
International students can travel to the UK to study, but they must apply for a student visa. This applies to all international students, regardless of their country of origin. There are different types of visas available, depending on the student's age and level of study. Students must meet eligibility requirements, including acceptance into a recognised UK educational institution, proof of financial support, English language proficiency, and intention to study. The visa fee for individuals not currently residing in the UK and needing a visa to study is £363, while the fee for those already in the UK and looking to extend or switch their visa is £490.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students travel to the UK? | Yes |
| Requirements | All travellers to the UK must fill in a passenger locator form and submit it within 48 hours before their arrival in the country. |
| The form will ask for passport information, travel details and the address where the student will be staying in the UK. | |
| International students must be fully vaccinated. | |
| Students must take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival and test negative. | |
| Students must self-isolate for three days upon arrival. | |
| Student visa | International students can apply for a Student visa if they are 16 or over and want to study in a higher education course in the UK. |
| Students must pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge as part of their application. | |
| Students must have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course. | |
| Students must not travel to the UK before the start date given on their visa. | |
| Travel outside the UK on a student visa | Students travelling during term time must have approval from their academic department. |
| Students can be absent for up to 2 weeks at a time, and 4-6 weeks in total during the academic year. | |
| Students must carry evidence that their department approved their travel and that they are enrolled in their academic institution. |
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What You'll Learn

International students need a valid visa to travel to the UK
International students are permitted to travel to the UK, but they must follow certain procedures and requirements. One of the most important considerations is obtaining a valid visa. Here are the key points to understand:
Student Visa Requirements:
To study in the UK, international students aged 16 or above need to apply for a Student Visa. The visa application process involves providing proof of identity and paying the necessary fees. The visa fee varies depending on the duration of the visa. Additionally, applicants may need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application. It is important to note that students must not travel to the UK before the start date given on their visa.
Academic Department Approval:
Students travelling during term time require approval from their academic department. The academic department must be able to monitor the student's engagement with their studies in accordance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policies and the university's attendance rules. Students can request a travel letter from their academic department and ensure they receive a copy of the department's approval. This letter may be requested by UK Border officials upon return to the UK.
Authorised Absence and Travel Periods:
International students on a Student Visa must comply with authorised absence periods. The time permitted for absence is up to 2 weeks at a time, and the total requested absence during an academic year is typically 4 to 6 weeks, subject to approval. Postgraduate students on work placements can travel during their authorised annual leave. It is essential to have the Authorised Absence letter when returning to the UK to avoid potential questioning by the UK Border Force.
Additional Travel Requirements:
International students travelling to the UK must complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before their arrival. This form requires passport information, travel details, and the UK accommodation address. Additionally, students should refer to the Foreign travel checklist on GOV.UK for guidance and to understand their responsibilities when travelling overseas. Checking foreign travel advice for the chosen destination is also recommended before booking flights.
In summary, international students need a valid visa to travel to the UK, and they must adhere to the specific requirements and procedures outlined by the UK government and their academic institutions.
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Students must prove they have health insurance
International students travelling to the UK on a student visa are required to prove they have health insurance. This is a mandatory fee included in the visa application process and is known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is a fee that everyone coming to live in the UK must pay to access NHS benefits. The NHS is the UK's state healthcare system, providing a wide range of services, including appointments with doctors and hospital treatment.
The amount international students are required to pay for the IHS varies depending on the length of their visa. For instance, students with a visa for more than a year must pay the yearly cost plus half the yearly cost if their visa is for 18 months or less. The yearly cost for students is £776, while those on a visa for six months or less are exempt from paying the surcharge. The IHS must be paid when applying for the visa, and students will be redirected to a site to complete the payment within 30 minutes before returning to the visa application.
Upon arrival in the UK, international students should register with a General Practitioner (GP) to have a point of reference for ongoing healthcare and medical concerns. GPs will keep track of medical history and records and refer students to medical specialists or consultants if needed. International students can visit a GP or walk-in clinic free of charge, but they will need to pay for dental and optical treatment, prescribed medication, and some discretionary treatments.
It is important to note that the NHS will only cover visits to a medical specialist if the student has a referral letter from their GP; otherwise, they must pay the specialist costs themselves. International students are usually not eligible for free dental treatment under the NHS, but preventative care and procedures are typically affordable. While private health insurance is not mandatory for international students in the UK, some may choose to purchase it for coverage in private clinics or hospitals.
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Students need to fill in a passenger locator form
International students can travel to the UK, but they need to apply for a Student visa. The visa fee must be paid for each person who accompanies the student, and the student may also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application. The visa application may take up to eight weeks, and the applicant may need to pay more to get a faster decision. If the student is under 18 and wants to study at an independent school in the UK, they may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
Before travelling to the UK, all passengers, irrespective of nationality or country of origin, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. This is a legal requirement and is a part of the HMG travel policy to keep travellers informed and safe if they are required to self-isolate later.
International students travelling during term time must have approval from their academic department. Student Services can contact the academic department on the student's behalf once they have requested a travel letter. Students travelling for a short period do not need a letter to return to the UK, but they might want to carry evidence that their department approved their travel and that they are enrolled in their course.
If students are already in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) visa, they can apply to extend their visa. They will need to prove their identity as part of their application. If their application is successful, they will get an eVisa, which is an online record of their immigration status. They will need to link their travel document to their UKVI account.
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Students can work up to 20 hours per week
International students can travel to the UK, but they must apply for a Student visa. This visa allows students to enter the UK to undertake a course of study at a recognised institution. The earliest students can apply for a visa is six months before their course starts, and they usually get a decision within three weeks. Students must apply before their current visa expires, and their new course must begin within 28 days of their current visa expiry date. Students must also pay a visa fee and a healthcare surcharge as part of their application. The visa fee is £524, and the amount of the healthcare surcharge depends on the length of the visa.
Students on a Student visa are allowed to work a certain number of hours per week, depending on their level of study. Undergraduate students are allowed to work full-time outside their university term time. During term time, they are permitted to work up to 20 hours each week. Taught postgraduate students are allowed to work full-time during the Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays, but they must ensure they attend all formal studying and teaching sessions. Postgraduate research students can work up to 20 hours per week throughout the year, as they are considered "in term time" all year round.
English language course students are allowed to work full-time outside of term time, including before and after their course, as long as their student visa is still valid. During term time, they can work up to 10 hours each week. International students on a Student visa can also take part in work placements, but only if it is related to their studies. The placement must make up no more than 50% of their course duration, and they will need a letter from their academic adviser confirming that the position complies with student immigration rules.
Students should be aware that Home Office regulations require those travelling during term time to have approval from their academic department. Student Services can contact the relevant department on the student's behalf once they have requested a travel letter. Students should also carry evidence of their department's approval and their enrolment at their institution when returning to the UK.
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Students need approval for travel during term time
Students on a Student Visa who wish to travel abroad during their studies must adhere to specific requirements and obtain approval from their academic department for travel during term time. The approval process ensures compliance with UK regulations and the university's attendance and engagement policies.
Home Office regulations mandate that students travelling during term time secure approval from their academic department. Students can request a travel letter, and if necessary, Student Services can facilitate communication with the relevant department. This process helps students obtain a copy of their department's approval, which serves as evidence of their authorised travel.
To obtain approval for travel during term time, students must submit a request to their academic department. This step should not impact their current visa status, provided the department can effectively monitor their engagement with studies, adhering to UKVI and university policies. Students should refer to their university's specific guidelines and procedures for requesting travel approval.
When travelling outside the UK on a Student Visa, it is crucial to be aware of any limitations or additional visa requirements. Sponsored international students on a Student Visa are generally not permitted to travel outside the UK during term time, except under extenuating circumstances. To request an Authorised Absence letter, students must provide valid reasons and adhere to the permitted absence duration.
Additionally, students should refer to the Foreign travel checklist on GOV.UK for comprehensive guidance on international travel. Checking foreign travel advice for the chosen destination before booking flights is essential, as these guidelines can be subject to change. Students should also be aware of the documentation requirements for their destination country, as outlined on the corresponding embassy website.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can travel to the UK.
You will need to apply for a Student Visa. You must be 16 or over and will need to prove your identity and that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. You will also need to pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
You will need to carry evidence that your department approved your travel and that you are still enrolled at your university. You will also need to have an authorised absence letter with you when travelling back to the UK.
As of 7 January 2022, international students no longer need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test when travelling to England. However, you will need to take a rapid lateral flow test on day two after arrival.
Yes, with a Student Visa, you will be able to work up to 20 hours per week while studying. You can work full-time during the holidays, as well as before and after your course starts.






































