Travelling after your studies have finished

Your Student Visa allows you to travel to and from the UK - even after your academic requirements have been fulfilled - as long as you have a valid reason to do so.

For example: you may be returning to apply for a Graduate Visa; to attend your Graduation Ceremony; or returning to make another valid visa application in the UK.

These are all valid reasons to return to the UK but please be aware that a UK Border Officer is entitled to ask you questions about your reasons for travelling and reasons for coming back to the UK when you return.

Visiting the Schengen Area (mainland Europe and Iceland)

The Schengen AreaLink opens in a new window is made up of 29 countries that have agreed to have no routine internal border controls, and share unified policies in relation to short-stay visas (up to 90 days). It is made up of:

• 25 of the 27 members of the European UnionLink opens in a new window (the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area), plus
• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (the European Free Trade AssociationLink opens in a new window)

Your UK visa is not valid in the Schengen Area (the UK is not a member), so you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window before travelling to these countries. Whether you need to apply for a visa in advance depends on your nationalityLink opens in a new window.

Applying for a Schengen Visa: our Top Tips:

• You must apply for a Schengen Visa via the consulate/authorities of your "main" destination country. This means the country in the Schengen Area where you plan to spend the most time during your trip. You can find links to the correct websites by country hereLink opens in a new window.
• There will be an online form to complete, and you will be asked to attend a visa application centreLink opens in a new window appointment in the UK as well as pay an application feeLink opens in a new window.
• You can apply up to 6 months in advance of travelLink opens in a new window, and should apply as soon as possible, because the required visa application centre appointments can take a lot of time to arrange.
• You can find details of the documents required on the European Commission WebsiteLink opens in a new window.

  You'll usually need to show evidence of the purpose of your visit, financial means, accommodation and your intention to return to the country where you are living after your visit. However, the individual consulate (country) you are applying through may have additional document requirements - check their application form carefully.
  
  If you are asked to provide a "no objection letter", "permission letter", or "student status letter" from the University of Warwick, you can find further instructions here.

Visas for other countries

If you wish to travel to another country during your time at Warwick and have queries regarding visas, you should contact the relevant embassy directly using their website.

For detailed guidance on trip planning, visa requirements, insurance and staying safe, visit our Travelling Abroad webpage.