Visa updates in the UK, Ireland and Europe

Last updated: 14 August 2024

The international education sector in the European continent is constantly changing. Thus, it’s important to stay updated on the latest visa and immigration news in key study-abroad destinations in the region. This guide details visa updates for international students in the United Kingdom, Ireland and other top locations in the EU.

 

The United Kingdom

Most international students in the UK must obtain a Student visa, previously known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa. This allows them to study in the country for their chosen course.

Validity

How long a student can stay in the UK on a Student visa depends on the length of their course and what study they’ve already completed in the country. Generally, the visa may be valid for up to five years.

Students may be able to extend their visa if they’re eligible, like if they want to continue studying in the UK. They can also switch to a Graduate visa to remain in the country for at least another two years after completing their undergraduate course.

Cost

The cost of a Student visa is £490 if the student is applying outside the UK. They must also pay the fee for each person that joins them. The cost is the same to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.

International students must also pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their application. The price depends on the length of their visa; they can check how much it costs here.

Eligibility

Individuals can apply for a Student visa in the UK if they:

• are 16 years old or over
• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course
• can speak, read, write and understand English

Students who are 16 or 17 years old must also provide evidence of consent from their parents to study in the UK.

Work limitations

International students enrolled in full-time degree-level courses can work on a Student visa under limited conditions. They can only work up to 20 hours a week during university term time, but they can be employed full-time during vacation periods. Work must only be temporary; international students can’t take on permanent contracts, nor can they be self-employed, set up a business or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

Full-time work is also permitted if it’s on a work placement that is part of their course. International students are also allowed to work as student union sabbatical officers for up to two years.

Bringing family

International students may bring their dependants to the UK if they are:

• a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts over six months
• a full-time student on a PhD or other doctorate level course (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree that lasts nine months or longer.

Dependants include a husband, wife or civil partner, and children under 18 years old. Certain documents are required to apply for a dependant’s visa, including proof that they have money to support themselves during their stay – on top of the student’s.

A dependant’s visa costs £490 and the validity is the same as the main applicant’s. Dependants can also extend or switch their visas.

How to apply

International students can apply for a Student visa from inside or outside the UK. They can apply as early as three months in the case of the former and six months for the latter.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK Student visa.

1. Apply to a UK university and receive an unconditional offer to pursue an education there. The student must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) that certifies that they’ve been admitted to a program.
2. Collect all the necessary documents for their application, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, evidence of English language proficiency and a valid ATAS certificate. Some students may also be required to submit tuberculosis test results. Applicants under 18 years old also need to provide parental consent.
3. Pay the necessary fees to process the Student visa application. Apart from the £490 charge, the student must also pay for an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
4. Submit all the requirements and await the Student visa decision. Decisions take about eight weeks if the student is applying from within the UK and three weeks if they’re applying from outside the country.

Latest visa news in the United Kingdom

• UK increases international student financial savings requirements – 12 September 2024
• UK Home Office: Graduate Route safe for now – 24 May 2024
• Scotland launches Migration Service to support international students and global talent – 16 April 2024
• Scotland launches new campaign to attract more international students – 19 March 2024
• UK Student visa policy changes: Industry experts clarify impact on international students – 14 March 2024
• Changes in the UK student visa – 1 March 2024
• UK universities to review international student admissions – 14 February 2024
• UK government announces changes to student visa rules – 13 July 2023
• Work hour limits for international students may be lifted in the UK – 9 February 2023

 

Ireland

Most international students in Ireland need to apply for a long-term “D” student visa. This allows individuals to pursue diploma, certificate or degree-level programs that last over three months. Those who wish to take a short course of study of 90 days or less, such as a short-term English language course, can apply for a short stay “C” visit (Study) visa, instead.

Validity

The long-term “D” student visa is a limited-purpose permission. It’s valid for up to 12 months and is renewable for up to a maximum of seven years.

Cost

An Ireland student visa costs €60 for single-entry applications and €100 for multiple-entry ones. Extra charges, such as consular fees, may apply. Some applicants may be exempt from paying an application fee.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a long-term “D” student visa, the applicant must be able to show that they:

• are entering Ireland to engage in full-time study
• are enrolled in a privately funded course leading to a major award or equivalent in the Degree Programme at Level 7 or above of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), which is listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP)
• possess a Letter of Acceptance from the college, confirming their acceptance and enrolment
• have paid the fees to the college
• have adequate finances to support themselves in Ireland
• have private medical insurance.

Work limitations

Some long-term “D” study visa holders may engage in “casual employment” or up to a maximum of 20 hours of part-time work per week during the academic semester or 40 hours of full-time work per week during normal college holidays.

Eligible students must be

• registered with a Stamp 2 permission
• enrolled in a course listed on the ILEP
• attending a full-time education at or above an ordinary bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8)
• on a course of at least one year’s duration
• compliant with the Universal Social Charge, Pay Related Social Insurance, employment laws and taxation requirements.

Working students can’t conduct business, be self-employed or work a permanent full-time job.

Bringing family

In general, international students aren’t allowed to bring their husband, wife, civil partner and/or children with them on their student visa application. Family members must apply for a relevant visa and their application shall be judged on its own merit. There are exceptions to the policy of “no Family Reunification,” such as if the student is pursuing a course at PhD level (NFQ 10).

How to apply

International students can apply for a long-term “D” study visa up to three months before their date of travel to Ireland. Here’s how to apply for an Ireland student visa.

1. Create a visa application online through AVATS. The system will generate an application form for the applicant to complete, print, sign and date.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit the required documents, which will be given after the student completes their application form. They must pass these requirements to the given application office, which could be a Dublin visa office, an international visa office or an Irish embassy or a consulate in the applicant’s home country.
4. Await the visa decision. Processing times vary between countries and visa offices, embassies or consultations. Generally, however, students can expect a decision within eight weeks.

Latest visa news in Ireland

• Ireland launches International Talent and Innovation Strategy – Global Citizens 2030 – 18 January 2024

 

Europe

Many European countries have emerged as alternative study-abroad destinations. Here’s a quick look into the latest visa updates in key countries.

France

International students who wish to study in France as part of their university studies or an exchange scheme or cooperation program must apply for a student visa that allows for a long-term stay. They must be over 18 years of age, have already chosen their training course or studies and have been accepted by a higher education institution. Enrolment conditions differ depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Spain

The Spain Study visa applies to international students who wish to stay for more than 90 days for studies, training, internships or volunteer work. Applicants may apply no more than 90 days in advance of their intended travel date; applications must be submitted in person at a consular office by appointment.

Stays less than six months shall be valid for the entire stay, while stays beyond six months shall be valid for 90 days. In the case of the latter, international students are required to apply for a Foreign Identity Card within one month of their arrival in Spain.

Germany

Foreigners who have just received an acceptance letter from a German university, have to enrol in a foundation course before applying to a German institution, need to complete a doctoral degree or want to engage in a research project in Germany must obtain a Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken). Individuals staying for more than 90 days must also get a Residence permit immediately after arriving in the country.

Applications for a German Student Visa must be done at the German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country by appointment and typically involve an interview.

Italy

Non-EU citizens must apply for a student visa at the Italian consulate in their country of residence. The requirements may differ depending on the applicant’s nationality, but in general, they must provide:

• an application form
• proof of enrolment in a university course
• evidence of financial support
• adequate health insurance
• proof of language proficiency (English or Italian).

Cyprus

International students in Cyprus must possess a student visa from the Civil Archive and Migration Department issued by an embassy, high commission or consulate of the Republic. This is issued to full-time students who take a minimum of 12 credits in a semester. To apply, the applicant must submit the requested requirements, including:

• a completed application form
• an application fee
• certified true copies of the student’s academic qualifications
• proof of English proficiency
• a recent certificate of good conduct from their local police.

Note that foreign students from non-EU countries aren’t allowed to work during their study in Cyprus, except in some circumstances.

Turkey

International students hoping to study in Turkey must get a student visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate in their home country by appointment. Applications may be lodged no earlier than 60 days before one’s departure to Turkey and at least one month before their intended date of arrival.

A student visa is required before entry to the country. If a student is staying over 90 days to pursue an education, they must apply for a residence permit that allows for long-term stays.

The Netherlands

A student residence permit is required for foreigners who want to study at a university or institute of higher professional education in The Netherlands. Only an educational institution that the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has recognised as a sponsor can apply for a student residence permit for the student. Requirements and conditions vary per nationality.

Latest visa news in Europe

• Latest visa news in Europe 2024 – 4 March 2024

 

We constantly update this page as changes occur concerning student visa and immigration rules in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Bookmark it to stay in the loop or keep an eye out on our newsroom for the latest information.