You may require a visa to study in the UK for the Pre-University Summer School - if you do, you will need to apply via the Standard Visitor Route. The Standard Visitor Route is for anyone who is not a UK or Irish citizen, AND does not already have a valid immigration permission to enter the UK.

There are some exceptions to this, and some students will instead need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Link opens in a new window - including students from Europe travelling to the UK on or after 2 April 2025.

To check whether or not you need immigration permission to study at our Pre-University Summer School, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration websiteLink opens in a new window as immigration (visa) regulations can often change.

Support and Guidance

The University of Warwick has a specialist Immigration and Compliance team who can assist Pre-University Summer School students with visa applications. A lot of our l students will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, as this is the most appropriate.

The Warwick’s Immigration ServiceLink opens in a new window websiteLink opens in a new window is a useful source for information and advice about Standard Visitor Visas.

Documents

You should read through the information provided on the Warwick's Immigration ServiceLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window page carefully when you apply. To find out which documents and financial evidence you should provide with your visa application, please read the sections "What are the document requirements/how to fill out the Standard Visitor Visa application form?".

Reading this page thoroughly before applying for your visa will help to eliminate any chance of visa refusal.

Visa Support Letter

Once you have received an offer of a place by email and paid for your Pre-University Summer School tuition fees (either a deposit or full payment), the Pre-University Summer School Admissions Team will provide you with a visa support letter which can be used to apply for your visa.

Visa support letters are sent to you electronically within one week of your tuition fee payment being successfully completed, provided you have attached all the relevant supporting documents with your application such as your passport copy.

When to Apply

You cannot submit your visa application any earlier than three months before the course start (April 2025).

Once you pay your tuition fee/deposit for the Pre-University Summer School, we issue your visa support letter but you cannot use it before this date.

We recommend you make payment as soon as possible to secure your place and to ensure that there is plenty of time for us to issue your visa support letter, and for you to complete the visa application process.

Where to Apply

This depends on your nationality. If you are a 'visa national', you must apply outside the UK. Visa nationals always need a visa prior to entering the UK. You can check if you are a visa national on the gov.uk websiteLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

If you are a 'non visa national' you can choose to apply at the embassy in your own country for permission before you leave, or alternatively you can bring all your documents and apply at the border when you arrive in the UK. If you apply at the airport on arrival there is no charge.

Please see Warwick's Immigration ServiceLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for details on where to apply. There is a heading which says, "How do I apply for a Standard Visitor Visa Route?"

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