Legal documents you will need

Everyone who comes to study in the UK needs a valid passport. If you do not have one, you should apply for one as soon as possible.

Please check the UK Border Agency - Visa Services website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk for the most up-to-date guidance and information about the United Kingdom's visa requirements.

Student portrait

Please note: From 31 March 2009 there have been several changes affecting the Student Category regarding visas and entry clearance. For more information, please go to the Visa Services guidance page for students.

People from certain countries also need visas before they come into the UK. They are known as 'visa nationals'. You can check if you require a visa to travel to the UK by visiting the UK Border Agency - Visa Services website and selecting "Do I need a UK visa?".

If you are a visa national, to find out how to apply visit the UK Border Agency - Visa Services website.

BIOMETRICS - All visa applicants are required to submit their biometric details. Click here for more information about this programme.

If you are not a visa national, you do not need a visa to come into the UK, but you may need an entry clearance. You may also want to contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the country where you live, or where no VAC is in operation, the British Embassy or High Commission to confirm that you will be able to come to the UK as a student.

When you arrive in the UK, whether or not you are a visa national, you must show certain documents and declare your intentions to study as a student to the immigration officer. You will need:

  • a valid passport
  • a visa (if you are a visa national)
  • a letter from the DCSF-registered institution that confirms you have been accepted unconditionally for a full-time course
  • evidence that you have enough money to pay for your course.

It may take you some time to get these documents. You should start as early as possible by checking the website of the Visa Application Centre or the UK Border Agency - Visa Services website guidance for students for what documents you will need, how to get them and where to get them from. Guidance information for international students is available from UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs).

Identity cards for foreign nationals

The following information has been provided by the UK Border Agency.

From 25 November 2008, UKBA started issuing identity cards to non-EEA foreign nationals, and their dependants, who are granted further leave to remain in the UK within certain categories (student and marriage / civil partnerships / unmarried couples).

All those applying for further leave to remain under the categories above will be required to enrol their biometric details at one of our seven offices. Successful applicants will then be sent the card by secure delivery.

As well as showing the holder's photo, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status, the credit-card sized document has a secure electronic chip for biometric details. Using fingerprint technology and digital facial images we can lock an individual to a single identity, helping to strengthen border control, prevent identity fraud and illegal working or immigration.

The card will help to confirm a person's immigration status and eligibility to entitlements in the UK. It will also help employers, educational establishments and other public service providers to understand a migrant's immigration status via a single document.

For further information about the identity cards for foreign nationals and guidance on checking the card please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/managingborders/idcardsforforeignnationals/.