To come to the UK as a student you will need a student visa before you leave your home country to travel to the UK.
We recommend that you start familiarising yourself with the UK immigration requirements as soon as you decide to study in the UK. This will allow you to develop a good understanding of the application process and the time that you need to get a visa.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
If we think you will need a student visa to study with us, we will send you an email from June with the subject:
‘Student Visas - Checking your details. Student No. NNNNNNNN’
It is important that you follow the instructions in this email. If not, we will be unable to issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will need a CAS to apply for your student visa. This email will include instructions about how to check your personal details for your CAS in Portico (the UCL Applicant Portal).
We issue CAS numbers in batches on a regular basis, once the offer is unconditional and we have verified your qualifications.
Once your CAS number is ready, it will show on your Portico account.
We do not issue any other CAS documents.
You will only need your CAS number to apply for your Student Visa.
A copy of all emails we send you is held in the communications tab of your Portico (the UCL applicant portal).
Updating your personal details
If you need to update your personal details, you will need to contact UCAS. This includes your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport details
- Nationality
Any changes through UCAS will automatically update your UCL application within 24 to 48 hours. Once these details have been updated, you can then confirm they are correct.
During August the UCL Applicant Portal (Portico) will not be available for a period of one week. You will not be able to update your details during the this period. Once dates are confirmed they will be published here.
UCAS - Making changes to your undergraduate application
Scheduled closure of Portico (UCL Applicant Portal)
During August the UCL Applicant Portal (Portico) will not be available for a period of one week. You will not be able to update your details during the this period. Once dates are confirmed they will be published here.
You should complete the visa task before the portal is closed, as you will not be able to access it between the above dates, and this will delay us sending you your CAS.
Further information
Read more about visas, immigration and CAS numbers
If you have questions about applying for a visa, use our Immigration Advice Service