Do I need a Visa? How do I Apply?

Depending on your nationality and the type of course you choose to study, you may need to apply for a visa before coming to study in the UK. It is essential that you ensure you have the correct visa or immigration permission for studying in the UK. Find out if you need a visa by completing the UK Visas and Immigration online form.

When should I apply?

Once you have firmly accepted your unconditional offer and received your CAS you can start to prepare your visa application. The earliest you can submit your application is six months before your course start date. However, you can start preparing your application in advance, ensuring you have the correct documents and sufficient funds in your bank account.

Please check your CAS letter carefully. If you notice any errors, please email cas@northampton.ac.uk as soon as possible so the errors may be rectified.

Applying from Overseas

For detailed information on applying for a Student Visa from your home country, please visit the UKCISA website.

To apply for a Student Visa from outside of the UK, you need to complete an online application form, with the exception of students living in North Korea who must apply in person.

You will then need to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. To find an application centre, please visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) website.

You must provide a passport or travel document. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and contain a blank page for your Visa. You will be advised which other documents and information to provide when you apply online.

At the visa application centre, you will have your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken. In addition you may be interviewed. You may be asked to discuss why you want a Student Visa. You should be prepared to explain why you decided to study in the UK, why you chose to study at the University of Northampton and why you chose your course.

Whether you are making your first visa application for entry clearance or applying to extend your visa in the UK, you are required to provide the correct supporting documents.

We advise you to refer to the Home Office Student Visa Policy Guidance to make sure that all of your documents meet the Home Office requirements. The date of application is the day that you submit and pay for your application online. Please do not submit or pay for your application until all of your supporting documents are ready.

If after completing the online form you are still unsure whether you need a visa then please contact iss@northampton.ac.uk for further advice.

Extending your visa in the UK

Please note, if you are applying to continue your studies in the UK, your new course must start within 28 days of the expiry of your permission to stay.

If you are progressing onto a new programme of study and applying in the UK, please follow the guidance below:

Please ensure that you have the appropriate funds to make your application, this includes your tuition fee deposit, the Immigration Health Surcharge and also the visa application fee. You will no longer need to prepare bank statements if you have been in the UK for a minimum of 12 months before making your application.

When you have received your unconditional offer, please pay your tuition fees and email a copy of your receipt and CAS request to both intadmissions@northampton.ac.uk and cas@northampton.ac.uk.

To start the application process, please visit the GOV.UK website.

If you are extending your student visa to complete your current course please request a Request a CAS and you will receive advice from the International Student Support Services team.