International Student FAQs

This section has questions around visas and immigration. The main Visas and Immigration landing page on our website can be found here 

I am an EU/EEA/Swiss student, do I need a visa?
Please see our information EU/EEA/Swiss students and immigration for help and guidance.

Where and how can I get a CAS statement for my visa application?
You will need to make an application for a CAS statement and need to contact the relevant team to guide you through the process. This will be either from the International Admissions team (for new courses) or International Student Compliance (continuing students).

If you are applying for a CAS for a new course (from the Admissions team) there is a CAS checklist, the steps you need to take to for obtain your CAS and further contact details on the main website here.

My 90 day travel vignette has run out- what do I do?
Please see the What to do if your travel vignette runs out section in the Making a Visa application overseas page.

My visa application is taking longer than expected- what do I do?

Delays to visa processing times- Spring 2023.
We are aware that there are delays to visa processing which are taking applications over the 3 week (from biometric submission) decision time. UKVI have confirmed that this is purely down to a huge surge in applications on top of additional work taking place to process visas for Ukrainian citizens fleeing the conflict there. The UKVI are working through the applications as quickly as possible, a delay in response does not mean there is a problem with your visa - try not to worry.

The processing of visa applications is a UK Government process, the University is unable to make your application go quicker and so you unfortunately will just need to be patient. We know that may be frustrating. There are many students, not just at Swansea University, but all over the UK, that are in a similar position. We appreciate your understanding that Home Office process is outside of University control.

How do I apply for a Student visa?
We have a complete guide to applying for a student visa which should help you through the process. This includes step by step information, documents needed (and acceptable formats), financial information and how to find further assistance.

Please see either our Extending your Student route visa in the UK or our guidance on Making a Student route application overseas if you are from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, or if you are from a non-EU country. 

Can I make a Student visa application in the UK?
Do not assume that you can make a visa application from within the UK - especially if you are switching institutions or moving between courses. Please email International@CampusLife with a copy of your current visa and as much detail about your course(s) and why you need the visa extension. They can then look at your situation with you.

What documents do I need for a Student visa?
We have a complete guide to applying for a student visa which should help you through the process. This includes step by step information, documents needed (and acceptable formats), financial information and how to find further assistance.

Our documents leaflet includes examples to help you.

We also have a specific leaflet for those who may be applying under the differentiation (sometimes known as ‘low risk’ applications), as financial/documentation requirements are slightly different for that cohort- further information can be found via the links below.

Please see either our Visas and Immigration pages for full guidance about making a Student visa application. 

How much money do I need for a Student visa?
We have a complete guide to applying for a student visa which should help you through the process. This includes step by step information, documents needed (and acceptable formats), financial information and how to find further assistance.

Our Finances for Student Visa Applications will take you through the finance requirements step by step.

We also have a specific leaflet for those who may be applying under the differentiation (sometimes known as ‘low risk’ applications), as financial/documentation requirements are slightly different for that cohort- further information can be found via the links below.

Please see either our Visas and Immigration pages for full guidance about making a Student visa application.

For further information on UK living costs please see our UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students resource, which includes information in alternative currencies.

Can I study part time as an international student?
Please see the section called Information on part time study as an international application found here.

Can I apply/how do I get a CAS number for the Graduate Route (post study work) visa?
Please see our UK Graduate Route web resource for comprehensive information regarding, timings, process and documents.

Can I bring my family to the UK as dependants?
Please see our Information for Families and our Dependants- International Students resources- which outline the Home Office regulations and any relevant visa and other requirements/considerations, regarding bringing family to the UK. You will also find information on dependants working, UK Schooling and Childcare and some additional useful guidance about UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students.

We will be updating the Dependants pages, linked above, with information about the proposed UK Government, 1st January 2024, changes to the immigration system- so please check there for further information as we get it.

Please note that, due to a current UK family housing crisis, you should either fully arrange accommodation before travel or travel to the UK first and only bring your family to the UK once accommodation is actually in place.

What are my responsibilities if I bring family with me to the UK?
If you are bringing dependants to the UK, it is your responsibility to ensure the following:

1. You have enough money to support your family in the UK
2. You source and finance suitable family accommodation in the UK (it may be necessary for your family members to travel to the UK after you)
3. Your accommodation is a maximum of 50 miles from the University campus
4. You apply for school places on time and adhere to UK school admissions and attendance processes
5. You have engaged with all the University family support resources provided for you in relation to the above

Can my dependants work/study in the UK?
Please see our  and our  resources- which outline the Home Office regulations and any relevant visa and other requirements/considerations, regarding bringing family to the UK. You will also find information on dependants working,  and some additional useful guidance about UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students. 

How do I/my family get a visa to visit the UK (generally and/or for Graduation)?
Please see our information regarding the  UK Standard Visit Visa Route to help and guide you.

If applying for Graduation purposes, you/your family do not need a specific University letter about Graduation, as it is not listed in the UKVI requirements, but you may want to include this email or a printout of the University web page confirming the Graduation ceremony date (further information about documents etc are available via the  page).

How do I find out about the Hong Kong (BNO) visa?
Please see our information regarding the UK HK BNO route to help and guide you.

Where do I collect my BRP from in the UK?
As long as you stated that you want to collect your BRP from the University on your visa application form, it will be given to you as part of your enrolment process. Please see the University information about Enrolment for further details.

What do I do if there is an error on my BRP card?
Please see the Mistakes on your BRP section within our online Incorrect, lost or stolen documents resource.

What do I do if I have lost my BRP card?
Please see either the In UK: Lost or stolen BRP/visa card or the Overseas: Lost or stolen BRP/visa card section within our online Incorrect, lost or stolen documents resource.

I don’t have a visa card, how do I prove my digital immigration status?
Under the digital immigration confirmation processes, you will not receive physical evidence (a vignette or visa card) to prove that you have been granted your visa.

You will receive an email to state the Home Office decision on your application and you should read this carefully and then save it somewhere secure.

Post decision, you will continue to be able to get into your personal account on the Home Office system (detailed in your decision email) by inputting your personal details (including your passport number). Once in your account you can generate a verification code. This code can be shared with employers, the University or anyone else who needs to check your right to work/study or reside in the UK. The code only lasts 30 days but you can generate as many as necessary. This code can then be entered into the Home Office system by a 3rd party in order to verify your immigration status.

When might I need to provide my digital status code?

You may be asked to prove your status in the UK in the following situations:

•Enrolling on a course of study
• Accessing the National Health Service (we also recommend that EU students always get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) )
• Applying for a job
• Renting accommodation
• Applying for a bank account or mortgage
• For overseas Police, or other checks, as part of a new immigration application

If you are applying for a job, it might be worth mentioning that you have been granted permission to live/work/study in the UK under an immigration route, and can provide an evidence code, within your application. This may help to reassure employers that you have the ongoing right to work.

Please note: it is very important that you keep your details, such as your current passport number, up to date on the Home Office system. Failure to do so may mean that you have difficulty getting back into your account to generate verification codes.

Can I attend the University as a Visitor or visiting researcher or to undertake work experience?
Please see the University information regarding International Vistors (including researchers, academics and others).

This section has questions around finances and banking.

Please note: finance, money and fees do not fall under the International@campusLife team remit, so please make sure that you are contacting the correct team in order to get a swift response.

Where do I find information on bursaries and Scholarships?
The University has central information regarding bursaries and scholarships that can be found on the main website here.

Please note: The International@CampusLife team unfortunately do not have any knowledge or information regarding available funding for international students outside of that provided by the University via the link above.

How and when do I need to pay my University fees?
For fee payment methods and payment dates please see the University’s: How to pay your fees- international students web resource.

Who can I talk to about my tuition Fees?
The Finance Office are the correct team to for any queries or issues you have regarding your tuition fees. Please see their contact details here.

How do I open a bank account?
You can find information on a number of banks with local branches and online only banking providers via the Banking and Finance for International Students web resource.

How do I access a letter for opening a bank account?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is usually what you need to open a bank account. This will have your dates of study plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your GradIntelligence account. More information can be found on the MyUniHub page here.

My BRP hasn't arrived yet, can I open a bank account?
You may find that you have difficulties opening a bank account with just your travel vignette/visa (as it looks like you only have a short visa). We have put together BRP delay letter NHS Bank Landlord which explains that your immigration leave may be longer than your vignette shows. You can try and use this letter, alongside the other documents listed on the letter, to open an account. Whether it will be accepted is at the discretion of the bank.

Who can help me with money issues or worries?
The University has a dedicated Money@CampusLife team.
They have lots of information about a range of financial queries- including their own comprehensive Money FAQs and contact details.

In the main, any queries related to your course should be addressed directly to your College/School, although some processes around your course administration will be managed via Academic Services.

How do I enrol?
Information regarding enrolment processes can be found on the University's MyUni website here. This includes detailed information (including video guidance) for both New Students and Continuing Students.  There are also useful Enrolment FAQs which you can look at. 

I am having an issue with my enrolment- who do I contact?
If you are following the steps outlined via the main MyUni enrolment pages but are having an issue, please contact MyUniHub so they can advise you further. There are also useful Enrolment FAQs which you can look at. 

Can I study my course remotely for a period of time?
No, you are expected to travel to the UK in order to study a UK based course and there are no longer any UKVI concessions that allow Universities to enrol students remotely. If you believe that you are going to miss your original course start date, you need to contact your College/School in order to check whether you are able to arrive late and any deadlines around that. Do not assume that you can just arrive late to your course and that your being in the UK will override any deadlines you have been given. You may have to immediately leave the UK and any visa that you have been granted would fall for automatic curtailment (shortening/cancellation) by the UKVI. This situation is both stressful and expensive and should be avoided at all costs.

Can I change my course?
You will first need to contact your College/School to find out whether you can change your course and any academic/timing/financial implications around the proposed change. For example, depending on the timing of the switch, you may have to wait until the start of the next intake and/or you may have to pay additional fees.

If you are studying on a Tier 4 or Student visa you may need to apply for a new visa from overseas. This is usually necessary if the new course is at a different level (e.g. you will be studying a Masters instead of an undergraduate course) or if you are unable to complete it within the timeframe of the visa you are already holding. It is normally OK to switch a course if it is the same length and level (e.g. changing from MSc Accounting to MSc Management with the same course end date).

Who can help me with an academic misconduct case or similar?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with academic misconduct and similar issues and should be able to assist you

This section is related to questions international students may have about coming to and living in the UK. The section of the International@CampusLife website dedicated to Preparation, travel, arrival, welcome and social activities may also be useful, along with our International Students' Information Guide and our UK Travel and Accommodation: An International Students' Guide.

How can I travel to the University once I arrive in the UK?
In order to assist you with planning your onward journey once you have reached the UK, we have compiled information in our UK Travel & Accommodation - International Students' Guide. This is a great resource which should help you plan your journey.

How do I find accommodation in the UK?
For guidance on seeking and securing short and longer term accommodation, take a look at our comprehensive UK Travel & Accommodation: An International Students' Guide. The University also has a designated Residential Services team to help with University accommodation queries. Their web resources are found here.

How can I access a letter which proves my enrolment?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is available to all enrolled students. This will have your dates of study plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your GradIntelligence account. More information can be found on the MyUniHub page here.

How do I prove exemption from Council Tax
My UniHub has information on Council Tax exemption on their page here. If you are enrolled you may be able to download a Council Tax Exemption letter yourself- from your GradIntelligence account.

How do I register with the Police?
As of 1st August 2022 students no longer need to register with the Police. 

To find out more about these changes, please visit the Police Registration- International Students web resource.

How do I register with a doctor?
We recommend you register for GP services whilst studying at Swansea University. Many surgeries are now using an online facility, ‘Ask My GP’. You will be able to access the registration forms online.

There are many GP surgery options available to students in Swansea, but we work closely with the following given their close proximity to our campuses.
Singleton Campus: http://www.universityhealthcentre.co.uk/
Bay Campus: http://www.harbourside.wales.nhs.uk/home or https://www.sa1medicalcentre.wales.nhs.uk/

My BRP hasn't arrived yet, how can I evidence my immigration status to an employer, landlord or doctor (NHS services)?
You may find that you have difficulties evidencing your immigration status with just your travel vignette/visa (as it looks like you only have a short visa). We have put together BRP delay letter NHS Bank Landlord which explains that your immigration leave may be longer than your vignette shows. You can try and use this letter, alongside the other documents listed on the letter, to register with a GP, get a part time job and/or take out an accommodation contract. Whether it will be accepted is at the discretion of the GP/employer or landlord.

How can I meet other students?
International@CampusLife arrange regular trips and activities under their GO! Social Programme, Please see the Social Activities section of their website and Native for further information and ticket booking.

I have an issue with my housemates or Landlord- who can help?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with accommodation issues and should be able to assist you.