A complete list of visas for the United Kingdom is available on the UK Government website.
The content published by the Italian Embassy in London on the topic of entry visas for the United Kingdom is for informational purposes only and has no legal value.
The Italian Embassy cannot provide assistance regarding the issuance of entry visas for the United Kingdom, which remains the exclusive responsibility of the British authorities.
STUDENTS
From 1 January 2021, those intending to travel to the United Kingdom for study purposes must, in most cases, apply for a visa before entering the country.
Access to study for holders of EU Settlement Scheme status
Holders of valid pre-settled or settled status have the right to study in the country. Holders of pre-settled status must demonstrate that they have lived in the country for at least three years before the start of their course in order to access student funding and “Home Fees” (Guide for EU Students).
For more information, please consult the Student Finance Eligibility guidance.
Studying without a visa
Italian citizens who wish to travel to the United Kingdom to study at an accredited institution, including English language courses, may enter the country for up to 6 months without applying for a visa.
Entry as a Standard Visitor allows:
- Short research relevant to a course of study undertaken in Italy;
- An optional clinical placement if enrolled in a medical, veterinary, or dentistry course;
- A recreational course of up to 30 days, such as a dance course.
If entering the United Kingdom without a visa, it is not permitted to:
- Study at a state-funded school or academy;
- Take a course lasting more than 6 months (except for distance learning courses);
- Undertake paid or unpaid work (this includes work experience or internships, unless it is an eligible medical, veterinary, or dental placement);
- Live in the United Kingdom for extended periods through frequent or successive visits in order to access public funds.
Upon entry into the United Kingdom, you may be asked to prove that you:
- Hold an official letter of acceptance indicating the name, duration, and cost of the course from the accredited institution;
- Have a letter from your Italian educational institution describing the research or training in the United Kingdom as relevant to your course of study in Italy;
- Are able to support yourself financially (or have external financial support) during your stay in the United Kingdom;
- Have sufficient funds for your return journey (or external funding) and will leave the United Kingdom at the end of your visit;
- Have arranged accommodation for your stay.
Child Student Visa
You may apply for a Child Student visa if the student is between 4 and 17 years old and intends to attend a school in the United Kingdom. To qualify for this type of visa, you must have:
- An unconditional offer for a course at a school;
- Proof that you can financially support yourself in the United Kingdom and pay for the course;
- Consent from a parent or legal guardian to study in the United Kingdom – this must be demonstrated when submitting the visa application.
With this type of visa, certain forms of employment are permitted (for those aged 16 and over).
The visa fee varies depending on whether the application is submitted from within the United Kingdom or from abroad. In both cases, the Immigration Health Surcharge (Healthcare Surcharge) must also be paid.
The visa duration is:
- For those under 16: up to 6 years plus 4 additional months;
- For those aged 16 or 17: up to 3 years plus 4 additional months.
In both cases, the visa is valid for the duration of the course, and it is possible to arrive in the United Kingdom up to one month before classes begin.
Student Visa
This visa is intended for students over 16 years old. It allows attendance of a course offered by an accredited sponsor and is granted if you have received an offer of study from an accredited sponsor and have adequate knowledge of the English language.
The duration of the Student Visa depends on the type of course:
- Those over 18 enrolled in a university-level course may receive a visa for up to 5 years;
- Those enrolled in a non-university course may receive a visa for up to 2 years.
This visa allows certain work activities.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is intended for international students who have completed a course of study in the United Kingdom from summer 2021 onwards and who wish to remain in the country for a further 2 years to look for work or work at any skill level (3 years for those who have completed a PhD). No sponsor is required for this visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do an internship during the 6-month visa-free period?
Internships are not included among the activities permitted during the visa exemption period, and there is currently no specific visa designed solely for internships.
Those wishing to undertake internships in the United Kingdom may need to apply for a Government Authorised Exchange visa or apply under the Student visa route, which in some cases allows internships.
Can the Student Visa be extended?
Yes, it is possible to extend the validity of your visa if certain conditions are met, as indicated by the British authorities.
Can I request a refund of the Healthcare Surcharge with a Student Visa?
Yes. If you are a full-time university-level student, your visa started on or after 1 January 2021, you hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by an EU country, and you are not working, you may apply for a refund, as indicated at this link.