Applying for a Standard Visitor visa

Find out what you need to do to apply for Standard Visitor visa permission.

Non-visa nationals and electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

If you are a non-visa national coming to the uK for a short term study visit (6 months or less), you may need to get an ETA, before you travel to the UK.

You may be a non-visa national, if you're not listed on the UKVI visa national list.

UKVI Visa National List

Check when and how to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Travelling to the UK and ETA guidance 

Documents you will need:

  • your passport 

You will also need documentation showing: 

  • the purpose of your visit  
    • your invitation letter from the University of Edinburgh with details of your programme 
  • how you intend to support yourself financially during your stay 
    • for example, bank statements, scholarship letter, educational loan documents 
  • your accommodation 
    • for example, an accommodation contract or evidence of temporary accommodation where you will stay while you look for somewhere to live 
  • your intention to leave the UK before the end of the 6-months period 
    • for example, return flight tickets or evidence that you are expected to return to your home country to complete your studies 
  • your ATAS certificate, if required 

You can find full details for the Standard Visitor visa including the visa fees and more information about the required documents on the UKVI website. 

UKVI information for Standard Visitor visas

How to apply

Next steps

  • If you have received a successful visitor visa decision after an application (entry clearance) please make sure to only travel to the UK after the start date of your visa vignette, whilst it is valid.

 

What to do if your application has been refused  

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Contact us immediately if your visa application has been refused. 

Email us at studentimmigration@ed.ac.uk

In your email, provide the following:    

  • your name  

  • your date of birth   

  • your nationality   

  • your student number   

  • where you made your application

  • an attachment with your refusal notice (include all pages)  

We prioritise visa refusals, so you can get advice as quickly as possible.