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Visa Information for Study Abroad Students

 

The Student Visitor Visa

If you are a going to be studying on  the study abroad programme, you should apply for a student visitor visa from a British Embassy/High Commission in your own country before you travel to the UK if you:

1. are studying in the UK for 6 months or less
2. do not wish to work
3. do not wish to extend your time of stay beyond 6 months


If you are coming to the United Kingdom as a student visitor to study you must:

  • genuinely be seeking entry as a student visitor for the limited period you tell us you require that does not exceed 6 months
  • have been accepted on a course of study at Cardiff University
  • leave the UK at the end of your course and before the expiry date of your student visitor visa
  • support and pay for accommodation for yourself without help from public funds
  • be able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey.

You must NOT:

  • bring your family with you to the UK – they will be refused entry
  • work or participate in any unpaid voluntary work in the UK
  • study at a government-funded school;
  • be a child under the age of 18;
  • undertake a work placement or internship (paid or unpaid) as part of your course of study
  • extend your stay in the United Kingdom.

 

Obtain your student visitor visa before you leave home!

If you are a “non-visa national”, including those holding US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports, you can apply for entry clearance (a visa) when you arrive in the UK and can be admitted to the UK as a Student Visitor. However, we STRONGLY advise you to obtain your student visitor visa BEFORE you leave your home country, because if fail to show the immigration officer at the UK airport all the correct documentation, you will be refused entry.  You should apply for your student visitor visa in your home country at least 2 months before the start date of your course.

A non-visa national is a citizen of any country that is NOT listed here: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk



What documentation do I need to send to the British Embassy with my student visitor visa application?

You will need your student visitor visa letter from Cardiff University.  To obtain this letter please email the Study Abroad Team at Cardiff University: matthewsr3@cardiff.ac.uk

This letter will show that you have been unconditionally accepted onto a course of study at Cardiff University

To help the Study Abroad Team provide you with this letter, they will need to know:

  • Your name
  • Your student number
  • Your passport number
  • Your home address – so they can send the letter to you by courier


How much money do I need to show the immigration officer at the British Embassy?

You will also be required to provide financial evidence to obtain your student visitor visa:

You should provide proof that you have financial support for the total cost of your course tuition fees plus £600 per calendar month.

 

Self financing students

If you are funding your studies yourself, you must provide bank statements for a period of 2 months showing that you have enough money for your tuition fees and £600 for each month of the course and showing that this money is available to you. 

 

Home University is financing your studies

If you are receiving money from your home University for your tuition fees and/or accommodation and/or any living costs, you must obtain a letter from them on official letter headed paper with University stamp stating:

  • Your name
  • The name and contact details of your University
  • The date of the letter
  • The length of time that you will be in the UK
  • The amount that they are giving you for your tuition fees and/or accommodation and/or living costs.

 

Family/friend are financing your studies

If are receiving money from another Financial Sponsor, such as your parents, another family member or a friend then you should  provide bank statements for a period of 2 months showing that they have enough money for your tuition fees and £600 for each month of the course.

You should also provide a letter from your Financial Sponsor stating:

  • Their name and contact details
  • Your name
  • The length of time that you will be in the UK
  • The amount of money they are giving you
  • Their relationship to you.

 

Financing using a Bank Loan

If you are using a bank loan to finance your studies you must provide a letter from the bank confirming the loan.  The loan must be in your name.  The bank must be regulated by an official regulatory body for your home country.  The loan should be dated no more than 6 months before the date of your student visa application.

For more information about what is required in the letter see: www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/prospective/inter/study/gettingtocardiff/visasandimmigration/arrangingyourfinances

 

What visa application form do I need to fill in?

You will need to complete application form VAF1D for a Student Visitor. Download form from www.ukvisas.gov.uk

If you are applying in advance for your visa, it will cost you £68 equivalent in UK pounds stirling.

 

When will my visa start?

You can come 7 days before the start date of your course as stated on your offer letter from Cardiff University.

 

How long will my visa last?

The maximum length of time you can stay in the UK will be 6 months.  You can not extend your stay/visa in the UK, and you can not switch to another visa type.

 

Entering the UK from the Republic of Ireland

If you are  coming to the UK without entry clearance (student visitor visa) and enter via the Republic of Ireland, you are unlikely to encounter any Immigration Officers. Therefore, it will not be possible to apply for entry as a “Student Visitor “. Entry into the UK and studies is permitted, but only for a maximum of 3 months. Keep any travel ticket or any proof of date if entry. The only solution will be to travel outside of the UK e.g. France and return via one of the UK borders in England, Scotland, Wales or N. Ireland.


Obtaining a Student (General) Adult Visa

If are going to be studying in the UK for more than 6 months, and/or you need to work in the UK, you MUST apply for a Tier 4 Student Adult visa.

For more information on how to apply for this student visa visit the visa pages on the International Office website