Entering the UK to study

Postgraduate students from all over the world are welcomed into the UK to study. For most the process is straightforward but there are regulations about immigration that you need to consider.

This page gives links to four external websites, each of which opens in a new window.

All students entering the UK to study should visit the UK Home Office website for their specific advice.

Students from the European Economic Area

If you are a national of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you do not need to obtain entry clearance (ie a visa) to enter the UK. The European Economic Area is made up of the countries of the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The European Union countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. In addition, while Switzerland is not formally a member of the EEA or the EU, it is regarded as a member of the EEA for most immigration purposes.

Students from outside the European Economic Area

If you want to come to the UK as a student you need to apply for entry clearance before you leave the country where you live to travel to the UK.

From March 2009 a new points-based immigration system was implemented which requires you to have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ("CAS" - issued to you by the education provider that has accepted you on a course of study) before you can apply for entry clearance or a visa.

You can get further detailed information from the UK Border Agency.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs, UKCISA provides additional information on immigration.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) came into effect on 1 November 2007. In common with other Governments around the world, the British Government is working hard to stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes. As a result, if you are a non-EU/EEA (including Switzerland) national planning to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines from 01 November 2007, you will need to acquire an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a visa, Entry Clearance (EC) or Extension of Stay (EoS).

Possession of an ATAS certificate does not guarantee you a Visa / EC / EoS, but your application will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate but cannot provide one.

For further information and to apply for a certificate, refer to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.