The new Student Visa
If you are an international student coming to study in the UK on or after 1 January 2021, including if you’re from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, you will need a Student visa before you arrive.
This includes if you began your course remotely online in autumn 2020.
If you currently have a Tier 4 (General) visa, this will continue until the expiry date. At that point, if needed, you can apply for another student visa through this new Student visa route. It is very similar to the Tier 4 route so any reference to Tier 4 on our other webpages also relates to the new Student visa.
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss student resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, you should not apply for a Student visa. You are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you are resident here by 31 December 2020 you have until 30 June 2021 to apply although we suggest you apply as soon as you can. It is easy and free: please read see our EU Settlement Scheme information.