EU, EEA and Swiss Students

This page gives a brief overview of the most common immigration considerations for EU, EEA and Swiss Students.

Prior to the end of the ‘Brexit’ transition period on 31 December 2020 ‘EU students’ (including EEA and Swiss nationals) had individual rights to stay and study in the UK, most often exercised free of any formalities.  The UK’s departure from the EU brought into place new requirements for individuals who wished to stay in the UK or who now wish to come to study*.

Unless you have rights under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU students now have to consider study related visa options on the same basis as other nationalities eg Student visa or visiting for studies under 6 months.

*As the UK and Republic of Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area Irish nationals do not need to apply for immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK nor do they need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU (including EEA and Swiss nationals) and their eligible family members the chance to protect their UK residency post Brexit.  In general terms the scheme allows a continuing right of residence in the UK that had been established prior to the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.  In some circumstances family members may use the scheme to join those who have established residence rights.

If you hold pre-settled or settled status under the EUSS it allows residence in the UK including a right to study as you wish.  There is no need to consider whether you would qualify for any study related visa permission, as a Student visa would not be required you would not need a Conformation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

For more information about the EU Settlement Scheme, please see that provided by UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and Settled.  You can also view the UKVI guidance which covers matters in detail.

Visitor permission

New students studying for less than 6 months may be able to enter the UK as a visitor. For more information on entering the UK as a visitor, see our 'Studying on a visitor visa' webpage.

EU nationals are exempt from ATAS requirements that other students may face to study particular sciences or technologies.

Generally there should be no need to apply for immigration permission before travelling and EU nationals are likely to be able to enter via an eGate.

Student route

For studies longer than 6 months EU students with no other right of residence in the UK may apply for immigration permission under the Student route on which we provide detailed guides.

Within the Student route there are several provisions directly relevant to EU nationals that are not generally available to all other nationalities:

  • EU nationals are exempt from ATAS requirements that other students may face to study particular sciences or technologies.
  • EU citizens are included in the nationalities that are unlikely to be asked to provide evidence of finances (see our visa application guides for fuller details).
  • Although you will still have to pay the relevant visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), in certain circumstances you can request a refund of IHS. Please consider the requirements carefully as they include no work in the UK and that you have restricted access to NHS care.

How can the University support you?

You can find guidance on various visa topics on the University’s webpages. These webpages include the most common visa related topics, questions and issues. If you require advice or guidance beyond what is covered on the webpages please contact the Student Advice and Support Service.

Last Updated: 11th September 2024