Visas and immigration

Students who would like to study in Scotland must comply with UK Border Agency regulations in order to gain entry into the country.

Different rules apply depending on whether you are a student from a European and Economic Area (EEA) country, or an international student from a non EEA country.

EEA students

If you are from the EEA and have been accepted on a course of study, you're entitled to enter the UK freely and have the right of residence for the duration of your course.

The EEA is made up of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) and a few others:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Switzerland is not in the EEA but Swiss nationals enjoy the same rights as those who are.

Romanian and Bulgarian students must complete a BR1 form after entering the UK for a Registration Certificate from the UK Border Agency.

Visit the UK Border Agency website for more details 

Course fees for EEA nationals studying in the UK will be charged as overseas fees unless they can satisfy the 'residency rule' (three years living in the UK).

International students (non-EEA)

To come to Scotland to study you must satisfy the UK Immigration Rules. This will mean you apply under Tier 4 of the Points Based System for immigration.

You must obtain sponsorship from a licensed education provider in the UK.

Visit the UK Border Agency website for a list of providers 

Tier 4 (General student) applicants must score 40 points and obtain this by

  • Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the licensed sponsor – 30 points
  • Having maintenance (course fees and money to support yourself) – 10 points

Visit the UK Border Agency website for more guidance on how to apply

Student visitors

You can apply as a student visitor if you're 18 years old or over, if you want to come and study in the UK for up to six months, and if you do not want to work while you're here.

Visit the UK Border Agency website for more guidance for student visitors 

Prospective students

You can apply as a prospective student if you want to come to the UK and then decide which course to study, or if you plan to start a course of study within six months.

Visit the UK Border Agency website for more guidance for prospective visitors