If you are thinking of coming to the UK to study, either here at our College or anywhere else, it is important that you arrange your visa (your entry clearance) before you leave your country. This is because the UK has very strict immigration regulations and people from countries outside of the EEA have to apply for a study visa before they arrive in the country. However, you should not make final arrangements for your journey to Leeds until you have met all the entry requirements for the course and received an unconditional offer of a place to study.
Entry clearance
The documents you require will depend upon your country of residence and your nationality.
Visa nationals
If you come from a country whose citizens need a visa to enter the UK, you must obtain a student visa before travelling to the UK. To find out if you need to apply for a visa before you arrive in the country, we recommend that you check this government website. If you do not have access to the internet, your nearest British Council office will be able to tell you whether you are a visa national.
Non-visa nationals
If you are a non-visa national, you are advised to obtain entry clearancebefore coming to the UK.
How do I apply for entry clearance?
Whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national, the procedure for applying for entry clearance is the same. You must apply at the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Consulate in the country of your nationality, or the country in which you are living. You will be required to complete the VAF1 form, and you will be charged a fee for your application to be processed. You will also be asked to provide two recent passport-sized photographs and your current passport. Please bear in mind that you may be required to attend the office for more than one interview concerning your application.
You must meet the following conditions in order get a student visa or entry clearance as a student:
- You must have been accepted onto a course of study at Leeds College of Art & Design
- You must intend to, and be able to, follow a full-time degree course, or a weekday full-time course at a single institution
- Your course must involve at least 15 hours per week of organised, day-time study
- You must be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance (living expenses, including accommodation) and the maintenance of your husband/wife and children (if they are with you) without working in the UK or claiming public funds
- You must not intend to work in the UK, except part-time or vacation work
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
Required documents
Anyone who is hoping to seek entry to the UK as a student is expected to produce various documents to show that they meet the immigration rules for students. These are:
- A letter of acceptance on to the course. This will confirm that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time. The duration of your course should be stated, as well as the level of English needed for the course.
- Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family (if applicable). This could include evidence of a government sponsorship and/or bank statements.
EU/EEA nationals
If you are a national of the EEA and have been accepted on a course of study, you are entitled to enter the UK freely and have the right of residence for the duration of your course. You only require a valid passport or identity card.
Further information
You may find these websites useful if you require any further information:
The UK Council for Overseas Student Affairs
The British Council
Remember, you can also contact our Student Advice Team.