidence if asked to do so:
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Evidence of the purpose of your stay in the UK i.e. email confirmation regarding your exchange/abroad.
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Your bank statements to show that you have enough money to cover your living costs during your stay.
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Your return ticket to show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay.
Visa nationals
If you are a visa national, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK. You can find information about the application process on the UK Government website.
As a Visitor, you can study in the UK for up to 6 months, which covers a one-semester exchange programme at the University of Portsmouth. However, Visitors are not permitted to:
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undertake any paid or unpaid work;
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complete a work placement, internship, or work-based learning that forms part of their studies.
Please check gov.uk to see what documents you will need to provide and how to submit your application online.
The type of immigration permission you have can affect what you are allowed to do during your time in the UK. Please make sure you understand the conditions of your visa before making your decision. If your study abroad programme includes a work placement, internship, or any other work-related activity, you will need to apply for a Student Route visa.
Documents you'll need with you to apply for entry:
- Your official travel document (e.g. passport)
- A supporting letter from your current University confirming that the exchange programme is part to your studies at your home institution and that you will return to your main course of study on completion of the exchange programme
- A supporting letter from the University of Portsmouth confirming your course details – this will be issued when you have been accepted onto the Exchange and Study Abroad programme
- If you are a postgraduate student and your course requires ATAS, you will need to provide an ATAS Certificate before we can give you a supporting letter.
- Your bank statements. You'll need to show evidence of finances and may be asked to show this information to a Border Force Officer when you arrive in the UK. We recommend you have £1,171 per month in your bank account for each month you will be in the UK to cover your living costs and travel to and from the UK. We recommend that you show that the funds have been in your account for at least 28 days. Your income and savings will be looked at minus any financial commitments that you have.
If your exchange programme is less than 6 months but includes a work placement, or if you would like to undertake any work-related activity as part of your studies, you should apply for a Student Route visa instead. You will need a CAS from our Global Admissions team before you can apply.
Visas for more than 6 months
If you are coming to the UK for longer than 6 months, or if your course includes a work placement, you will need to apply for a Student Route visa in advance. You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document from the University of Portsmouth to apply for this visa.
For more information on the Student Route visa and how to apply, please visit our website.
Contact us for more information
If you have any queries about these visas or what visa you require, please contact our International Student Advice team by emailing [email protected].
If you are an Exchange or Study Abroad student already in the UK and you wish to extend your stay and your visa, you will need to leave the UK to apply for a new visa.
Please note, you cannot switch to the Student Route visa in the UK if you have entered as a Standard Visitor. You must apply in your home country.
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Standard Visitor Visa | Student Route Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Course duration less than 6 months | Course duration less than 6 months | Course duration more than 6 months |
| Non-visa nationals only | Visa nationals | See eligibility criteria here |
|
Length of permission: Max. 6 months |
Length of permission: Max 6 months |
Length of permission:
|
| Costs £20 |
Costs £135 |
Costs £558 |
| Cannot be extended in UK | Cannot be extended in UK | Can be extended in the UK |
| No work | No work | 20 hours per week in term time |
| No supporting documents required | Supporting documents required | Requires CAS + supporting documents |
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