If you are entering the UK as a standard visitor (ETA or Standard Visitor visa)

All students coming to the UK with Standard Visitor visa permission must complete the required International Check-in. Standard Visitor permission can only be used where study will be completed within 6 months (or for one-off resit exams or repeats within 6 months).

Visa nationals must obtain entry clearance as a Standard Visitor. Non-visa nationals can seek entry at the border with an ETA. Maximum visit of up to 6 months.

Certain nationalities (“Non-Visa Nationals”) are classed as not needing to apply for a visa when coming to the UK for Standard Visitor visa purposes. If you are on the UKVI visa national list, you are classed as a Visa National and you must apply for a visa application (entry clearance) and be granted a successful 'Standard Visitor' visa before they can travel to the UK.

See our visitor visa page for further details: Standard Visitor visa

You can read the government guidance on UK Border Control about travelling to the UK

If you are not on the UKVI visa national list, you are classed as a non-visa national. A non-visa national Visitor can choose to request entry on arrival in the UK. Non-visa nationals must meet requirements for Standard Visitor permission for entry and duration or intended visit. An ETA will be required before you can travel to request entry.

You should prepare documents to meet the requirements and carry them in your hand luggage.

If entry is successful, you will be in the UK with Standard Visitor permission.

Step 1: Complete Registration

Registration is the first step of the matriculation process and confirms your acceptance of the University of Edinburgh's regulations. You must complete this step before international check-in. 

As part of your registration, you will be asked to provide basic information, including your term-time address.  As an international student studying in the UK, you are required to maintain a valid UK residential address for the duration of your studies.  It is important that you provide the University with accurate information regarding your address and contact details, and that you keep this record up to date.

Complete Registration

Step 2: Take a photo of your passport and upload it to MyEd

You should take a clear, colour photo (or a scan) of the personal details page of your passport.  

To upload your passport:  

  • Log in to MyEd.  
  • Select Accounts>Progression>My Student Record.   
  • Click the Immigration tab.  
  • Click ‘Add a new passport’ or ‘Edit information’ for a passport that has already been uploaded.
  • You must make sure that all fields are completed in the passport section.

Step 3: Attending International Check-in

After uploading your passport, you will need to complete your international check-in in person.

You will need to bring:

  • Your passport
  • Travel evidence of entry into the UK and any other visa documents

If you received an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival, you can just bring your passport.  If you didn’t receive an entry stamp, please bring evidence of your arrival in the UK, such as a boarding pass, train, or ferry ticket. Make sure the ticket is in English and includes your name and date of arrival. If someone else planned your journey, keep physical evidence of your trip showing your name and date of arrival.


 

If you are a national of one of the countries on the visa national list, you will require a visa application (entry clearance). You must apply online for a visa application and receive a successful decision, before you can travel to the UK from the visa start date.

You should aim to apply up to 3 months before you intend to travel. 

Step 1: Complete Registration

Registration is the first step of the matriculation process and confirms your acceptance of the University of Edinburgh's regulations. You must complete this step before international check-in.

As part of your registration, you will be asked to provide basic information, including your term-time address.  As an international student studying in the UK, you are required to maintain a valid UK residential address for the duration of your studies.  It is important that you provide the University with accurate information regarding your address and contact details, and that you keep this record up to date.

Complete Registration

Step 2: Take a photo of your passport and upload it to MyEd

You should take a clear, colour photo (or a scan) of the personal details page of your passport.  

To upload your passport:  

  • Log in to MyEd.  
  • Select Accounts>Progression>My Student Record.   
  • Click the Immigration tab.  
  • Click ‘Add a new passport’ or ‘Edit information’ for a passport that has already been uploaded.
  • You must make sure that all fields are completed in the passport section.

Step 3: Get a share code from the UKVI website

Your share code will allow us to upload and record details of your immigration status. You should get your share code from UKVI website and complete the form below provide us the details of your share code so that your record can be updated. 

Provide us your share code - Need help? See our guidance

To enter the UK, you can only travel from your visa start date (and not before). Please check your visa documents carefully before booking travel to ensure you arrive in the UK at the appropriate time. 

Step 4: Attending International Check-in

After uploading your passport, you will need to complete your international check-in in person.

You will need to bring:

  • Your passport
  • Travel evidence of entry into the UK and any other visa documents

If you received an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival, you can just bring your passport.  If you didn’t receive an entry stamp, please bring evidence of your arrival in the UK, such as a boarding pass, train, or ferry ticket. Make sure the ticket is in English and includes your name and date of arrival. If someone else planned your journey, keep physical evidence of your trip showing your name and date of arrival.

 


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