Non-EU/EEA Nationals on a course of more than six months
Any non-EU/EEA student who wants to study in the UK for more than six months is required to apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK.
To find out how to apply for entry clearance, contact the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country where you normally live. For further information see ukvisas.gov.uk or UKCOSA's guidance note: Before Leaving Home.
To make an application for entry clearance you will need to take:
- the complete application form (VAF1)
- the visa fee (£99 from April 2007, usually payable in your local currency)
- your passport or travel document
- a recent passport-sized photographs (for details on the photographs)
- supporting documents relevant to your application:
- letter of acceptance on a full-time course of study at UWE (i.e. the Certificate of Acceptance)
- full details of the start date of the programme, duration and fees
- originals of any of your academic qualifications
- evidence that you can pay for your programme fees, and food and accommodation for yourself and any dependants without working in the UK (e.g. bank statement, letter from your sponsor, scholarship confirmation)
- (if applicable) a letter from an employer in your home country who wants to employ you when you return with your qualification
- evidence that you intend to leave the UK when you finish your studies (e.g. evidence that you own your own home; or advertisements for jobs requiring the qualification that you will be studying for)
- (if applicable) recent certificate showing that you are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB) (see below for details).
The above information provides general advice on entry clearance, and requirements may differ slightly between countries. Check the procedure and information required to apply for entry clearance with your local UK visa office.
An entry clearance officer at the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate may ask you to attend an interview and ask you questions about your intended visit to the UK. Visa applications can take up to two months to be processed, so please do allow plenty of time.
Every time you travel to the UK, you should bring evidence of your studies and of your finances with you in your hand luggage to show to an immigration officer.
Tuberculosis certificate
If you are from certain high risk countries, you will need to get a certificate from an accredited clinic showing that you are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB). Find out more here.