Short term study visit (less than 6 months)

This information is for students returning to Stirling to undertake a short period of study (less than 6 months), including those students required to repeat modules, submit coursework, or complete their studies.

If your study period is less than six months (for example if you are returning for one semester only) then the University may recommend that you apply for a Standard Visit visa or seek entry as a Standard Visitor. If you have already been issued with a Standard Visit visa in the last 12 months to undertake a period of study then you should contact the Student Immigration Team before applying for your visa.

From April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa for short stays up to six months, except British and Irish citizens, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permission to travel to the UK. Those nationalities that ordinarily require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.

The gov.uk website has the full list of nationalities (including countries and associated territories) subject to the requirement to obtain an ETA.

Further information on how to apply, including how to check if you already have an ETA, and when it expires: https://www.gov.uk/ETA 

When applying as a standard visitor you should follow these procedures:

  • Before travelling check if you need a UK visa or ETA.
  • If you need a visa, follow the advice on the Home Office web site about applying for a visit visa.
  • If you don’t need a visa, then you can travel to the UK and seek permission to enter at the port of entry (the airport). You may need an ETA.
  • You should carry with you:
    • An enrolment letter from the University of Stirling.
    • Evidence of your funding. This could be bank statements from your accounts or your parents’ accounts, confirmation of government or private loan funding, or other financial documents to show that you can support yourself in the UK without working.
    • Confirmation of your ETA (if you have one).

If you are permitted to use the eGates on arrival at the airport please keep a copy of your flight tickets and/or boarding pass. You will be asked for your arrival information when you enrol. 

 

eVisas for Visa National visitors

For visit visa applications paid for on or after 25 February 2026, applicants will receive an eVisa only. This replaces visa vignette stickers and simplifies the user journey because applicants will attend the Visa Application Centre (VAC) only once to confirm identity. Their passport will be returned during the appointment.

 

Further information : Updates on the move to eVisas - Gov.UK

Before travelling,  all eVisa holders, including children , must create a UKVI account to check their eVisa, update passport details and share their status, if needed, for example, to facilitate other countries at their entry or exit controls.

 

Anyone who has not linked their current passport or travel document(s) to their eVisa may face inconvenience, delays and additional checks to confirm their UK immigration status.

 

Further information: http://www.gov.uk/eVisa 

If you have any questions about applying for entry under this category please contact the Student Immigration Team.