Visas and immigration

If you are 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. If you are a national of an EEA country (European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or a Swiss national and you have not applied for and obtained Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, from 1 January 2021 you will require a Student visa to come to the UK. 

There are two types of visas for studying in the UK: the Student visa and the Short-term student 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 Student visa.
  • If you are coming to study a short course (but not a pre-sessional English course) then the Short-term student visa may be a more appropriate.

The University of Brighton is a registered Student sponsor under the Points Based System (PBS) and a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

Ask us a question about visas

Download our international student sponsorship policy (pdf)

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

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

Making a student visa application in your home country?

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

Making a 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 student visa 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 student visa and other related visas

For advice on the short-term student 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 student 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.

Police Registration

Information on how to register with the Police in the UK and keep your Police Registration Certificate up to date if this is a condition of your visa.