Visas and immigration
Guidance and information about visa requirements, the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) and recognised student status.
View from the Clarendon Building towards the Weston Library. Credit: University of Oxford Images
Visa requirements
There is information and help available for students who require a visa to study in the UK.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
You may need to apply for an ATAS certificate for certain courses.
Important update on UK Student Visa policy
Information about the student 'visa brake' for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
The UK Government has introduced an 18 month suspension on student visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. As a result, from 26 March 2026, nationals of these four countries will no longer be able to apply from overseas for a student visa to study in the UK. This measure does not apply to individuals who are currently studying or working in the UK, and are able to extend their visa from within the UK.
We will contact any applicants who may be affected by this change shortly, with guidance on the next steps. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to review the information published by the UK Government carefully. If this measure applies to you, we recommend that you do not submit an application. If you have any further questions related to study visa applications, please consult the University's visa and immigration information.
We deeply regret these circumstances, and fully recognise that this announcement will be distressing and upsetting for those affected.
Recognised Student status
The information below is intended only for those applying for Recognised Student status.
If you are not a UK or Irish national (or do not have settled or pre-settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain) you will need immigration permission for study in the UK.
If your period of study will be for more than six months you must apply for a Student visa before coming to the UK. You will need to request your department to assign you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS). See our website for information on applying for a Student visa. Student visa holders have restricted permission to work in the UK and further information about restrictions on working can be found on our Working while studying page.
If your period of study will be for less than a maximum of six months you could apply for a Student visa as above or alternatively you could use the visitor/ETA route. You will need a visitor for study letter from your Oxford Department and written confirmation from your home institution that your research in Oxford will be part of or relevant to your course. If you are a ‘Visa National’ you must apply for a six-month visitor visa before travelling to the UK, please refer to the Government's visa pages to check if this applies to you.
If you are a ‘Non-visa National’ and coming for less than a maximum of six months you will have to apply for an ETA.
Please note, whether you are studying under the Student Route or as a visitor you cannot apply for a visa from within the UK and so cannot extend your period of study. It is your responsibility to check how long it will take to obtain a visa in your country and to plan the submission of your application accordingly. You should ensure that the start of your stay corresponds with the start date of an academic term.
Please see the University's further information on visas and immigration or alternatively, you can email the Student Immigration team for more details.
Any questions?Try our database of FAQs or submit your own question. |
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