Getting a visa
To enter the UK and study, students from most nationalities outside the EU must obtain the relevant visas and entry clearance documents. If you are classed as a‘visa national’, you must obtain entry clearance as a student (a student visa) before you travel to the UK.
The UK government recently introduced a new and improved points-based system for overseas students and you can find out more on our immigration section or on the UK Border Agency website.
Contact
For detailed information about UK immigration before leaving your home country, visit theUK Council for International Student Affairs website, or telephone their advice line. The advice line is open Monday to Friday, 1300-1600 hours (UK time)
Biometric information
Changes in UK immigration regulations mean that as part of your student visa application process you will have to attend the British Embassy, High Commission or a Consulate to have your fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken.
This process only takes around five minutes using an electronic scanner, although you may be asked to stay a little longer for a brief interview.