Studying in the UK

Services and visa

All consular services and visa support for people resident in the United Kingdom and Ireland are provided by the Regional Consular Centre London. Information can be found via the following links:

United Kingdom
Ireland

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Luftaufnahme der Gebäude der Universität Cambridge. — Cambridge University © Pixabay

1. Immigration and visa

Since 1 January 2021 the UK has been operating a points-based immigration system with dedicated visa routes, for example for students and graduates.

Swiss citizens can continue to visit the UK for up to six months without applying for a visa, and may participate in short-term study.

The UK's points-based immigration system: an introduction for EU, EEA and Swiss visitors

Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor – Eligibility requirements for visitors coming to the UK to study for up to six months

Information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) for visitors

Check if you need a UK visa

Swiss citizens coming to the UK to study for a period longer than six months need to apply for a student visa (student route) under the UK’s points-based immigration system and must have confirmation that their visa application has been successful before they travel to the UK.

Studying in the UK - Student visa

The UK's points-based immigration system: an introduction for EU, EEA and Swiss students

There is a separate visa route to study English in the UK for language courses lasting longer than six months and up to 11 months.

Short-term study visa to study English in the UK

Information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) about the short-term study visa for language courses

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).

Child Student visa and how to apply

2. Course fees and financial support

a) Swiss citizens moving to the UK

Swiss citizens coming to the UK to study from 1 January 2021 are no longer eligible for home fee status or financial learner support. This means that British universities are free to charge Swiss students full international fees, which vary depending on the institution and the course. This applies to the entire UK, i.e. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

b) Swiss citizens already living in the UK before 31 December 2020

Swiss citizens with pre-settled and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme who meet the residency criteria will be eligible for home fee status and tuition fee loans in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) on who pays ‘home’ fees for higher or further education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland