Short term study visit (less than 6 months)

This information is for students returning to Stirling to undertake a short period of study (less than 6 months), including those students required to repeat modules, submit coursework, or complete their studies.

If your study period is less than six months (for example if you are returning for one semester only) then the University may recommend that you apply for a Standard Visit visa or seek entry as a Standard Visitor. If you have already been issued with a Standard Visit visa in the last 12 months to undertake a period of study then you should contact the Student Immigration Team before applying for your visa.

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa for short stays up to six months, except British and Irish citizens, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK. Those nationalities that ordinarily require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.

All remaining nationalities will be able to apply for an ETA from later this year. Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

ETA is extending in two phases:

  • Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
  • Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.

When applying as a standard visitor you should follow these procedures:

  • Before travelling check if you need a UK visa or ETA.
  • If you need a visa, follow the advice on the Home Office web site about applying for a visit visa.
  • If you don’t need a visa, then you can travel to the UK and seek permission to enter at the port of entry (the airport). You may need an ETA.
  • You should carry with you:
    • An enrolment letter from the University of Stirling.
    • Evidence of your funding. This could be bank statements from your accounts or your parents’ accounts, confirmation of government or private loan funding, or other financial documents to show that you can support yourself in the UK without working.
    • Confirmation of your ETA (if you have one).

If you are permitted to use the eGates on arrival at the airport please keep a copy of your flight tickets and/or boarding pass. You will be asked for your arrival information when you enrol. 

If you have any questions about applying for entry under this category please contact the Student Immigration Team.