International Student FAQs

This section has questions around visas and immigration. The main Visas and Immigration landing page on our website can be found here 

Do I need Electronic Travel Authorisation (an ETA) to come to the UK and if so, how do I get it?
There is complete information and guidance on the University's UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) page.

Where and how can I get a CAS statement for my visa application?
You will need a CAS statement in order to submit a Student visa application.  If you are starting a new course (new students), you will be contacted automatically by the International Admissions CAS team with instructions about how to obtain your CAS statement.

If you are already enrolled on a course (continuing students) but your course end date has moved and you need to extend your current Student visa, please submit a request for a new CAS by following the process on the CAS for Continuing Students page.

My 90-day travel vignette has run out - what do I do?
Please contact us at VISA Advice (formerly known as International@CampusLife)

My visa application is taking longer than expected - what do I do?
Every year during peak periods of July - September (Autumn intakes) and December - February (Winter intakes) there are delays to the visa processing times.  Please apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid missing enrolment deadlines set by your Faculty.  

The processing of visa applications is a UK Government process, the University is unable to make your application go quicker and so unfortunately you will just need to be patient with the process. We know that may be frustrating. There are many students, not just those coming to study at Swansea University, but for all UK universities, that are in a similar position. We appreciate your understanding that Home Office process is outside of University control.

How do I apply for a Student visa?
We have comprehensive guidance about applying for a Student visa which should help you through the process. This includes step by step information about the process, what documents you might need and the format those documents must follow, how much money you need (maintenance), application fees and how to find further assistance.

Please see our Visas and Immigration pages for full guidance about making a Student visa application. 

Can I make a Student visa application in the UK?
Do not assume that you can make a visa application from within the UK - especially if you are switching institutions or moving between courses. Please email VISA Advice with a copy of your current visa and as much detail about your course(s) and why you need the visa extension. They can then look at your situation with you.

Can I study part time as an international student?
Please see the section called Information on part time study as an international student

Can I apply/how do I get a CAS number for the Graduate Route (post study work) visa?
Please see our UK Graduate Route web resource for comprehensive information regarding, timings, process and documents.

Can I use a Fee Waiver application to 'buy me more time' in the UK in order to make a Graduate Route or other application?
We have seen some students put in Fee Waiver applications in order to try to extend their Student Route leave (under Section 3C) to give them time in the UK to wait for results and or an Appeal decision. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) this could be classed as deception. In addition, the UKVI are now refusing applications where a Fee Waiver application has been made but the subsequent Human Rights application (which is what a Fee Waiver is for) has not. This is because you are only covered by Section 3C under a Fee Waiver if it is approved and you go on to make the Human Rights application you said the Fee Waiver was for. Without Section 3C you will be classed as an overstayer from the date your last visa ran out. Therefore, students should not be using Fee waiver applications as a Stop Gap between applications. 

Can I bring my family to the UK as dependants?
Please see our Information for Families and our Dependants - International Students resources, which outline the Home Office regulations and any relevant visa and other requirements/considerations, regarding bringing family to the UK. You will also find information on dependants working, UK Schooling and Childcare and some additional useful guidance about UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students.

What are my responsibilities if I bring family with me to the UK?

If you are bringing dependants to the UK, it is your responsibility to ensure the following:

1. You have enough money to support your family in the UK
2. You source and finance suitable family accommodation in the UK (it may be necessary for your family members to travel to the UK after you)
3. Your accommodation is a maximum of 50 miles from the University campus
4. You apply for school places on time and adhere to UK school admissions and attendance processes
5. You have engaged with all the University family support resources provided for you in relation to the above

Can my dependants work/study in the UK?
Please see our resources, which outline the Home Office regulations and any relevant visa and other requirements/considerations, regarding bringing family to the UK. You will also find information on dependants working, and some additional useful guidance about UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students. 

How do I/my family get a visa to visit the UK (generally and/or for Graduation)?
Please see our information regarding the  UK Standard Visit Visa Route to help and guide you.

If applying for Graduation purposes, you/your family do not need a specific University letter about Graduation, as it is not listed in the UKVI requirements, but you may want to include this email or a printout of the University web page confirming the Graduation ceremony date (further information about documents etc are available via the  page).

How do I find out about the Hong Kong (BNO) visa?
Please see our information regarding the UK HK BNO route to help and guide you.

I don’t have a visa card, how do I prove my digital immigration status?
Most students will not receive physical evidence (a vignette or visa card) covering the whole duration of their immigration leave.

When you receive your email from the Home Office telling you the outcome of your visa application you should read this carefully and save it somewhere secure. The email will tell you your digital immigration status and state the end date of the visa granted.

After your visa is granted, you will continue to be able to access your personal UKVI Account on the Home Office system (detailed in your decision email) in order to view and prove your immigration status.  Once logged in to your account you can generate a verification share code. This code can be shared with employers, the University or anyone else who needs to check your right to work/study or reside in the UK. The code only lasts 30 days but you can generate as many as you need. This code can then be entered into the Home Office system by a 3rd party in order to verify your immigration status.

Detailed information can be found on the eVisas and Digital Immigration Status page.

When might I need to provide my digital status code?

You may be asked to prove your status in the UK in the following situations:

•Enrolling on a course of study (and during University Right to Study)
• Accessing the National Health Service (we also recommend that EU students always get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC))
• Applying for a job
• Renting accommodation
• Applying for a bank account or mortgage
• For overseas Police, or other checks, as part of a new immigration application

If you are applying for a job, it might be worth mentioning that you have been granted permission to live/work/study in the UK under an immigration route, and can provide an evidence code, within your job application. This may help to reassure employers that you have the ongoing right to work.

Please note: it is very important that you keep your details, such as your current passport number, up to date on your UKVI Account. Failure to do so could mean that you have difficulty getting back into your UKVI account to generate verification codes or when passing through immigration control at a UK port of entry.

Can I attend the University as a Visitor or visiting researcher or to undertake work experience?
Please see the University information regarding International Visitors (including researchers, academics and others).

This section has questions around finances and banking.

Please note: finance, money and fees do not fall under the VISA Advice team (formerly known as International@CampusLife) remit, so please make sure that you are contacting the correct team in order to get a swift response.

Where do I find information on bursaries and Scholarships?
The University has central information regarding bursaries and scholarships that can be found on the main website here.

Please note: The VISA Advice team (formerly known as International@CampusLife) unfortunately do not have any knowledge or information regarding available funding for international students outside that provided by the University via the link above.

How and when do I need to pay my University fees?
For fee payment methods and payment dates please see the University’s: How to pay your fees- international students web resource.

Who can I talk to about my tuition Fees?
For any queries or issues you have regarding your tuition fees, contact The Finance Office. Please see their contact details here.

How do I open a bank account?
You can find information on a number of banks with local branches and online only banking providers via the Banking and Finance for International Students web resource.

How do I access a letter for opening a bank account?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is usually what you need to open a bank account. This will have your dates of study plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your Gradintelligence account. More information can be found on the MyUniHub page here.

I only have Digital Immigration Status, how can I open a bank account?
You may find that you have difficulties opening a bank account with just your travel vignette/visa (as it looks like you only have a short visa). You will need to make sure that you have either your Original Visa Decision Letter (which would have been emailed to you and has your visa end date on it) or generate a Share code and PDF. Please see further information around that on our eVisas and Digital Immigration Status page.

Who can help me with money issues or worries?
The University has a dedicated Money Advice team (formerly known as Money@CampusLife).
They have lots of information about a range of financial queries, including their own comprehensive Money FAQs and contact details.

In the main, any queries related to your course should be addressed directly to your Faculty or School, although some processes around your course administration will be managed via Academic Services.

How do I enrol?
Information regarding enrolment processes can be found on the University's MyUni website here. This includes detailed information, including video guidance, for both New Students and Continuing Students. There are also useful Enrolment FAQs which you can look at. 

I am having an issue with my enrolment- who do I contact?
If you are following the steps outlined via the main MyUni enrolment pages but are having an issue, please contact MyUniHub so they can advise you further. There are also useful Enrolment FAQs which you can look at. 

Can I study my course remotely for a period of time?
No, you are expected to travel to the UK in order to study a UK based course and there are no UKVI concessions that allow Universities to enrol students remotely. If you believe that you are going to miss your original course start date, you need to contact your Faculty or School in order to check whether you are able to arrive late and any deadlines around that. Do not assume that you can arrive late to your course and that being in the UK will override any deadlines you have been given. You may have to immediately leave the UK and any visa that you have been granted would fall for automatic curtailment (shortening/cancellation) by the UKVI. This situation is both stressful and expensive and should be avoided at all costs.

Can I change my course?
You will first need to contact your Faculty or School to find out whether you can change your course and any academic/timing/financial implications around the proposed change. For example, depending on the timing of the switch, you may have to wait until the start of the next intake and/or you may have to pay additional fees.

If you are studying on a Student Route visa you may need to apply for a new visa from overseas. This is usually necessary if the new course is at a different level (e.g. you will be studying a Masters instead of an undergraduate course) or if you are unable to complete it within the timeframe of the visa you are already holding, or if you want to change course to a new subject area.

It is normally OK to switch a course if it is the same duration, level and general subject area (e.g. changing from M.Sc. Accounting to M.Sc. Management with the same course end date).

However if you want to change course to a new subject area, e.g. from M.Sc. Computer Science to M.Sc. Management this would mean having to return home to make a brand-new visa application for your new chosen course of study, even if the course level and duration remain the same.  

Who can help me with an academic misconduct case or similar?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with academic misconduct and similar issues and should be able to assist you

This section relates to questions international students may have about coming to and living in the UK.

There is information on the VISA Advice (formerly known as International@CampusLife) website dedicated to Preparation, travel, arrival, welcome and social activities along with our International Students' Information Guide and our UK Travel and Accommodation: An International Students' Guide which you may also find useful.

How can I travel to the University once I arrive in the UK?
In order to assist you with planning your onward journey once you have reached the UK, we have compiled information in our UK Travel & Accommodation - International Students' Guide. This is a great resource which should help you plan your journey.

How do I find accommodation in the UK?
For guidance on seeking and securing short and longer term accommodation, take a look at our comprehensive UK Travel & Accommodation: An International Students' Guide. The University also has a designated Residential Services team to help with University accommodation queries. Their web resources are found here.

How can I access a letter which proves my enrolment?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is available to all enrolled students. This will have your dates of study plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your Gradintelligence account. More information can be found on the MyUniHub page here.

How do I prove exemption from Council Tax
MyUniHub has information on Council Tax exemption on their page here. If you are enrolled you may be able to download a Council Tax Exemption letter yourself - from your Gradintelligence account.

How do I register with the Police?
As of 1st August 2022 students no longer need to register with the Police. 

To find out more about these changes, please visit the Police Registration- International Students web resource.

How do I register with a doctor?
We recommend you register for GP services whilst studying at Swansea University. Many surgeries are now using an online facility, ‘Ask My GP’. You will be able to access the registration forms online.

There are many GP surgery options available to students in Swansea, but we work closely with the following given as they are near to our campuses.
Singleton Campus: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/study/student-life/health-and-welfare/health-centre/
Bay Campus: https://www.harbourside.wales.nhs.uk/ or https://www.sa1medicalcentre.wales.nhs.uk/

How can I meet other students?

The VISA Advice team (formerly known as International@CampusLife) arrange welcome events as well as regular trips and activities throughout the year under their GO! Social Programme. Please see the International Welcome and Social Activities' section of their website and Native for further information and ticket booking.

I have an issue with my housemates or Landlord - who can help?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with accommodation issues and should be able to assist you.