East Sussex College is awarded Student Sponsor - Track Record status on the Register of Licensed Sponsors: Students. We have permission by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to enrol international students on courses longer than 6 months.

Which visa do i need?

The type of visa you need depends on your course and your nationality.

If you are studying on an English language course for up to 11 months, you should apply for a Short-term study visa.

If you are coming to study on a further or higher education course, you should apply for a Student visa.

Some students can study in the UK for up to six months without a visa. Certain nationalities may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

You can find more information on the following websites:

English UK - https://study.englishuk.com/travel-and-visas/

UKCISA Student Immigration Information - https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Visas-and-Immigration/Student-immigration-the-basics

UKCISA Short-term Study Visa Information - www.ukcisa.org.uk/Short-term-student-visa

Once you have been accepted onto a course at East Sussex College, we will provide you with the documents you need for a visa application.

Please start your application as early as possible to avoid any delays.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Student Visa campagin - Study Ready

When you apply for your student visa, it is important to be ready and prepared. As part of UKVI's Study Ready campaign, we recommend watching this short video, which explains the Student visa process step by step: How to apply for your student visa

Preparation is important when applying for your Student visa.

• Prepare - Start early and get documents ready.
• Apply - Submit a complete application as soon as possible
• Travel - Be fully prepared to enter the UK

Prepare your documents.

Apply now for your Student visa.

Do not travel to the UK until your visa has been approved and you can access your eVisa.

eVisa and ETA

If you do not need a visa to travel to the UK, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. An ETA is a digital permission that allows you to travel to the UK> British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.

Before you travel, you must have proof of your permission to enter the UK, or proof that you do not need this permission.

From 25 February 2026, travellers who need an ETA will not be allowed to board their flight, train or ferry without one enforced and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one.

Please make sure you apply for your ETA before you travel.

What are eVisas and ETAs?

visas and Immigration

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you can find more information about studying in the UK on UKCISA and UK Visas and Immigration websites.

Fore more information about the best visa option for yuor course, please contact us at International@escg.ac.uk.