Advice for those entering the UK to study
The information in this section is intended to provide general guidance about immigration formalities. More detailed advice is available from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and UKCISA.
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland
If you are a national of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you are free from UK immigration controls.
Nationals of other countries on courses of more than 6 months duration
If you are a national or citizen of a country outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland and you will be on a course of study of more than 6 months duration, it is compulsory for you to obtain a visa in order to travel to and enter the UK as a ‘student’.
You should apply for a visa from your nearest British diplomatic post. You can find your nearest visa application centre and information on how to apply for a visa from the UKVI website. When applying for a visa you will be required to provide supporting documents. You are advised to keep all the original documents with you while you are travelling to the UK.
You must make the necessary arrangements to apply for a visa well in advance of your date of travel to the United Kingdom. Please also ensure that you obtain the correct visa before you travel. On entering the United Kingdom, you will have to pass through immigration control, where you will be asked for your passport and other certificates mentioned above. The ‘visa’ will specify the date after which you may enter the UK and the date by which you are required to either leave the UK or apply for an extension of stay in the UK.
How to apply for a visa
You can make your visa application online. If you need to print and fill in a visa application form, you can download the form you need from the visa application forms page. Once you have submitted your online application you will still be required to provide your original passport, supporting documents and the appropriate fees if you have not paid online. Current visa costs are available on your local visa issuing offices website.
Government policy requires students to enter the UK at one of its borders or ports and NOT at one of its neighbouring states
Arriving in the UK
On arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from Ulster University. You should carry in your hand luggage copies of documents that you showed to the entry clearance officer when you applied for your visa.