Depending on your nationality and UK immigration status, you may need to follow specific regulations to enter, study and work in the UK.
Help
If you need assistance, you can get in touch with:
- UAL Student Advice Service
- UAL representative or the British Council office in your home country
- The UK Government and UKCISA
Please see the information for the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for visa holders.
Visa
A visa gives legal permission to enter or to remain in the UK. You need to submit a successful application to get this permission.
It's important to apply for the right type of study visa for your needs. You can check which type you may need using the UK Government’s visa checking tool.
-
A student working at London College of Fashion
Visas for short periods of study
For students coming to the UK to study for short periods of time on an English language course, a short course, or to retake a unit
-
Image courtesy of UAL,
Student Visa
For students coming to the UK to study on courses like degrees, diplomas and presessional courses
-
Interview with Jack Rowe
EU Settlement Scheme
If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
-
© John Sturrock, Studying at the Library Group Zone. Central Saint Martins. UAL.
Enrolling on your course
Check what information you'll need when you enrol as a visa holder.
-
Image courtesy of UAL, UAL Graduation 2018 at Royal Festival Hall
Options after graduation
Find out more about attending graduation and staying in the UK after completing your course
Immigration compliance
If you need a visa to be in the UK, you must comply with the immigration conditions attached to your visa. UAL has a duty of care to all its students and must comply by law to the immigration rules and requirements of the Home Office.
Attendance and engagement
Find out more about the attendance and engagement requirements for students on a Tier 4 (General) or Student visa.
Statement of immigration responsibilities
You must comply with the conditions attached to your visa and co-operate with the University in fulfilling its immigration duties. Our guides provide information about your responsibilities as a visa holder and UAL's responsibilities to the Home Office.
Travelling abroad
If you hold a visa for studying in the UK and plan to travel outside the UK during your course, there are important considerations to make when planning your trip.
Visas
You must check if you need a visa for the country you wish to visit as your UK visa will not be valid for travel to other countries. Refer to the embassy website of the country you wish to visit for more information.
If you are travelling to European countries, you may be able to apply for a Schengen visa.
Factsheet: Schengen Visa (PDF 308KB)
Before travelling to any country outside the UK you must check that your passport is valid and that it will not expire while you are there.
Lost and stolen visas
If your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is lost or stolen while abroad, you will not be allowed to re-enter the UK. You will have to apply for a 'single entry replacement BRP visa' before returning.
If you do not have a BRP and your visa is in the form of a sticker in your passport (a vignette) which is lost or stolen, you will not be allowed to re-enter the UK. You will need to apply for a new passport and then apply for a 'vignette transfer' before returning.
Follow the guidance from UKCISA or contact the Student Advice Service. You must contact your College Immigration Compliance Administrator if this delay will cause you to miss classes.
Returning to the UK
If you're still studying on your course with a valid study visa, you can leave and return to the UK. Make sure you have the following documents at the border:
- Student status letter - download one from your online portal, or visit the Language Centre or the College short course office.
- Passport.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable.
- Police registration certificate, if applicable.