Below you will find useful information to help you apply for the specific visa to attend the Birmingham International Summer School.
Applying for a visa to study
International students need a visa (entry clearance/permission) to study in the UK. Your nationality will determine whether you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Visa nationals undertaking study for a duration of 6 months or less must apply for a standard visitor visa before they travel for the purpose of undertaking study.
To check if you are a visa national, please read the list visa national list on: Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list - Guidance - GOV.UK
You should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before you travel to the UK.
The Birmingham International Summer School will provide you with a specific ‘visa letter’ to use for your visa application.
A standard visitor visa costs £115 and is valid for a maximum period of six months.
Please read over the information ahead of time on how to Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Overview - GOV.UK. The webpage information is very useful as it provides detailed information on the type of documents you are required to submit with your visa application if you are coming to specifically study.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a requirement for non-visa nationals who wish to travel to the UK for the purpose of entering as a visitor to study. ETA grants visitors' permission to travel to the UK and must be obtained before travel to the UK.
You can apply for your ETA online on the gov.uk website or via the UK ETA app. Applications cost £10 and a decision is usually made within 3 working days. The visa granted is valid for a two-year period. After you apply, you will receive an email confirming your ETA. Your ETA will be linked to the passport you have applied with.
ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Visitors with ETA must still obtain permission to enter the UK upon arrival, which can be done by seeing a Border Force officer or by using an ePassport gate (if eligible).
Please see the information on the Government's webpage for guidance on how to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
Right to Study Check (RTS)
If you are a student who requires immigration permissions to be in the UK, the University is required by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to check your Right to Study before you begin studying at the Birmingham International Summer School. Right to Study applies to all students,
As part of the Right to Study process, the University will check your Standard Visitor visa (if you have obtained a Standard Visitor visa ahead of your arrival to the UK) or your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and your proof of arrival to the UK (typically a boarding pass). Please retain all your travel documents for the Right to Study.
You will receive more information about how to complete your Right to Study before the Birmingham International Summer School. If you need more assistance, visit our support pages where you can find out how to submit an online query and receive further guidance on your application.
Further questions related to visas and immigration
If you have further questions related to visas and immigration, you can submit a query through Student Help for the International Student Team. Please quote your student ID number in your email.