UK immigration services also refer to visas as “entry clearance".
Citizens of countries not listed below may not be required to obtain entry clearance to study in the UK, prior to arrival.
Nationals not requiring prior clearance will still need to satisfy immigration services of their eligibility, upon arrival in the UK.
If you have any doubts, it is recommended to apply for a visa before booking airline tickets.
Nationals of the following countries will require a visa to enter the UK: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China (PR), CIS, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Congo (Rep. Of), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (DPR), Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, São TomEe Prú‹cipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Zambia.
What documents will be required?Even if a visa will not be required, students should still be able to provide UK immigration with documentation explaining their stay (a letter of acceptance, proof of funds, etc.).
Please contact the appropriate embassy for further information.
The following documents may be required for visa applications:
Valid passport
Completed application form
2 passport sized-photos
Letter of acceptance
Evidence of financial support
Evidence of accommodation arrangements for duration of trip
Letter of intent for post-course period (presentable upon arrival)
Time required to issue visa:Contact nearest Consulate for further information
What is the cost of a visa?Approx £35; varies with nationality
How long is the visa valid for?6 months or longer, depending on type of visa obtained