Visa guidance before you arrive

Find out if you need a visa and how to apply, how to get an electronic travel authorisation, living in the UK and the requirements for bringing your family.

The University's Student Immigration Service can help you understand your visa requirements while you're preparing to leave your country to start your course at the University of St Andrews.

Guides on visas

    Apply for a standard visitor visa

    Understand who needs to apply for a standard visitor visa, where to get official information on how to apply and what documents you’ll need.

    Apply for a student visa

    Understand who needs a student visa and what you need to do to get one.

    Apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

    Understand who needs to apply for an ATAS certificate, how and when.

    Attending a credibility interview when applying for a student visa

    Learn why you must attend your credibility interview, what happens that day, and how you can prepare for it.

    Biometric residence permits

    Find out who needs a biometric residence permit (BRP), and what to do if yours is lost or stolen.

    Check visa requirements to study in the UK

    Find out how to check if you need a visa and what type of visa you’ll need.

    Check your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and visa for mistakes

    Understand what details you should check on your BRP and visa, and how to report mistakes.

    Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

    Understand what is a CAS number and how to apply for one.

    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    Find out if this requirement applies to you and how to apply.

    Immigration healthcare surcharge for international students

    Find out who must pay the immigration healthcare surcharge before arriving in the UK, and how much it costs.

    Prepare financial evidence for your student visa

    Understand how much money you will need to cover your studies and what documents you can use to prove your financial situation.

    Reapply for your visa after a refusal

    Understand why a visa could be refused and what to do next.

    Study or work in the UK as a British National (Overseas) or Irish national

    Understand the immigration rules that apply to British Nationals (Overseas) and Irish nationals who want to live, work or study in the UK.

    Airport transit visa, eGates, and passing through Ireland

    Understand who needs an airport transit visa, who can use an eGate, and what happens when you travel through Ireland to come to the UK.