How to Apply for a Visa for the UK

A student visa for the UK is a legal document adhered to an inside page of your passport that you must have before entering the country. The visa serves as an approval from the UK government to remain in the country for the duration of your program.  

There are two types of UK student visas: a Student Visa and a Standard Visitor visa. Some students will not be required to obtain a visa before arriving. 

Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a UK Student Visa in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the Student Visa application process will look like as a U.S. citizen.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, refer to the UK government website to determine whether your need a visa and what the application process will look like for you. 

Contact Your Advisor

How to Apply for BUNAC Sponsorship & Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange Visa for the UK

Full-time interns will need a BUNAC sponsorship and Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa.

Once you are accepted to your IES Internships program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a BUNAC Sponsorship and Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange Visa in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the BUNAC and Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange Visa application process will look like. 

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, this process may look slightly different. 

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“IES Abroad has a fool-proof plan for everyone to get their visas to study abroad.”
Kate C. • Villanova University • Milan – Italy Today

YOUR PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS

Do You Need a Student Visa for the UK?

Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in England to have the proper documents to enter the country. Get started by taking our quiz that determines your requirements by program.

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Considering multiple destinations?

We've compiled visa resources for every country so you'll have everything you need to make your study abroad adventure as seamless as possible.

Browse Visa Resources by Country

“But I felt most empowered because when I woke up in the morning, I knew that I could make of the day whatever I wanted to. And I did. And I am proud of myself for that.”
Anand A. • University of South Carolina • London Direct Enrollment – University College London

We’re Here for You

Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your MyIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.

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visa ACCeSS program GEM and students

The UK government, not IES Abroad, determines UK visa processes and requirements. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on the UK government website. This page was last updated July 23, 2024.