Visa application guide

Do I need a visa?

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in the UK. Visit the Home Office website to see if you need a visa.

All international students, including EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need a valid immigration permission with study rights to study in the UK. To find visa information for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals please visit the Home Office website.

British National Overseas (including Hong Kong (BNO)) and British overseas citizens are advised to also check visa requirements on the Home Office website.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
By April 2025, all UK visitors who do not need a visa (except British and Irish citizens) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries already need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK. All remaining nationalities will be able to apply for an ETA towards the end of 2024 through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app.
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
ETA is extending in two phases:
- Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
- Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.
You can find out when you will need an ETA on the UK Government website
ETA applies to:
- Visits of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- Visits of up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession Creative Worker visa concession
- Visits for a permitted paid engagement permitted paid engagement
- Transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control
Apply for an ETA online.

Ready to make your visa application?

Read through our guidance pages before you begin your visa application to ensure you have all your documents ready, are aware of any additional costs, and are making the right type of application for your length of study.

Student Visa

Guidance and resources for applying for a Student visa for study in the UK. From CAS, IHS and BRPs, we...

Student looking to the side, with an information banner behind them

Short term study and visitor visa

A Short-term Study Visa or Standard Visitor Visa will allow you entry to the UK to study a short course...

Visa compliance

Student Visa holders need to be aware of their responsibilities, working restrictions in the UK and how to remain compliant...

Wondering what to expect from the visa process?

Check out these student stories who documented their experiences in getting a visa for the UK.