Whether you’re applying for a visa from outside the UK, or inside the UK, you will need to show some documents. See what you need to provide.
What to supply in your visa application
If you’re making a visa application, you must include:
- a current passport or other valid travel documents (you need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa)
- documents to show you have adequate funds
- valid CAS (include your CAS number in the online form)
- proof of parental/legal guardian consent and your birth certificate (if you’re under 18 or using a parent’s bank account for proof of funds) – contact our International Advice team if you need further support.
Qualification certificates
You only need to include these if you are studying below degree level (such as on a language course with the Sussex Centre for Language Studies).
For courses at degree level and above, you don’t need to include qualification certificates. When submitting your visa application, choose “Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance” at the point you’re asked what type of sponsor you will be studying with.
Other documents you may need
In certain circumstances, you might need extra documents. UKVI can contact students during the application process to request extra documents or for further information. You should regularly check your email, including any junk or spam folders, while you are awaiting a decision.
Approval for certain subjects
If you’re studying a science or technology-based subject, you may need to apply to the UK government for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Tuberculosis certificate
If you’re applying from outside the UK, you might need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.
This will be the case if you have:
- lived for at least six months in a country where tuberculosis screening is required by the UK
- been away from that country for less than six months.
Check if you need to take a tuberculosis test. The clinic you use must be approved by the Home Office.
You’re exempt from needing a TB certificate if you have been away from a listed country for more than six months, or you didn’t stay there for at least six months in the first place.
You’ll need to provide evidence of this, such as boarding passes or stamps in your passport.
Important: Even if you are from a country where you wouldn’t normally need a TB test, if you’re living or studying abroad in a TB-listed country you will need a TB certificate. You should get this before you leave to make your application easier. It can be difficult and expensive if you don’t.
Official financial sponsorship consent
If you are applying for a new course and have completed a course in the last 12 months for which you have received official financial sponsorship (covering both fees and living costs) from a government or international scholarship agency, you need written consent from them for your application.
You don't need to do this if you are applying to continue your current course.
A supporting letter explaining any gaps in your studies
If you have had any gaps in your higher education (for example, you have been in employment between a Undergraduate and Masters degree), you may want to include a supporting letter with your visa application explaining this. You could detail what you have been doing between studies, why you are returning to study now and provide any evidence you have (such as letters of employment).
Translations
If a document is not in English it will need to come with a translated version in English to be accepted during the visa application process. UKVI set out that the following information is required for the English translated version of the document to be accepted:
- confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the document
- the date of translation
- the full name and signature of the translator or an official from the translation company
- the translator or translation company’s contact details.