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Non-EEA nationals and EEA nationals
Programmes lasting more than six months
Visa nationals and non-visa nationals whose programme of study lasts for more than six months must NOT attempt to travel to the UK without a valid Student visa. Please see our information on applying for a Student visa.
Programmes lasting less than six months for a visa national
If you are a visa national and your programme of study lasts for six months or less and you do not intend to take up work (including voluntary work, part-time work, vacation work or a work placement as part of your programme of study) you can apply for prior entry clearance as a Standard visitor. If there is a possibility that you will want to work (or if your programme of study includes a work placement), then you must apply for a student visa.
Programmes lasting less than six months for a non-visa national
If you are a non-visa national and intend to leave the UK within six months of starting your studies, and do not wish to seek employment (including a work placement as part of your studies), then you are not required to obtain prior entry clearance. Instead, upon arrival in the UK, you must seek leave to enter as a Standard visitor by presenting immigration officials with your programme of study (your offer letter).
You must also show that you have the financial resources to meet the costs of your stay. However, we strongly advise all students to seek prior entry clearance even if coming for less than six months.
For further information, and to check whether you are a non-visa or visa national please see our information on the Standard Visitor visa for study.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an advance travel permission required by specified non-visa nationals when coming to the UK as a visitor. It costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time, over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
An ETA provides an individual with permission to travel to the UK. It is not permission to enter the UK and the holder of an ETA still will need to obtain permission to enter as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.
Please check if your nationality is required to get an ETA at the time you plan to travel. This will apply to all non-visa nationals, including EU nationals, by April 2025.
EEA nationals
EEA nationals who hold pre-settled/ settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, do not need to apply for a visa to study at UCL.