Studying in the UK
Information for Swiss citizens planning to study in the United Kingdom.
Immigration and visa
The United Kingdom operates a points-based immigration system with dedicated visa routes, for example for students and graduates.
a) Up to 6 months
Swiss citizens can continue to visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months without applying for a visa and may participate in short-term study.
- The points-based immigration system: an introduction for EU, EEA and Swiss visitors
- Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities (PA 17)
- Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor – Additional eligibility requirements for studies up to 6 month (V 9.1 - V 9.5)
- Further information for visitors from the UK Council for International Student Affairs
- Check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa to come to the UK
b) Longer than 6 months
Swiss citizens planning to come to the United Kingdom to study for a period longer than 6 months need to apply for a student visa (student route) and must have confirmation that their visa application has been successful before they enter the country.
There is a separate visa route to study English for language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months.
- Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa)
- Further information about the short-term study visa from the UK Council for International Student Affairs
There is a separate visa route for child students between 4 to 17 years old who wish to study at an independent school (e.g. boarding school).