Depending on your nationality and UK immigration status, you may need to follow specific regulations to enter, study and work in the UK.
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
Xijun (Francis) Liao, 2023 Graduate Diploma Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Kristy Noble Changes to your studies
Read more about the changes to your studies that can impact your visa
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 and visa compliance
If you need a visa to be in the UK, you must follow the immigration rules attached to your visa.
By law UAL must comply with the immigration rules and requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We must meet our obligations for the benefit of all our sponsored students.
Take action to get your eVisa
UKVI are developing a digital immigration system. If you have physical visa documents, they’ll be replaced by an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your visa. This is called an electronic visa (eVisa).
You’ll need to take action before 31 December 2024 to get your eVisa. We'll be asking for eVisa details when you enrol in autumn 2024.
Your Student visa responsibilities
You must protect your visa. Understand how to meet the conditions of your visa and remain enrolled at UAL.
Attendance and engagement
Find out more about how we monitor your attendance and engagement with your course. What you need to do if you miss a session and how to request authorised absence if you hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa.
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.
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 or stolen visas and passports
Find out what to do if your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card or vignette is lost, stolen or damaged, in the UK or elsewhere.
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.
Get 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.