Applying for a visa

Types of visa

In order to come to the UK to study, you'll need to apply for one of these:

• Student visa: this visa is generally for students studying on a full-time course lasting longer than six months
• Visitor visa: this visa allows students to study on accredited short courses of up to 6 months, including retakes and exam re-sits
• Short-term study visa: this visa is for students studying an English language course – lasting between 6-11 months

Once you've completed your studies, you'll be able to apply for a Graduate visa: allowing you to stay and work in the UK for at least 18 months after you graduate (up to three years for PhD graduates).

You can check what kind of visa you need by visiting the UK Visas and Immigration site – if you have any questions, please get in touch. We give free, confidential advice.

1) Apply for your CAS

Before you make your visa application, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from us: an electronic document, confirming you've met our requirements and hold sufficient funds. Apply here.

2) Apply for your visa

Once you receive your CAS, you can apply for your visa from the UKVI. You must apply within six months of receiving your CAS and six months before your course starts.

You're usually required to apply for a visa from outside of the UK, unless you're already here on a visa that permits you to switch visas and you meet the requirements for an in-country application.

If you're applying from outside of the UK, you must wait for approval before you travel – or you’ll be refused entry at the border.

How to apply:

1. Prepare your supporting documents (see supporting documents tab)
2. Apply via the UKVI website as soon as you get your CAS reference from Regent's
3. Choose your service: standard (15 days), priority (5 days), super priority (next day)
4. Pay your visa fee and your Immigration Health Surcharge to access the NHS*
5. Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre if you were unable to confirm your identity via the UK Immigration ID check app
6. Wait for your decision

*Click here to check how much you'll need to pay. You're exempt from paying the charge if you live in the Falkland Islands and are considered a British Overseas Territory citizen. You might also be entitled to a partial or full refund if your healthcare is paid for by an EU country or Switzerland.

After you apply:

You'll receive a decision letter from the Home Office (usually via email) as soon as your application has been approved. You must then create a UKVI account (if you don't already have one) and get access to your eVisa before you travel to the UK. Instructions on how to do this will be in your decision email.

Please remember to obtain your visa/approval before travelling to the UK.

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Supporting documents

It's important to gather all the documents you need before applying online – they might differ slightly depending on your circumstances, but they typically include:

Your passport
Or a valid travel document. If you have dual nationality you'll need to use the document/ passport you used on your CAS request form.

Your CAS statement
This includes a unique reference number linked to a record created in the UKVI system. You must request a new CAS for each visa application, you cannot re-use them.

Proof of your English language proficiency
Your official English language test scores, or a formal letter confirming your acceptance onto an English language course.

Proof of your finances
Evidence that you have enough money to pay tuition fees and living expenses. You will need to submit additional documents if the bank account isn't in your name, or if you're receiving official financial sponsorship. More details can be found under your visa type – Student, Short-term, Visitor. 

Proof of your academic qualifications
Typically you'll need to provide the original certificate or transcript for each qualification listed on your CAS – as well as an official translation for documents not in English. 

A tuberculosis certificate
This is compulsory for all countries listed here. You must provide a valid certificate by an approved medical clinic confirming you're free of TB.

Additional documents
UKVI may request additional documents after you submit your application. If this happens, please contact us before responding so we can review your documents and help prevent any delays.

FAQs

Can I travel to the UK while waiting on my application?

It's not recommended to travel to the UK while your visa application is still being processed. If you choose to travel on a Visitor visa, you must leave and re-enter using your Student visa once it's been granted. You can't switch from a Visitor visa to a Student visa from within the UK. You should also ensure you travel within the validity period of your Student visa, as stated in your visa decision email. Typically, your Student visa will allow entry to the UK up to one month before your course start date.

Can I apply from within the UK if I've already completed Year 1 and will be entering Year 2 at Regent’s?

Unfortunately not – this is considered continuing the same course rather than progressing to a new one. Academic progression requires you to have successfully completed your previous course and progress to a higher level of study. The exception is if you've already completed a Master’s degree and you're going onto study another Master’s degree.

As a result, you'll be required to leave the UK and submit your Student visa application from overseas. You must also provide evidence that you have left the UK.

What if UKVI asks for more documents?

Please inform us as soon as possible and we'll guide you on what to provide and ensure your documents meet the requirements. UKVI usually give you a deadline to submit the new documents, so it's important you notify us promptly to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

My visa was refused – what do I do?

Please inform us as soon as you've received this decision. We'll check your visa refusal letter and inform you if we can re-sponsor you or not.