East Sussex College is awarded Student Sponsor - Track Record status on the Register of licensed sponsors: students. We have permission by the UKVI to recruit and enrol international students on academic programmes longer than 6 months.

Which visa is required?

The visa you apply for depends on your circumstances.

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

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

Many students can study in the UK for up to six months without a visa and some nationalities need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

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

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

www.ukcisa.org.uk/Short-term-student-visa

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

Please start your application process as soon as you can to avoid any delay.

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

When applying for your student visa, you need to be ready and prepared. As part of UKVI's Study Ready campaign, we suggest that you watch this short video that breaks down the step-by-step process of applying for your Student visa. - How to apply for your student visa

Preparation is key 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.

You must not travel to the UK until your visa has been approved and you have accessed your eVisa.

eVisa and ETA

All visitors who do not need a visa, except British and Irish citizens to travel to the UK, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK. Everyone needs evidence of their permission to travel, or proof of exemption, to travel to the UK.

From 25 February 2026, the ETA requirement will be strictly enforced and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. Action is required.

What are eVisas and ETAs?

visas and Immigration

Advice and guidance about routes to the UK for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can be found on the website for UKCISA and UK Visas and Immigration

Please contact us at International@escg.ac.uk for more information about the best route to study for your chosen course