It is likely that you will need to apply for a visa to study outside of the UK. The process and visa requirements depend on what country you are travelling to and the duration of your stay. Most EU/EEA countries will permit you to study for a period of up to 90 days with a Schengen Visa.

You can apply for your visa at your host country's embassy, consulate, or visa application centre and may have to attend an interview. You may need to apply for your visa and book the embassy appointment via an agent, depending on whether the embassy has outsourced the process. We have provided the application requirements and links to the respective visa agents below for convenience. Universities UK have also produced a useful resource tool which provides general guidance and tips to students considering making a visa application for study, work, or volunteering abroad.

Please note, the information in the links below are all from external agencies.

On this page

Australia  •  Austria  •  Belgium  •  Canada  •  Czech Republic  •  Denmark  •  Finland  •  France  •  Germany  •  Greece  •  Hong Kong  •  Hungary  •  Italy  •  Luxembourg  •  Malaysia  •  Netherlands  •  Peru  •  Poland  •  Romania  •  Singapore  •  Spain  •  Sweden  •  Switzerland  •  USA

Jump to list of documents you may need

Australia

• Australian Government Home Affairs - Subclass 500 Student visa

• Study Australia - Step-by-step guide to visa and entry requirements

• Insurance - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• OSHC Factsheet

Austria

• VFS Global - official partner of the Embassy of Austria

Belgium

• IBZ - Belgian Immigration Office

Canada

• Government of Canada - Study in Canada as an international student
• Government of Canada - Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Czech Republic

• Czech Republic Embassy

Denmark

• SIRI - The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

France

• Campus France (UK) - How to get your student visa for France

Finland

• Finnish Immigration Service - Studying in Finland

Germany

• Federal Foreign Office - D-Visa: Academic Purposes

Greece

• Global Visa Center - Schengen Visa from United Kingdom to Greece

Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Immigration Department - Students

Hungary

• Eötvös Loránd University

Italy

• VSF Global - Visa information for Italy

Luxembourg

• Luxembourg Government - Visa and immigration

Malaysia

• Studee - How to apply for a Malaysia student visa – The University will apply on your behalf.
• Department of Immigration Malaysia - Student Pass

Netherlands

• IND - Student residence permit for university or higher professional education - The University will apply on your behalf.

Peru

• Peruvian Government - Student Visas

Poland

• NAWA - Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange

Romania

• Romanian Government - Studies

Singapore

• ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) - Becoming a Student's Pass Holder

Spain

• Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Study visa

Sweden

• The Swedish Migration Agency - Studying in higher educa­tion

Switzerland

• Swiss Government - Studying in Switzerland

USA

• U.S. Department of State | Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs - J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program

List of potential documents you may need

You may need all or some of the following documents to obtain your visa to study in another country. Please make sure you check early what is required for your destination country. 

• Fully completed Visa application form

• Passport (original): signed by the holder, issued within the last ten years with two blank pages. In most cases you should have at least three months remaining on your passport. This is compulsory for countries which are part of the Schengen area.

• Two recent passport sized photos

• Travel medical insurance: must be valid for the duration of travel. For Schengen countries, your insurance should cover the entire Schengen Area. The minimum coverage of the policy should be 30,000 euros.

• Documents confirming the purpose of the journey: proof of itinerary, transport reservations and proof of accommodation (compulsory for certain countries, so check guidance carefully)

• Documents confirming applicant’s circumstance (proof of studies letter): students should present a recent, official and signed letter from the University. The letter should state the date of issue, the name of the applicant and type of study, number of lessons (hours) per week, and attendance record (request the Student Status Letter from Hallam Help)

• Transcript of records

• Proof of financial means: recent (last three months) UK bank statements showing the balance and credit card account statement, indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or the spending cap.

• Documents for third country citizens: valid UK Residence Permit (BRP). Permit must be valid at least one month after your departure from the Schengen Area.