Do I need a visa?

Do I need a visa?

All non-EEA/Swiss nationals intending to study at St George’s, whether as an Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Elective or overseas transfer student, must obtain entry clearance under the Tier 4 (General) route of the Points Based Immigration System.

Who can study in the UK without a visa?

EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a visa to study in the UK. You are an EEA national if you are a citizen or national of one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU or the EEA. However since 1 June 2002, Swiss nationals have had rights which are similar to those of nationals of EEA countries and do not therefore require a visa to study in the UK.

For more information for EEA and Swiss nationals, please see the UKCISA information sheet.

Please be advised that if you are from a country that joined the EU in or after 2004, although you do not need a visa to study in the UK, you will need to be aware of the rules around working during your studies.

Other exemptions

If you are a British overseas territories citizen (except those from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus) you do not need a visa to study in the UK.

If you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to stay or enter the UK because one of your Grandparents was born here, you do not need a visa to study in the UK. If you think this may apply to you, please contact us.

email: visaadvice@sgul.ac.uk

What if I am already in the UK?

If you are already in the UK on another type of visa, you may be able to study here but it is important to be aware of the implications of the length remaining on your visa before you begin studying. If this applies to you, please see our information for Students already in the UK for more details and/or contact our immigration advisors for more details.

email: visaadvice@sgul.ac.uk

If you are not from the EEA or Switzerland, or already in the UK under another type of visa, please see What is Tier 4? for more information.

Erasmus students

If you are an Erasmus student from outside the EEA or Switzerland and are coming to St George's for less than six months, please contact us for further advice and information.

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Please note that the above information is subject to change; please check the UK Border Agency’s website for updates.  The information herein provided is given in good faith for information only purposes. The information herewith provided is not intended to nor does it constitute legal advice. St George’s, University of London does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided and accepts no liability whatsoever as any claims arising from reliance thereon.