Visa advice

International students

If you're a prospective student, please read through this information carefully before you apply for your visa, to find out whether you need one, how to apply, and what documents you may need.

If you are an overseas student planning to study in the UK you will need to apply for a visa in order to study here. Depending on your length of study you will need one of the following types of visa:

  • Student Route Visa (for courses that are 6 months or longer)*
  • Standard Visitor Visa (for short courses that are no longer than 6 months)
  • Short Term Study Visa (for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months)

Please read the information below to decide which type of visa you will need then click on the links to find more details. You should apply for either type of visa before you leave your home country; doing this is called applying for ‘entry clearance’.

If you are unsure if you need a visa in order to study in the UK please read the gov.uk Check if you need a UK visa webpage.

Please note all information is correct at the time of publication.

*previously known as Tier 4

If you have any questions about the Visa process, please contact the University’s Student Immigration and Compliance Team 

  • Brexit transition information for European students from 2021

    The UK may have left the European Union but the University of Central Lancashire will always be an international community. Every year we welcome students from across the EU. Find out how you may be affected if you are an EU student and you want to study at UCLan.

  • Information for enquirers and applicants

    We would be delighted to welcome you to the University of Central Lancashire. We are determined to provide the best experience for all our students and to make sure you enjoy your time in and out of the classroom.

  • Find your country or region

    Search your country or territory and discover more about your local entry requirements, funding and any English language requirements that you will need to be aware of.