Visas and immigration
Everything you need to know about visas as a prospective or current international student at University of Gloucestershire, topics include Student visa applications, digital immigration status, working in the UK, and the Graduate route visa.
Student Route visa
If you are coming to the UK to study for more than six months (or a pre-sessional programme), and do not have any other type of UK immigration permission, you will need a Student visa. This page provides advice and guidance on how to apply for a Student visa from both inside and outside of the UK.
Request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Applying for a Student route visa from inside the UK
Applying for a Student route visa – FAQs (inside the UK applicants)
Applying for a Student route visa from outside the UK
Applying for a Student route visa – FAQs (outside the UK applicants)
Visa and immigration guide for students
Student route financial requirements
English Language Entry Requirements
International admission and Student route sponsorship policy
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Declaration
Visiting the UK for short-term study or graduation
If you are coming to the UK for a period of study or research lasting up to six months, you may be able to use the Standard Visitor route. You must meet the relevant visitor requirements, including showing that you are a genuine visitor, that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit, and that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your return or onward journey without working or accessing public funds.
Applying for a Standard Visitor visa to study
The Standard Visitor route also allows visitors to come to the UK for a range of other short-term activities, including tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending a graduation ceremony.
If you are travelling to the UK to attend your graduation ceremony, the immigration requirements will depend on your nationality and whether you already hold valid UK immigration permission. Our ‘Visa guide for graduation’ explains which immigration route may apply to you, whether you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, and what documents you should prepare.
The guide also includes information for friends and family who want to travel to the UK to attend your graduation, including the immigration permission they may need and the supporting documents they should consider providing.
Graduate route
The Graduate route visa is an unsponsored post-study work visa available to international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above.
Undergraduate and Master’s graduates (or those with a relevant qualification) can stay for two years (reducing to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027). PhD or doctoral qualification graduates can stay for three years.
Please refer to our Graduate route visa webpage for further information.