On 31 January 2020 the UK left the European Union. We are now in a transition period until 31 December 2020. During this period, the future relationship between the UK and European Union will be decided.
In February 2020, the UK government announced plans for a new immigration system which will start in 2021. Some of these plans may change, and further details will be announced during 2020.
Below is a summary of the expected changes that have been announced so far, which will affect students coming to the UK from the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
- Study English in the UK as usual until end of December 2020
- A new immigration system from January 2021 requires visas for over six month study
- Student can travel on ID cards in 2020
- Most English language students will not have the right to work in the UK
- Erasmus+ funding for UK programmes is secure for 2020
- List of Travellers scheme for non-EEA national school pupils continues for 2020
- European Health Insurance Cards are valid until the end of 2020
EU/EEA students can come to study English in the UK as usual until end of December 2020
Until 31 December 2020, agents can continue to send EU/EEA/Swiss students to study in the UK as usual. These students do not need any kind of visa during the transition period, and they can still travel on ID cards.
There will be a new immigration system from January 2021
In February 2020, the UK government announced its plans for a new immigration system which will apply to all nationalities.
EU/EEA will be treated as ‘non-visa’ nationals. This means that they will be able to enter the UK as a visitor, or as a students, for stays of up to six months without needing a visa. They will receive an entry stamp in their passport on arrival.
EU/EEA students who want to study for less than six months will NOT need to apply for a visa
They will need to book an English language course before they travel, at an institution which is accredited by one the government-recognised accreditation bodies. All English UK members and British Council-accredited English language centres, on the Accreditation UK list, are recognised.
When students arrive in the UK, they show their course acceptance letter to receive a study stamp in their passport.
EU/EEA/Swiss students who want to study English for more than six months will need to apply for a visa before coming to the UK
Students over 16 years old can apply online for a visa to study English in the UK for more than six months.
11 month visas – for English courses between 6-11 months
Students who are older than 16 can study English in the UK for between 6-11 months on an 11 Month Short Term Student visa. read more about 11 Month Short Term Student Visas +
Tier 4 visas – for courses longer than 11 months
Students who wish to study in the UK for more than 11 months will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa. This visa is only for students who already have an intermediate level of English, and want to study at an institution which is a Tier 4 sponsor. read more about Tier 4 visas on the UKCISA website +
How long does it take to apply for a student visa?
You can apply for a visa up to three months before your date of travel to the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within three weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
Longer study visas for students under 16 years old
There is a Tier 4 (Child) student visa for students aged 18 or under who want to study at an independent school (high school) in the UK. read more about the Tier 4 (Child) student visa +
By English UK – 27 February 2020
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