Graduate visa
The Graduate visa is a new UK post-study work visa. The Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after you have successfully completed your course of study in the UK.
Visa information for applicants and new students
Everything you need to know about visa and other related information for studying at the University of Stirling.
We’re an international research-led university and, as a licensed student visa sponsor, we welcome students from all over the world to come and study at Stirling.
Student visa and other visas
The UK's Student visa, which falls under the UK's new points based immigration system, is now open for applications to international students.
You will need to demonstrate that you meet the required 70 points by:
- having an offer from an approved educational institution such as the University of Stirling
- speaking English
- being able to support yourself during your studies in the UK
You will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your application, which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
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. Those who are exempt from immigration control are not required to obtain an ETA. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries already need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK.
All remaining nationalities will be able to apply for an ETA from later this year through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app or via the gov.uk webpage.
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.
The gov.uk website has the full list of nationalities (including countries and associated territories) subject to the requirement to obtain an ETA .
Information for EU, EEA and Swiss students
The Student visa is available to EU/EEA and Swiss students as well as international students.
EU, EEA and Swiss students coming to the UK who do not have permission to study in another immigration category will need to apply for a Student visa, ahead of arriving in the UK. You can apply up to 6 months in advance of your course starting.
EU, EEA and Swiss students can continue to visit the UK for up to 6 months, without applying for a visa and may participate in short term study. EU, EEA and Swiss students travelling in 2025 should also refer to the ETA guidance above.
Information for rest of world students (non EU/EEA/Swiss)
The Student visa is available to international students.
Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants
You’ll need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test if you’re coming to the UK for more than 6 months and are resident in certain countries.
Students coming to Stirling for less than six months
If you’re planning to study in the UK for less than six months then you should apply for a standard visit visa before you travel. If you do not need a standard visit visa you can seek leave to enter at the airport in the UK as a visitor. Depending on when you intend to commence studies in the UK you may require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Please refer to the ETA guidance above.
You can check if you need to apply for a visa or ETA before travelling. If you do need a visa follow the application advice on the UK Government website.
When you travel to the UK you should carry with you:
- your offer letter from Stirling
- evidence of your funding. This could be:
- bank statements from your accounts or your parents’ accounts;
- confirmation of government or private loan funding;
- other financial documents to show that you can support yourself in the UK without working;
- Confirmation of your ETA (if you have one).
When you arrive in the UK it’s important that you explain to the Border Force Officer that you are coming to the UK for a short course of study so that they grant you leave to enter as a 'Standard Visitor'.
If you are permitted to use the eGates when you arrive through the airport, please make sure that you keep a copy of your boarding pass and/or flight ticket showing your date of arrival in the UK. We will ask for this information as part of the enrolment process.
If your study period is less than six months and you have a specific reason for applying for a student visa instead of entering as a standard visitor (for example if your course includes a work placement and you need to have permission to work), you must contact the Admissions Team as soon as we offer you a place.
Start-up visa
The UKVI has recently changed visa routes for entrepreneurs, including ending the Start-up visa route. For international students and alumni interested in self-employment or starting a business in the UK, please visit UKVI’s website for detailed information or contact the University of Stirling’s Student Immigration and Visa Services Team to inquire about the Graduate visa route.
Information for pre-sessional courses
If you’re a pre-sessional applicant holding an unconditional offer for a main course of study at degree level we can issue you with a joint CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) which allows you to obtain one student visa to cover both courses.
If the only condition of your main course offer is that you must reach CFR B2 level English on completion of your pre-sessional English language course then we can also issue you with a joint CAS which allows you to obtain one student visa to cover both courses.
See the How to apply for a visa section for more information about your CAS.
How to apply for a visa
To apply for a Student visa, you will need your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number.
When you’ve accepted your offer of a place at Stirling the admissions team will send you your CAS, number (which is different to your UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) number).
The university requires a tuition fee deposit to be paid before a Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) can be issued to self-funding students requiring a Student Visa. This deposit will be regarded as an advance payment towards the overall cost of your tuition fees.
You must check that all personal and course information on your CAS is accurate and that any tuition, accommodation or other fees you’ve paid us have been included. If you’re receiving any bursary or a scholarship from us this should be included in the CAS. Please let us know of any such awards so that we can include them on your CAS.
You can apply for your visa up to three months if you're in the UK, and six months if you're outside the UK, before the start of your course and once you have your CAS. You should make arrangements to travel to the UK only when UKVI have returned your passport and issued your Student visa.
Please refer to the guidance before submitting your application. Mistakes with funds and your documents are the most common reason for refusal. We can help check your documents and funds before you submit your application.
If your visa application is refused let us know immediately so we can advise you on what to do next. If you are refused you cannot apply for another student visa using the same CAS number.
ATAS clearance
You may need an ATAS certificate to study on degree courses of a sensitive nature such as science or technology. Students who need to apply for ATAS clearance must do so before a CAS can be assigned. ATAS details will then be included on the CAS.
eVisas
The UK Home Office is replacing physical immigration documents with a digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa. Find out more about eVisas.
Graduate visa
Latest information
Find the best and most up-to-date visa advice on the GOV.UK website.
Visa application centres
Find the opening times and contact details for UK visa application centres near you.
Need advice?
We're here to help you with your visa application. Email us with a question or to set up an appointment.
Arriving via Dublin?
There is no routine passport control between Dublin and the UK. This means that you may not pass through passport control in the UK if you arrive from Dublin. If you arrive from Dublin with a student visa you should keep your flight confirmation emails/papers about the Dublin-UK flight and carry them with you the next time you travel. You will have to leave the UK and re-enter within three months of arrival so that your student visa can be activated. This can obviously be costly so any savings made arriving in Dublin initially may be lost.
How can we help you?
Our Student Immigration Team specialises in student immigration to the UK and we are here to help you with advice and support for your visa application.
If you are facing significant delays and are going to miss the start date of your course please let us know as soon as possible.
To ask a question or request an appointment with an advisor please email studentimmigration@stir.ac.uk.