Visas and immigration

If you're a national of a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country and you do not already have a UK visa or residence permit that allows you to study at the university, you will need to apply for and obtain a visa to study with us.

There are two types of visas for studying in the UK: the Tier 4 Student visa and the short-term study visa.

  • If you are going to study a degree course or pre-sessional course, it's likely that you'll need to apply for the Tier 4 Student visa.
  • If you are coming to study a short course (but not a pre-sessional English course) then the short-term study visa may be a more appropriate.

The University of Brighton is registered as a Tier 4 sponsor under the Points Based System (PBS) for immigration.

Information for EEA nationals (or a relevant family member of an EEA national) is available below in relation to the UK’s exit from the EU.

Ask us a question about visas

Download our international student sponsorship policy

The university’s Tier 4 sponsorship of you and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Information about how you may obtain sponsorship from the university under the Tier 4 Student category of the UK’s immigration system, and details about the CAS you'll need if you're applying for a Tier 4 Student visa.

Making a Tier 4 Student visa application in your home country?

Please use our step-by-step guidance on how to make a Tier 4 Student visa application outside of the UK, which includes the information and advice you need to make a successful application.

Making a Tier 4 Student visa application in the UK?

If you're already in the UK and you need to extend your current visa, please use our step-by-step guidance on how to make a Tier 4 application in the UK, which includes information and advice on whether you can apply in the UK, and if so on how to make a successful application.

Short-term study visa and other related visas

For advice on the short-term study visa route. If you're coming to study a short course (not a pre-sessional course), a period of research of less than six months duration or an extended English language course of up to 11 months, then the short-term study visa option may be for you.

Brexit advice

If you’re an EEA national or a relevant family member of an EEA national, you can also find information on visa and immigration requirements in light of the UK’s impending exit from the EU.