International students Visas & immigration
Student visa
The Student visa replaced Tier 4 on 5th October 2020. This route is applicable to all visa applications in relation to studying at the University of Strathclyde for longer than 6 months. It includes those from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
If you are coming to the UK to study for a period of less than 6 months then please check out the Standard Visitor Visa guidance below.
Standard Visitor Visa
This visa type is suitable for those studying for less than 6 months, although there are some restrictions. Please check out our guidance Standard Visitor Visa
Graduate Route
The Graduate Route will enable international students in the UK who have successfully completed a degree at degree level or higher to undertake and/or look for work for two years, three years for doctoral students.
Schengen Visa
Some Tier 4 and Student visa holders will require a visa to visit the EU; take a look at Schengen visa guidance.
Start-up Visa
For Strathclyde students who have completed a degree programme at Strathclyde and wish to remain in the UK after their studies to develop a new innovative, viable and scalable business idea. See Stathclyde Inspire's Start-Up Visa website for eligibility information. To be eligible for this visa, engagement with Strathclyde Inspire is required for at least 6 months.
During studies
Exam board decisions may have an impact on a student's Tier 4 or Student visa and immigration status. Further information can be found in our guidance.
Inviting family and friends for a visit or to attend your graduation ceremony
You may wish to invite family and friends to visit you while you are in the UK. Check the Home Office website for information on the Standard Visitor Visa application process. Additional supporting documents that you can provide to aid their application are listed below:
- Student Status letter – Available via Pegasus; simply download the pdf and send to your family member.
- Invitation letter – There is no requirement for you to have a formal invitation letter from the University, however you may wish to write an invitation letter to support your relative/friend's visitor visa application. Please visit Sample Relatives Letter for a sample letter. Please note there is no requirement for this letter to be on University headed paper or to be signed and stamped by the University.