Visas for International Students at Edinburgh College 

Most international students need a visa to study in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh College also accepts applications from international students already in the U.K. on a different visa or immigration permission. This includes: 

• Dependent visa holders 
• Tier 2 and Tier 5 visa holders 
• European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals with EU Settled or Pre-settled status who do not qualify for home fee status 

Types of Student Visas 

There are three main visa types for students coming to the U.K. to study. The International Team at Edinburgh College will help you determine the most suitable visa and provide guidance on the application process. 

Standard Visitor Visa 

For studies up to six months.

Cost: £115 (if applying from outside the U.K.) 

• You can study a short course (full-time or part-time) for up to six months. 
• There are no minimum English language requirements. 
• You cannot work while in the U.K. 
• You must be at least 16 years old. 
• Nationals of some countries do not need to apply in advance; you must check the U.K. government website to see if this applies to you. 
• Some travellers will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) you must check if you need an ETA before travelling. 
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a letter from a parent or guardian confirming your care and accommodation arrangements. 
• You can apply for this visa up to three months before your travel date. 
• If you apply in advance, you must show you have enough money for living expenses and accommodation. Although there is no fixed amount, we recommend showing between £1000 and £1500 per month of your stay. 
• You must leave the U.K. before your visa expires. 
• You cannot extend this visa or apply for a different visa while in the U.K. 

For more details, visit the U.K. government website. 

Short-Term Study Visa

For English language courses lasting up to 11 months.

Cost: £200 (if applying from outside the U.K.) 

• You can study an English language course for between six and 11 months. 
• There are no minimum English language requirements. 
• You cannot work while in the U.K. 
• You must be at least 16 years old. 
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a letter from a parent or guardian confirming your care and accommodation arrangements. 
• You must pay a healthcare surcharge, which usually costs £776, to access free National Health Service (NHS) treatment while studying. 
• You must show proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and accommodation. We recommend showing between £1000 and £1500 per month of your stay. 
• You must leave the U.K. before your visa expires. 
• You cannot extend this visa or apply for a different visa whilst in the U.K. 

For more details, visit the U.K. government website. 

Student Route Visa 

For courses lasting up to two years, including Access, HNC, and HND courses (SCQF levels 6, 7, and 8).

Cost: £490 (if applying from inside or outside the U.K.) 

• You must be at least 16 years old. 
• You can study for up to two years at SCQF levels 6, 7, and 8. 
• You can work up to ten hours per week during term time. 
• You can work full-time during college holidays (check the College Calendar for dates). 
• You cannot bring dependents with you. 
• You must meet the English language requirements by: 
  • Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider 
  • Holding a qualification from a U.K. school, such as: 
    • GCSE 
    • A-Level 
    • Scottish National Qualification (level 4 or 5) in English 
    • Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English 
• Nationals from certain countries do not need to prove their English skills. A full list is available on the U.K. government website. 
• You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Edinburgh College. 
• You must show proof of financial support. Funds must be in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying. Edinburgh College will check your financial documents before issuing a CAS. 
  • One academic year: £10,224 
  • One semester: £1136 per month 
• You can apply from within the U.K. if you are switching from a Child Student Visa or a Student Visa from a Higher Education provider. 
• If you hold another type of U.K. visa (except a Visitor Visa), you may be able to apply from within the U.K. 
• You can extend this visa if continuing your studies at a Higher Education provider. 
• Processing times vary by country. Check the U.K. government website for more details. 
• You must pay a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year to access free NHS treatment. 

Important: Not all courses at Edinburgh College meet the requirements for student visa sponsorship. Edinburgh College will assess your application in line with Student Visa policies. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed. 

For more details, visit the U.K. government website. 

Support and Contact Information 

For advice and support, contact the International Team: 

• Email: international@edinburghcollege.ac.uk 
• Phone: +44 (0) 131 297 9995 

Once the International Team helps you determine the right visa, they will send you detailed application guidance and information on required documents. 

Edinburgh College also offers a Visa Support Service to help you choose the right visa and check your documents before you apply. 

For further information on studying and living in the U.K., visit: 

• UKCISA – The U.K. Council for International Student Affairs 
• The British Council – Information and advice for international students 

Last updated: December 2024 

This information is correct as of the last update and applies only to studies at Edinburgh College. Always check the U.K. government website for the latest updates.