Visas and Immigration

It’s never too early to start planning for your Student visa application for studying in the UK.

Student visa

If you are not a UK national or individual with a right to reside under the EU Settlement Scheme, then it is likely that you will need Student visa permission issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to study in the UK.

Norwich University of the Arts is a Student Sponsor with the status of Higher Education Institution with a Track Record of Compliance and provides step-by-step guidance to support you throughout the visa application process.

You can find out more about visas below and email us if you have any questions. Please note that this is only guidance and not legal immigration advice. You should refer to the Student visa guidance issued by UKVI for official advice.

Key facts about the Student visa

• All Student visas are now issued as a digital record known as an eVisa
• Student visa holders can typically work up to 20 hours during term and full-time during official vacation periods. There are restrictions on the type of work you can do and more about this can be found by visiting the GOV.UK website
• Students can only bring dependants if their course is a PhD or other doctorate or post-graduate research-based higher degree. Learn more about bringing dependants on the GOV.UK website
• The University will carefully monitor your attendance to ensure you comply with UKVI regulations

Applying for your Student visa

• You must be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University before you can begin your application
• You make your visa application online and may be required to attend an in-person biometric appointment following submission of your application
• The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK and 3 months before your course start date if applying from inside the UK
• You can only apply from inside the UK if you are switching from an eligible visa type or extending a current Student visa and the course you are joining is at a higher academic level than your current course
• You are required to pay a health surcharge when making your application and this provides you with access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your studies. Learn more about this on the GOV.UK site on the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Eligibility

Students aged 16 or over can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK, provided:

• You have been issued with an unconditional offer of a place on a course at Norwich University of the Arts
• You have met the English Language requirement
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course

Costs

The following costs are involved in the Student visa application process:

• Application fee: £558
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of visa (paid upfront for the full visa duration)
• Priority and super priority services: £500- £1,000 (to discover more about getting a faster decision on your application, visit the GOV.UK site on faster decisions)

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you submit your visa application, you must be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University. Your CAS will only be issued once:

• The visa application window opens (6 months prior to enrolment if applying from outside the UK and 3 months prior to enrolment if applying from inside the UK)
• You have paid the non-refundable* £3,000 international deposit
• You hold an unconditional offer to study at Norwich University of the Arts
• You have firmly accepted your offer
• You complete the CAS task in the pre-enrolment portal
• You have provided all required supporting documents, all of which must meet UKVI requirements
• You have successfully completed your online pre-CAS interview with our Visa team, if you have been invited to attend one

Your CAS will be emailed to you as a PDF file. You must check the document for errors and submit a copy with your visa application supporting documents.

*There are a number of instances where your deposit will be refunded including if you fail to meet the conditions of your offer, do not pass your pre-CAS credibility interview or your visa application is unsuccessful.

Documents required

The documents you are required to submit will vary depending on your nationality, where you are living and your individual circumstances. The required supporting documents can include the following:

• Valid Passport/Travel Document
• CAS letter issued by Norwich University of the Arts
• Receipts of any payments made to Norwich University of the Arts including the international deposit and any additional tuition fee payments
• Financial evidence meeting the UKVI financial requirements
• Proof of English using an accepted English Language qualification
• Academic qualifications meeting the entry requirements for your course
• A valid TB Test certificate if you are required to have one. You can check if you need a TB Test on the GOV.UK website
• A supporting letter explaining any gaps in your studies e.g. if you have been in employment
• Your current share code/visa details if you are applying to extend your immigration permission from inside the UK
• Parental or legal guardian consent and proof of relationship if you will be under 18 at the time of making your application

Translations

Any of the required documents that are not in English must be accompanied by official translations that include all of the following:

• Confirmation of being an accurate translation
• Date of translation
• Full name and signature of the translator or an official from the translation company
• Contact details of the translator or translation company

We will also request your required supporting documents prior to issuing your CAS to ensure you are as prepared as possible for the visa application process. Please refer to the Student visa guidance issued by UKVI for official advice.

Graduate route visa

The Graduate route is a visa that gives international students permission to stay in the UK for up to 2 years (if applying on or before 31 December 2026) or up to 18 months (if applying on or after 1 January 2027) following completion of their course. You do not need a job offer to apply for this route and with this visa type you can work in most jobs, be self-employed or be looking for work, among other things. You can only make your application once the University has reported to UKVI that you have completed your course.

For further information on the Graduate route please visit the GOV.UK Graduate visa site.