International Student FAQs

This section contains quick links to help you find relevant immigration information. The main Visas and Immigration website can be found here 

Where and how can I get a CAS statement for my Student Route visa application?
You will need a CAS statement in order to submit a visa application.  If you are starting a new course (new students), you will be contacted automatically by the International Admissions CAS team with instructions about how to obtain your CAS statement.

If you are already enrolled on a course (continuing students) but your course end date has moved and you need to extend your current Student visa, please submit a request for a new CAS by following the process on the CAS for Continuing Students page.

How do I apply for a Student visa?
Please see our comprehensive guidance to preparing for and making a Student Route visa application on our Visas and Immigration pages.

Can I make a Student visa application in the UK?
Do not assume that you can make a visa application from within the UK - especially if you are switching institutions or moving between courses. Please email VISA Advice with a copy of your current visa and as much detail about your course(s) and why you need the visa extension. An adviser can then look at your situation with you.

My visa application is taking longer than expected - what do I do?
Every year during peak periods of July - September (Autumn intakes) and December - February (Winter intakes) there are delays to the visa processing times.  Please apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid missing enrolment deadlines set by your Faculty.  

The processing of visa applications is a UK Government process, the University is unable to make your application go quicker and so unfortunately you will just need to be patient with the process. We know that may be frustrating. There are many students, not just those coming to study at Swansea University, but for all UK universities, that are in a similar position.

How do I prove my digital immigration status?
If you have been granted a Student Route visa you will not receive any physical document such as a vignette or visa card. Student visa holders will receive a digital immigration status known as an eVisa.

When you receive your email from the Home Office telling you the outcome of your Student Route visa application. You should read this carefully and save it somewhere secure. The email will confirm the type of visa you have been granted as well as the start and end dates. It will also give you instructions on how to create and access your eVisa. It is important that you create your eVisa before travelling to the UK.

Once your eVisa is set up you will use the UKVI view and prove your immigration status portal whenever you need to share your immigration status with the University or with an organisation or company in the UK e.g. when you enrol onto your course. 

Detailed information can be found on the eVisas and Digital Immigration Status page.

Can I bring my family to the UK as dependants?
Please see our Information for Families and our Dependants - International Students resources, which outline the Home Office regulations and any relevant visa and other requirements/considerations, regarding bringing family to the UK. You will also find information on UK Schooling and Childcare and guidance about UK Finances and Living Costs: International Students.

Do I need Electronic Travel Authorisation (an ETA) to come to the UK and if so, how do I get it?
Only certain nationalities are eligible for an ETA and even then it is only needed in certain circumstances. There is complete information and guidance on the University's UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) page.

Can I study part-time as an international student?
Please see the section called Information on part time study as an international student

How do I apply for the Graduate Route (post study work) visa?
Please see our UK Graduate Route web resource for comprehensive information about eligibility, timings and the application process.

How do I/my family get a visa to visit the UK (generally and/or for Graduation)?
Please see our information regarding the  UK Standard Visit Visa Route to help and guide you.

Can I attend the University as a Visitor or visiting researcher or to undertake work experience?
Please see the University information regarding International Visitors (including researchers, academics and others).

Please note: Finance, money and fees do not fall under the VISA Advice team remit. Please use the guidance below to make sure you are contacting the correct team in order to get a swift response.

Where do I find information on bursaries and Scholarships?
The University has central information regarding bursaries and scholarships that can be found International Scholarships page.

How and when do I need to pay my University fees?
For fee payment methods and payment dates please see the How to pay your fees- international students webpages.

Who can I talk to about my tuition Fees?
For any queries or issues you have regarding your tuition fees, contact The Finance Office. Please see their contact details here.

How do I open a bank account?
You can find information on a number of banks with local branches and online only banking providers via the Banking and Finance for International Students web resource.

How do I access a letter for opening a bank account?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is usually what you need to open a bank account. This will have your dates of study plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your Gradintelligence account. More information can be found on the Hwb current student resources pages.

I only have Digital Immigration Status (eVisa), how can I open a bank account?
Generate a Share Code via the UKVI View and Prove immigration status portal and provide this to the bank as evidence of you status. You may also be able to use your UKVI visa decision email. Please see further information around that on our eVisas and Digital Immigration Status page.

Who can help me with money issues or worries?
The University has a dedicated Money Advice team (formerly known as Money@CampusLife).
They have lots of information about a range of financial queries, including their own comprehensive Money FAQs and contact details.

In the main, any queries related to your course should be addressed directly to your Faculty .

How do I enrol?
Information regarding enrolment processes can be found on the University's main Enrolment and Induction webpages. This includes detailed information, including video guidance, for both New Students and Continuing Students. There are also useful Enrolment FAQs which you can look at. 

I am having an issue with my enrolment- who do I contact?
Please use the Enrolment FAQs - these should help you resolve the majority of problems you might have with the enrolment process. If after checking the FAQs you still experience any problems, please contact the Hwb 

What should I do if cannot arrive by my course start date?
If you believe that you are not going to arrive in time for your course start date, you need to contact your Faculty to ask them about any arrival or enrolment deadlines.  Do not assume that you can arrive late to your course and that being in the UK will override any deadlines. You may have to immediately leave the UK and any visa that you have been granted would fall for automatic curtailment (shortening/cancellation) by the UKVI. This situation is both stressful and expensive and should be avoided at all costs.  

Can I change my course?
You will first need to contact your Faculty to find out whether you can change your course and any academic/timing/financial implications around the proposed change. For example, depending on the timing of the switch, you may have to wait until the start of the next intake and/or you may have to pay additional fees.

If you are studying on a Student Route visa you may need to apply for a new visa from overseas. This is usually necessary if the new course is at a different level (e.g. you will be studying a Masters instead of an undergraduate course) or if you are unable to complete it within the timeframe of the visa you are already holding, or if you want to change course to a new subject area.

It is normally OK to switch a course if it is the same duration, level and general subject area (e.g. changing from M.Sc. Accounting to M.Sc. Management with the same course end date).

However if you want to change course to a new subject area, e.g. from M.Sc. Computer Science to M.Sc. Management this would mean having to return home to make a brand-new visa application for your new chosen course of study, even if the course level and duration remain the same.  

Who can help me with an academic misconduct case or similar?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with academic misconduct and similar issues and should be able to assist you

There is information on the Visa Advice website dedicated to Preparation, travel, arrival, welcome and social activities and includes our International Students' Information Guide which you may find useful.

How can I travel to the University once I arrive in the UK?
Once you have arrived in the UK, in order to help plan your onward journey from the airport or travel terminal to Swansea we have compiled detailed information in our UK Travel & Accommodation - International Students' Guide. 

How do I find accommodation in the UK?
For guidance on seeking short and longer term accommodation, please take a look at our comprehensive UK Travel & Accommodation: An International Students' Guide.  The University offers a range of designated housing options via the Accommodation Services team. For information about University accommodation please visit the Accommodation Services webpages. 

How can I access a letter which proves my enrolment?
A Student Statement/Proof of Enrolment letter is available to all students enrolled on a course. This will have your course title and study dates plus the UK address that the University has on file for you (or an overseas address if you haven't provided a UK address yet). You can access this letter yourself from your Gradintelligence account. More information can be found on the MyUniHub page here.

How do I prove exemption from Council Tax
Information on Council Tax exemption can be found on the Hwb webpages. Eligible students can download a Council Tax Exemption letter via Gradintelligence

How do I register with a doctor?
We highly recommend you register for GP services whilst studying at Swansea University. Many surgeries are now using an online facility, ‘Ask My GP’. You will be able to access the registration forms online.

There are many GP surgery options available to students in Swansea, but we work closely with the following surgeries given they are located near to our campuses.
Singleton Campus: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/study/student-life/health-and-welfare/health-centre/
Bay Campus: https://www.harbourside.wales.nhs.uk/ or https://www.sa1medicalcentre.wales.nhs.uk/

How can I meet other students?

The GO! Team arrange welcome events as well as regular trips and activities throughout the year under their GO! Social Programme. Please see the International Welcome and Social Activities' section of their website and Native for further information and ticket booking.

I have an issue with my Landlord or housemates - who can help?
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre has a lot of experience in helping students with accommodation issues and should be able to assist you.