Visas and Immigration

In order to visit and study in the UK, you may have to obtain some form of entry clearance from the British authorities in your own country before travelling to the UK. This could be in the form of a visa or an entry certificate. The British Council office or British Mission will be able to tell you if you need a visa or you can check on www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Before you apply for a visa you will be required to:

Produce evidence of acceptance on a full-time course of study (over 16 hours per week). Once your application has been approved and the deposit paid, we will send you a letter to forward to the relevant British authority confirming this.
Produce evidence that the costs of maintenance and accommodation for you and any dependents can be met.
Demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
Confirm that you do not intend to engage in business or take up employment in the UK.

If you are on a student visa you cannot study for less than 15 hours per week. To Allow sufficient time for you application to be processed and for you to obtain a student visa, you should send your application in at least eight weeks before the start of the course. For more information contact the British authorities in your home country, the Leicester College International Office or visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa has been introduced by the following member-states of the European Union who are signatories of the Schengen Agreement; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The Schengen Visa (which is issued by an Embassy or Consulate of the member-states) allows you to move freely in all of the member-states listed within the validity of the visa.

If you wish to apply for a Schengen visa your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended travel before you apply.

You may be refused a visa if you have less than three months leave to remain in the UK.

Applying for a Schengen Visa

If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of that particular country. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries without having a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the first country that requires you to have one. Please ensure you apply at least two months before you wish to travel.

Each country has its own application forms which are available from the website of the embassy. You will need to make an appointment and visit the embassy to get your visa. Charges for the Schengen Visa vary depending on which embassy is issuing it. When you visit the embassy you must also be able to produce documentary evidence to support your visit. You will need to provide proof of the purpose of your journey, that you have funds to cover the cost of your accommodation, that you have medical insurance and a letter from the College to confirm your attendance.

The enquiry numbers for visa information at each embassy or consulate when telephoning from the UK are:

Austria 0906 550 8961
Belgium 0207 470 3700
Denmark 0906 554 075
Finland 0207 838 6200
France 0906 554 0700
Germany 0906 554 0740
Greece 0906 554 0744
Iceland 0207 259 3999
Italy 0906 554 0770
Luxembourg 0207 235 6961
Netherlands 0906 554 0720
Norway 0906 554 0725
Portugal 0870 005 6970
Spain 0906 782 7674
Sweden 0207 917 6413

(Please note – the telephone numbers are premium rate)

We also provide help to extend your student visa in the UK if it is expiring before your course of study. You would be liable to pay the current visa fees of £295 to the Border and Immigration Agency.

If you wish to speak to somebody directly regarding international student issues, call our Overseas Students Advice Centre on +44 116 224 4111.