Student visa rights and responsibilities

Successful study at University stems from a partnership between students and staff, and the University is committed to providing you with a learning environment and student services that enable you to fulfil your potential. Underpinning this partnership, the University has a supportive set of regulations, policies and procedures. These, along with the Terms and Conditions, form the contract between you and the University in relation to your studies at the University.

The student contract

Your Student visa is granted to allow you to study in the UK. 

You can:

• Study a full-time programme with your sponsor (The University of Edinburgh)
• Take additional studies with your sponsor or other institution (providing it does not interfere with your main course of study)
• Work in certain jobs (how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time)

Find out more about working in the UK

Your Student visa has specific restrictions. 

You must not:

• Claim public funds
• Work as a self-employed person
• Engage in business activity
• Work as an entertainer, sportsperson or coach
• Study your main programme with a higher education provider that is not the student sponsor of your visa
  • If you wish to study at another institution, you must apply for a visa for that institution before you can begin your programme
• Overstay your visa in the UK (stay beyond visa expiry date), unless you have made a valid in-time visa extension inside the UK

Working in the UK guidance

Read more about public funds on the UK Government website

You must inform UKVI of any changes to your current address or personal details. You should regularly update your online (eVisa) UKVI account details. If you change your personal details (such as your name or nationality), or receive a new passport, you must inform the Student Immigration Team as well as UKVI. 

Update your eVisa UKVI account details - GOV.UK

You are responsible for all of the following:

• Keeping the University up to date with your address, email address and telephone number
  • Student Self-Service, login to MyEd and then go to Accounts > Progression > My student record
• Providing the University with a sharecode when you receive a new visa
• Attending all  classes, lectures and seminars, or if you are a research student, engaging regularly with your supervisor
  • If you cannot attend for any reason, you must inform your School or supervisor, and get permission for your absence
• Seeking immigration advice in a timely fashion
  • If you make any changes to your studies, such as changing the end date or taking breaks, your visa may be affected
  • It is important to speak to a Student Immigration Adviser before making any changes
• If ATAS is required,ensuring that you obtain a new ATAS certificate when there are changes to your programme or when you apply for a new visa
• Ensuring that you leave the UK, or apply to extend your stay, before the expiry date of your visa

How to update your student record details

UKCISA Finance guidance for international students in the UK

As your sponsor, the University has agreed to be responsible for you while your visa is valid. We have a number of legal obligations which must be fulfilled.

Recording duties

The University must keep a record of:

• Your current address, email address and telephone number
• Your current UK immigration status (e.g. valid visa)
• Your attendance at classes/seminars/lectures/etc. or other engagement with your studies

Reporting duties

The University is required to inform the Home Office if you fail to enrol on time. 

You are required to enrol at the University by the latest start date on your CAS. If you cannot arrive by that time, you must arrange a later start date with your School, and let us know so we can tell UKVI.

If you cannot arrange a later start date, the University must tell UKVI that you will not start your programme, and your Student visa will be cancelled. You must not attempt to travel to the UK using your Student visa. 

If you defer your studies, the University will tell UKVI and your visa will be cancelled. You will need to apply for a new Student visa to begin your studies at a later date.

Attendance & engagement is required

Your attendance and engagement depend on your programme type and level. To maintain your Student visa, in-person participation is mandatory; remote study is not permitted. Non-attendance or engagement may lead to a Student visa sponsorship withdrawal with visa curtailment implications.

You must:

• Attend all scheduled sessions, exams, and meetings.
• Complete all academic work and assessments.
• Notify your school of term time absences, emergencies and/or attendance issues.
• Check University emails for important updates and respond promptly.

Below Degree Level: Programs like pre-sessional English require regular attendance checks per UKVI duties. The university monitors student engagement, assists those struggling, and keeps records of non-engagement. Contact the Centre of Open Learning if needed.

Degree Level: Programs such as MA, BA Honours, MSc, or PhD also require regular engagement and attendance as outlined in programme handbooks. Students must actively participate in all academic activities, including lectures, seminars, supervision meetings and research.

Changing your programme of studies may affect the validity of your Student visa.