Contact your student sponsor if this affects you and you need more information. If you are not sure, it is important that you ask for advice before you claim public funds - see Further advice. The other exceptions are aimed at students undertaking integrated courses. Here's how it's done: If you're from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland and you're coming to the UK before 31st December 2020, organising your health insurance is a doddle. Information about the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is updated on a regular basis. Many countries have different travel restrictions and rules about self-isolation and quarantine. When you apply in the UK, your BRP is sent directly to you by courier. If you travel to England on or after 15 December, you can choose to use a Test to Release scheme. This will make it easier to pay bills, keep your money safe, and avoid foreign currency charges you'd otherwise be paying if you used a non-UK bank account to pay for things in Britain. If you're an international student (from the EU or somewhere further afield) coming to the UK to study, we get that it can be a bit overwhelming – especially if it's your first time at uni. Disclaimer: All content on this website is based on individual experience and journalistic research. International students . If a SELT centre is open in the country where you want to make your Student application, and you are not exempt from the need to take a test (check this with your Student sponsor), you must pass a SELT before you make your immigration application. The focus for universities who have students in this situation would be to ensure every possible measure is being taken to support them during self-isolation, to ensure this is effective but also that their needs are met. Full details about self-isolation are in government guidance: England: how to self-isolate on arrival in the UK and Test to release, Wales: How to self-isolate when you travel, Northern Ireland: Coronavirus COVID-19 travel advice. If the courier cannot deliver your BRP, the Home Office may cancel it. If you're over in the UK for the first time, you'll probably want to visit a few different cities and sights while you're here. Staff, parents and students can contact: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk, For support or clarification on any of the information given here, you can phone our student advice line on +4420 7788 9214 which is open Monday to Friday (except for public holidays) from 1.00pm to 4.00pm (UK time). Many Students' unions are also members of the UK-wide NUS representing over 7 million UK-based students. Endsleigh offer travel insurance for international students coming to the UK which will cover these extra expenses. If you’re an international student in the UK and are hunting for a graduate job or want to gain work experience while you study, look no further. Don't worry that other students might also need help; everyone is important, and we know that international students lack sources of financial and emotional support that might be available to other students. It highlights some safety and security issues that international students should be aware of and lists helpful contact information. Also, the rules are not always the same for each country in the UK. However, you should apply the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to protect your right to free healthcare in the UK. Scholarships are still available for UK study, though we know that some providers may have withdrawn their funding for the time being. They do not always publicise their hardship funds, so ask them directly if you cannot find any information on their website or elsewhere. Check the ‘How to Apply’ section of your course page to make sure you are submitting everything required to make a complete application. The National Union of Students. You can only apply for your visa three months before you start your course, but it's best to apply as soon as possible as it can take a few weeks to hear back. 5 Tips for International Applicants to UK Medical School. Clearing advice for international and EU students International and EU students can apply through Clearing in the same way as home students. If your student sponsor has assigned a confirmation of acceptance of studies (CAS) or a Start-up endorsement to you but you have not been able to make an immigration application by the usual deadline or your course start date has changed, the Home Office may still grant your application. The scheme should be avoided if you want to stay in the UK beyond the earliest date on which you can leave. Please check the original sources for current information. Landlords can check your 'right to rent' using scanned, rather than original, documents - see Coronavirus (COVID-19): landlord right to rent checks. More specifically, the number grew by 18,475 between 2017-2019. Post offices and education providers hold entry clearance BRPs for a period of at least 90 days. The Graduate Route (new two-year work route) is still due to launch in summer 2021 - see Coronavirus (COVID-19): Student sponsors, migrants and short-term students. If you had arranged to collect your BRP from your education provider, make sure you let them know and ask them if they can keep it for you. However, you shouldn't rely on a part-time job as your main source of income to fund your living costs in the UK. The Home Office told us that Coronavirus-related absences up to 12 months will be regarded as acceptable for an “important reason” like study or pregnancy. of international students and those who work with them. This is a constantly-evolving situation and universities are planning for all possible scenarios. The UK government has now issued guidance on isolation for residential educational settings. Students from outside the EU (apart from in certain specific circumstances) aren't eligible for the loan, no matter when you start your degree and you'll have to fund your degree yourself. Even if they are not able to make the changes you want, it is important that you let them know about any practical disadvantages you will have and ask for explanations and, if necessary, alternative sources of help. Its registered office is at 9 - 17 This is because education providers need to know that you are well, which is particularly difficult if you are not physically in classes or lectures. If they do not, they should be able to refer you to others who can help. If you'll be studying in the UK for less than six months, you'll need a short-term student visa (but note that with this visa you won't be able to work in the UK, including work placements as part of your course and part-time jobs – if you need to work, apply for a Tier 4 visa instead). More info on that here. Detailed information and advice for EU students coming to study in the UK. See our guide to the best UK international student bank accounts, and use our list as a starting point to find an account that best suits you. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Student sponsors, migrants and short-term students, frequently asked questions, with answers, about accommodation matters, Home Office guidance for sponsors and applicants, Financial hardship and no access to public funds (updated 30 October), defined by the Office for Students as vulnerable. You’ll still be able to access healthcare using your EHIC from 1st January 2021 if you’re an EU national living in the UK before the end of 2020. You'll just need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will entitle you to free or reduced healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS) while you're here in the UK. For full details, see Safer travel guidance for passengers and Staying safe and protecting others (physical distancing). Most of the information is aimed at all students and involves a move early in December to online learning, along with Covid-19 testing and travel arranged in stages. You will receive an email explaining what you need to do, and Sopra Steria has full details. In many cases, you will also have to be tested for TB, so you need be realistic about how much time you will need in order to make your application, especially if you cannot yet travel to your nearest TB clinic or visa application centre, or if they are still closed. What have we added? Your immigration status is irrelevant. Be sure to let your institution know if you are planning to leave the country. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK also provides an overview of  what's happening in other countries; go to Foreign travel advice, choose the country you want to travel to and then select 'Coronavirus'. The Covid-19: Guidance for Student sponsors, migrants and for Short-term students provides some limited exceptions, explained below. Education and accommodation providers should be flexible if you cannot afford to pay your tuition fees, rent or other expenses, so contact them as soon as you think you might have difficulties. Make sure that you always inform your student sponsor if you are not able to study or do your assessment or exams, even if you are studying online. All participants will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one of four £25 Amazon vouchers. This means, for example, that you will not be able to apply for Student permission if you were in the UK with Short-term student or Visitor permission before you were granted 'exceptional assurance'. Earlier this year, the Government announced that they would be extending the post-study work options for international students in the UK. Once you have started attending classes, you will find many other international students and make friends. Try to avoid leaving before you receive a decision as you will usually be treated as withdrawing your application. Its registered office is at 1st Floor, Noble House, 3-5 Islington High Street, London, N1 9LQ, © 2019 UK Council for International Student Affairs, Click here to register if you work at a member institution, Corporate and education sector organisation members, Corporate and education sector organisations application form, Code of practice for members and subscribers, Letter to International Students from Universities Minister Michelle Donelan, General support for international students, Home Office (UKVI) has published on its website, What do 'lockdown', 'tiers' and 'protection levels' mean? Everyone at UKCISA and Universities UK International understands that it is a difficult time for many international students. Before calling us, please check Some answers to your questions. What have we updated? You need to submit an online vignette transfer form, make an appointment at a visa application centre and resubmit your biometrics. The DfE has an email address to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. As an international student, there are probably numerous things you might feel uncertain about. The UK has a diverse culture because people of different ethnicities live in the country. Do not come to the UK as a visitor and then try to apply as a Student in the UK as it is unlikely that the Home Office will grant your application. Although the key message is to enable and encourage travel home, this is not obligatory and will not be possible for everyone. For information about how this affects BRP collection and police registration, see details in the relevant sections above. Last modified: Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you have the finances to fund your degree. Previously, students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area and Switzerland were able to access Student Finance the same way UK students can. From visas and tuition fees, to health insurance and bank accounts, there's a lot to consider – so we've broken it down in this step-by-step guide. Tweet @savethestudent - Facebook Message - Email. however, accepts no legal responsibility for its accuracy. We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more. Sopra Steria, which runs the immigration application centres (UKVCAS service points) in the UK announced on 30 March that all its service points were closed. For other sources of help, see General support for international students. If you have to leave the UK earlier than expected, for any reason, you must tell your education provider. This is to ensure that entry clearance applications remain live and valid, so you will be able to enrol your biometric data once visa application and TB services have resumed. If you meet all requirements of the Immigration Rules, including being able to apply in the UK, you can just apply in the usual way. Housing or money advisers at your university, college or students' union may also be able to offer help free of charge with negotiations with landlords, including discussions about storing belongings that you might have had to leave in your accommodation. The UK government coronavirus pages; The NHS coronavirus pages; UK government stay at home guidance; The Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan MP, has written about steps the UK government has taken to mitigate the effects of covid-19 on international students. If you arrive in the UK shortly before the expiry date on your vignette, or you cannot travel to the UK before then, and you are worried about not being able to collect your BRP in time, contact your sponsor if you are collecting from them, or you can notify the Home Office. Getting to grips with the public transport system when you first land in a country can be a bit daunting – so here's a simple guide. It's not student budget (or environmentally) friendly to have the heating on all the time (although we have tricks to help you save on your energy bills), so warm clothes are essential. We do not yet have full details of the Graduate Route - keep up to date at Graduate route ("post-study work"). If you have been granted immigration permission but you are not able to enter the UK to start your study, you can study online, if your education provider offers this, without sponsorship being withdrawn or short-term student permission being cancelled. If you have paid the immigration health surcharge and your immigration permission has not expired, you continue to be entitled to free NHS treatment for other illnesses and conditions. Added an explanation that complaints about a lack of concessions need to go to the relevant government department. Advice from the British Council - The British Council has created a downloadable guide 'Creating Confidence' to help international students prepare for their time in the UK. UKCISA UK Council for International Student Affairs. In this section, we provide answers to some of the questions you are asking us. You will not be regarded as being "in breach of immigration laws" (and thus likely to have your application refused) if you overstayed at any time and for any period between 24 January and 31 August 2020. International students are one such community. UK governments have issued information for students about what is happening over the Christmas holidays. If your course lasts for longer than six months or less than six months but you need to work, you'll need a Tier 4 (general) student visa. We try to explain what the Home Office (UKVI) has published on its website, but you may need to contact the Home Office's Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre. This needs to be done whether you are required to quarantine or not: You will need to complete an online form and you can complete this from 48 hours before travelling. If you want extra support or you are not happy with your landlord's response, contact your students' union. The information on this page was last updated on 8 October 2020. You will not be eligible for a refund of the immigration health surcharge or your application fee if your immigration permission has expired, or you can no longer take the course for other reasons. If you leave the UK before you receive it, see our information above on Leaving the UK earlier than expected. If you have submitted an application and now want to withdraw it - see Cancel your visa, immigration or citizenship application. The OIAHE has considered, and partially upheld, a complaint from an international student. Most students either live in university accommodation (called 'halls of residence' or 'halls' for short) or rent a room from a private landlord. Whether you're coming from the other side of the world or just across the English Channel, you should make sure you have everything ready before you set off. Check the website of your police force or ask your student sponsor for updates. Many UK police forces have suspended police registration. You must wear a face covering, which includes masks, if you use public transport in the UK. The postgraduate-taught level in UK higher education institutions saw an increase in student numbers coming from non-EU countries. You can start a Tier 2 or Tier 5 job in the UK before you receive a decision on your immigration application, as long as you made your Tier 2 or Tier 5 application before your current or most recent immigration permission expired and the job you want to start is the same job described on our certificate of sponsorship - see Home Office guidance for sponsors and applicants. It is your previous location, not your nationality or usual country of residence, that is important. Useful websites. More information on this here. The British Banking Association has a useful guide: ‘International students opening up a bank account’ and your university should offer advice on its international student web-pages. If you already have a 90-day visa and/or you need to apply for a replacement vignette from 2021, you will need to make a formal application and it will not be free of charge. Home Living 10 Tips for International Students Moving to the UK. If you're a national of a country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), or you're Swiss, then your rights to live in the UK will not change until 31st December 2020. This can make it difficult for you to return to the UK. But if you can't find a suitable arrival and departure point, then try National Express as they offer the largest coach network in the UK. Delays in processing applications might mean that you are unable to come to the UK to continue your course and your course provider should ensure that you can, if necessary, complete your course by distance learning - check that this is the case, especially if your course is not very long. Impact of international students. The Covid-19: Guidance for Student sponsors, migrants and for Short-term students provides some exceptions to the academic progress requirement. The Government has issued guidance about the support you should be offered if you live in university or college halls of residence or houses in multiple occupation. 10 July 2020, Last modified: The wellbeing of international students is our top priority at UKCISA and we are doing everything we can to ensure that you have the support you need during this unprecedented global pandemic. You can even keep the phone when the contract finishes. 5 Great Tips To Study Abroad in the UK 1. We understand that many students live in shared accommodation and this can be worrying if you or your housemates start to feel unwell. (Company Number: 4507287) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission The BBC has a helpful summary of what is in place in your area, wherever you live and study in the UK: Lockdown rules: What are the Covid regulations where you live? These include: not being allowed to study, to work, to rent private property, to open and hold a bank account, to drive, to have access to free NHS treatment; and having future immigration applications refused automatically. If you already have a mobile phone then you will need a new SIM card. It will instead only deal with your other immigration application. Finding like-minded people is no longer a problem. You might want to leave before your term or semester ends because you are worried about the situation in the UK. In order to open a bank account while you're here in the UK, you will need the following: Student bank accounts are a great option, as they offer numerous benefits including an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,000. Student Centre - 2nd floor University building Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB United Kingdom. In most Coronavirus-related situations, your Student sponsor should not report you to the Home Office or withdraw sponsorship. This means that you cannot apply for certain welfare benefits and social housing - see Public Funds. Here are her top tips for international students! You have to wait for about a week to hear from the Home Office whether you will need to book an appointment or whether it will reuse fingerprints you gave in another immigration application. Please be reassured that we are working constantly with UK government departments, our members, and other sector organisations, taking every possible measure to ensure the university community is well-informed, supported and safe. We have added the information from the Home Office on replacing a 90-day vignette from 2021 and if you already hold a 90-day vignette. You might have to leave belongings in your accommodation. Culturally, the UK is very diverse and welcoming of people from all around the world. In recent years there have been lots of low-cost international call providers popping up, such as Lebara, LycaMobile and RebTel. You must use the internal complaints procedure at your college or university before you can complain to: The governments of England, Wales and Scotland have confirmed that your eligibility for home fee status and student finance will not be affected if you cannot be physically present in the UK, or the relevant part of the UK, by the specified date for a Covid-related reason. Universities, colleges and schools are remaining open, even during periods of tighter restrictions. All the latest advice from the UK government. Talk to an international student adviser at your institution before you leave the UK and/or contact the Home Office. What have we added? Priority and Super priority services are available in some, but not all, locations. NO PART OF IT MAY BE REPRODUCED Home Office guidance updated on 16 December to limit urgent applications to those whose permission expires between 31 October and 31 December 2021; applications in the UK by holders of 'exceptional assurance' from 1 January 2021 must be in line with current extension and switching provisions. To find out the UK government’s latest advice on what you should do. From the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation, we'll offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies and your time in the UK. 'Student' includes Tier 4 (General) and 'Child student' includes Tier 4 (Child). International students are defined by the Office for Students as vulnerable, which means that you should have guaranteed appropriate accommodation, immediate access to hardship funds if necessary, and support with obtaining food, cleaning and medical supplies. If this is the case, try talking to someone at the institution, if at all possible. I am from the EU. In our messages to our member institutions, we will reinforce the key Home Office message, which is that no one, including students and sponsors, will be penalised for trying to deal reasonably with a situation beyond their control. These conditions may also depend on your sponsoring institution. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can use it to receive free NHS treatment, at least until 31 December 2020. Universities UK - information aimed specifically at current and future international students, Office for Students (regulator of higher education in England), including guidance for education providers and a briefing note on best practice in supporting international students, Student Awards Agency Scotland, aimed at students with links to guidance for education providers, Welsh government covering further and higher education, travel, accommodation and collecting belongings, NI Direct for information about all areas of life in Northern Ireland, National Union of Students (NUS), particularly its Safety Net campaign for a hardship fund for all students, Office of the Independent Adjudicator (reviews complaints about higher education providers in England and Wales), including a briefing note for education providers, COVID-19 Anti-Racism Group (CARG), which calls out racism, particularly against British East Asians and international students, and has resources on where to find help and how to report hate crimes. If you are unable to access online learning, exams or assessment, please raise that directly with your education provider in case it can help you or make alternative arrangements. If you are unable to travel within the validity period of your new vignette and this expires, you will need to apply and pay the £154 fee again. However, centres have been re-opening in phases since 1 June. Finding somewhere to live . UK universities will not tolerate racism in any form, and we encourage students and staff to report any incident of racial harassment and seek support from their university. If you don't have the money to pay for yourself, there are options available. Check whether you're able to get the ball rolling from your home country to save time, and look into whether your current bank has any links to UK banks, as this will likely make the process smoother. If you leave the UK before you collect your BRP and your entry clearance expires before you return, you can apply for a replacement vignette free of charge until 31 December 2020. The UK operates on the same GSM band (the most popular) as most of the world, but if you're coming from Japan or North/South America, your phone may not work in the UK, so this is worth checking. What have we updated? This costs £150 for six months or £300 for the whole year, and will allow you to use the NHS. by Telephone: +44 1752 587676 . UK students and staff already studying or working overseas All UK students and staff currently studying on exchanges (for example, Erasmus+, … (updated 21 December), Student movement and plans for the end of term, Questions and answers on Christmas guidance for university students, letter to international students from the Universities Minister, Going home safely at end of term: guidance for students, Coronavirus (COVID-19): student home visits, Support and information for international students over Christmas, Communicating with your education provider (updated 1 May), Study, including distance learning and starting a new course (updated 6 October), Covid-19: Guidance for Student sponsors, migrants and for Short-term students, English language tests (updated 26 October), Applying for a UK visa: approved English language tests, Leaving the UK earlier than expected (updated 14 December), gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/collect, Advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents, When student sponsors will withdraw sponsorship (updated 6 October), Home Office advice for Tier 2, 5 and Student sponsors, How periods of overstay will be regarded (updated 14 December), Exceptions if your immigration permission expires soon (updated 21 December), Home Office’s advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents, Making an immigration application in the UK (updated 3 November), Applying in the UK as a student: special provisions (updated 21 December), Biometric residence permits (updated 3 November), www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/biometric-residence-permits-secure-card-collection. 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