Which visa should I apply for?

If your nationality is on the UK Government’s list of visa national countries, you must apply online before you travel.

If your nationality is not on the UK Government’s list of visa national countries, you can choose to apply online before you travel or you can get the correct immigration permission when you arrive at a UK airport.

Check if you will need a visa before you travel.

If you apply for a visa before you travel

• You will need to pay a visa fee. See the UK Government’s visa fees page for details
• This is a multiple entry visa, so you can leave the UK and re-enter

If you need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

• Some non-visa nationals who wish to travel to the UK as a Visitor (including for short-term study) will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before they can travel. The ETA costs £10.
• Find the list of which nationalities will need an ETA, and from what date, on the UK Government’s website
  • Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries already need an ETA before visiting the UK
  • Eligible non-European nationals will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025, and can apply in advance from 27 November 2024
  • Eligible European nationals will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025, and can apply in advance from 5 March 2025
• An ETA only provides permission to travel, and so you will need to meet and follow the Standard Visitor rules when you arrive. Follow the advice below about getting immigration permission at the airport.

If you get immigration permission at the airport or other port of entry

• It is free of charge.
• This is a single entry visa but if you want to leave the UK and re-enter during the semester, you can request permission to enter again if you leave the UK.

If you choose to get the immigration permission when you arrive in the UK, you must follow this guidance:

• Always carry your University of Leeds offer letter to provide evidence the purpose of your visit, proof of accommodation booked in Leeds, and your most recent bank statements with you in your hand luggage to present to an Immigration Officer to confirm you can support yourself financially throughout your course and pay for a flight home.
• Confirm that you are coming to the UK to study if you are asked what the reason for your visit is.   
• Arrive in the UK near to the course start date as you are entering as a visitor for up to six months.
• If you enter via the Republic of Ireland or a passport E-gate, you will not pass through UK immigration control so you must retain your boarding pass and/or flight details to prove the date you entered. You will have permission to remain in the UK for six months.