General international enquiries

For information on work, healthcare, and finance issues: click the General international enquiries banner.

Can I work in the UK during my studies?
Yes, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during holiday periods. Please check your residence permit stamp in your passport, it should state “Work (and any changes) must be authorized" or "Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State".

Postgraduate students can work full-time after they have submitted their dissertation/thesis.
What sort of work can I do during my studies?
You can do most kinds of work, a work placement which is part of a sandwich course, or an internship but you must not engage in business, be self-employed, provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.
Do I need a work permit if I want to work during my studies?
No you do not need a work permit. Most employers in the UK know that international students are allowed to work. The visa stamp (residence permit) in your passport should state “Work (and any changes) must be authorized" or "Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State". This will be a sufficient proof that you are allowed to work.
Can I take a gap year to work during my studies?
No. If you are thinking of taking a year out from your studies then you must return to your country. Please seek advice from the Student Advice Centre.
Can I bring my wife/husband/civil partner and children with me?
Yes, you can bring them with you provided you can support them yourself without needing help from public funds. Children must be under 18 years of age. They will need to apply for a student dependent visa.
Can my dependents work in the UK during my studies?
If you have been given a 12 months or more period of leave in the UK, your dependents should be given permission to work in the UK when they apply for a visa. They would be allowed to work full time during your studies.
How can I find work?
You can register with the University’s Unitemps. They are situated on the first floor of SUHQ (next to Costcutters). For more information, click here.

Also look at the Students’ Union job pages.
What is a National Insurance number and how can I apply for it?
This DirectGov page gives information about National Insurance numbers. You should be allowed to start work without a National Insurance number, but once you start work you must apply for one.

You can also contact the Student Advice Centre for further information.
Do I have to pay Income Tax, and if so, how much do I have to pay?
In short, yes, if you earn more than a specified personal allowance in any tax year, you will have to pay income tax. The rate of personal allowance can change each year; see the HM Revenues and Customs page for more information.
Would I be able to stay in the UK to work after my studies?
This will depend on whether you meet the requirements of any of the schemes under the Point Based System (PBS) operated by the UK Government. There is a specific scheme called Post-study Work under Tier 1 of the PBS for all international students, which allow students to apply for a permission to work after successfully completing their studies.

More information is available on the UK Border Agency's page on post-study work, or the UKCISA page on working in the UK after your studies.
Are my dependents allowed to stay with me and work after my studies?
If your family members are in the UK, and have permission to stay in the UK as student dependents, you can include them in your application. If they are here under any other category (such as a student), they will not be allowed to be included in your application in the UK. They will have to return to their home country and apply for entry clearance as your dependents, unless they can apply to remain in the UK in their own right under any of the immigration categories.

For more information please contact the Student Advice Centre.
What healthcare am I entitled to?
If your course lasts for 6 months or more, then you are entitled to use the NHS (National Health Service) in the same way as any home student. You will need to register with a GP (General Practitioner).
  • Students living on campus may register with the University Health Centre.
  • Students living off campus can either find a local GP (though the NHS website) or register with the Health Centre on campus.
More detailed information on your entitlement to healthcare as an international student is available on the UKCISA website. It is worth noting that there is no compulsory special health insurance regime for students in the UK, whether home or international.

If you are already receiving treatment for a condition at home it would be wise if you bring a medical report from your doctor detailing your medical history and what treatment you are currently receiving to give to your new GP.

If you are on a course of less than 6 months, you should take out private health insurance before you come to Warwick, and be prepared to see a GP privately and pay the full cost of any drugs prescribed.
There are two banks on campus: Barclays (024 7681 4200) and Natwest (024 7641 5152).

You should be able to open a basic bank account. This kind of account allows you to pay money in and take it out with a cashcard but does not give you a chequebook. Natwest Bank will give you a debit card with their basic bank account. There are other kinds of accounts for which you may get more facilities but have to pay a fee.

A bank will ask you for proofs of identity, student status letter, address in the UK, and your home address overseas.

Contact the International Office for more information by e-mailing int.office@warwick.ac.uk, or by checking their page on opening a bank account.
I am an international student. I am having difficulties paying my tuition fees.
This is a serious matter that you should discuss with the Finance Office. Under some circumstances, you may be able to defer the payment of tuition fees or make an arrangement to pay by instalments. There is very little financial help available for international students.

For more information about this, see the International Office's page on finances at University. Be aware that you would not be able to graduate if you have not paid your fees.
Do I pay the home or international rate of tuition fees?
There is a general rule for paying the home rate of tuition fee. You must be permanently settled in the UK on the 1 September before a course starting in the autumn, you must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years immediately preceding that date and during those three years you must not have been resident wholly or mainly for the purpose of full time education.

However there are a number of exceptions to this rule and if you think you may be eligible to pay the home rate of fee, seek support from the Student Advice Centre. Also see the UKCISA website page on fees, funding and student support.

Immigration

For information on visas, travel and police registration: click the Immigration banner.

Do I need a visa to come to the UK to study?
Yes, all international students (except EEA or Swiss nationals) require a visa if they are intending to study at the University.
When should I apply for a visa?
You should apply in good time for your visa so that you are not delayed in getting into the UK, normally 3 to 4 months before you start your course. You should not buy an expensive airline ticket before you get your student visa, just in case things go wrong.
How do I apply for a visa?
You should apply for a student visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally settled. You should contact the nearest UK Embassy/High Commission and they will explain the procedures for applying for a student visa. See the UKBA's site for a list of visa application centres overseas.
What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced in November 2007 to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.

If you intend to undertake postgraduate studies and/or research which lead to a Doctorate or Masters degree in certain designated subjects, you will have to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa. For full details see

Please contact immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk to find out if your course requires ATAS certificate.
What if I am refused a UK visa?
Under the Points-Based System, students no longer have a right of appeal if their Entry Clearance application is refused – though students can ask for an "Administrative Review" instead. You must ask for an Administrative Review within 28 days after your application is refused.

You should contact the Student Advice Centre immediately.
Do I have to be able to support dependants? What are "public funds"?
Under the immigration rules, international students must be able to support themselves and their family without claiming certain benefits from the government. For a full definition, please see ‘public funds’ on this UKBA page.
Can I extend my stay as a student in the UK?
If you enter the UK with a student visa or prospective student visa, you would be allowed to extend your visa. Normally, visa is granted for the entire length of your studies plus four months.

You should apply for an extension at least 4 weeks before your visa expires. You should contact either the Student Advice Centre or immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk for more information.
Do I have to register with the Police when I arrive in the UK?
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they are entering the UK for more than six months. Your visa will state if you are required to register with the police.

See the University's page on registering with the police by clicking here, and if you still have any questions when you arrive at University, please contact the Student Advice Centre or immigrationservice@warwick.ac.uk.
Can I travel outside the UK during my studies?
You are allowed to travel outside the UK for visits, holidays or work placement during the validity of your visa. You will need to obtain a visa for the country you are visiting. Please contact the national UK embassy/high commission of the country you are intending to visit for more information. It will advise you if people of your nationality need to apply for visas before travelling to that country.

You can also contact the Student Advice Centre for more information. The UKCISA maintains a good document on Schengen visas on their website.
Would I be able to stay in the UK with my student visa if I withdraw from the University?
No. It is a serious offence to stay in the UK if you have a student visa but are no longer a student. Please contact The Student Advice Centre immediately if you are thinking of withdrawing from your studies either temporarily or permanently.
Useful links
Warwick University's International Office

UKBA — UK Border Agency.

UK Visas — the official British website for visa services.

UKCISA — UK Council for International Student Affairs.