Immigration overview
Applying for a visa to study in the UK
If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the European Economic Area or Switzerland
it is likely that you will require a visa to enter or remain in the UK to study.
The type of visa you need to apply for will depend on your personal circumstances,
proposed study and where you are applying from.
European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals
Citizens of countries belonging to the EEA and citizens of
Switzerland have the right to free movement and residence in the UK so would not normally
require a visa to study. The UK Council
for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has information
for European students on their website.
Immigration web pages and advice
Please note the UK Border Agency (UKBA) change immigration rules and requirements regularly.
Whilst we aim to ensure that the information contained in these pages is kept up to date there
may be times when this is not the case. Please do not rely on these pages alone.
Further advice
After reading the information contained in these pages further advice is
available from:
Immigration advice and services are regulated by the Office
of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
and we as an institution have to abide by the
Commissioner's Code of Standards. The OISC has the power to investigate complaints made about
immigration advice and services provided by an institution. We can only provide advice to University
of Essex applicants and students.