Browser does not support script.

Visa and Immigration

Travel outside of the UK on a student visa

Many students like to travel during holiday periods. Here you can find more information about how to do this and whether or not it affects your existing UK visa.

Person with a backpack stood in the airport

Travel outside of the UK

If you are a sponsored international student in the UK on a Student visa, it's important to be aware of certain information before travelling abroad as there may be limitations or additional visas that you need to obtain.

Please check the latest travel advice from the UK Government to see what restrictions and procedures may be in place for entering the UK: Foreign travel advice - gov.uk

Travelling outside UK during term time

As a sponsored international student, you are not permitted to travel outside the UK during term time, as you would be studying your course.

Therefore, the main reasons for requiring to travel outside the UK and requesting an Authorised Absence letter should only be due to extenuating circumstances which include:

  • A family emergency or bereavement
  • Illness
  • Applying for a visa extension overseas

The time you are permitted to be absent can only be for a period of up to 2 weeks at any one time. Please note that only 4 to 6 weeks in total may be requested during any one academic year, subject to the Visa and Compliance team and faculty's approval. If the time you are away becomes longer than the authorised period, you must let both your Academic Leader and the Visa and Compliance team know so that the case can be reassessed. You should have the Authorised Absence letter with you when travelling back to the UK, otherwise you may be detained for questioning whilst the UK Border Force contact the University for confirmation of your authorised travel outside the UK during term time. You do not need to apply for authorised absence during vaction time.

If you are a postgraduate student on work placement, you can travel during your authorised annual leave period. You will, however, need to obtain a written confirmation from your employer confirming the authorised annual leave and must provide this letter to the Student Opportunities team as well as the Visa and Compliance team.

If you are on a 12-month full time Masters programme and will be working on your dissertation over the summer period, you must apply for authorised absence if you require an absence during this time as it is considered term time in line with your course curriculum, even if it is during the University summer vacation period.

Absences for more than 3 days during term time

If you will be absent from your course for more than 3 days, you must request for authorised absence from the Visa and Compliance team.

Making a request for authorised absence

To make a request for authorised absence, please complete the form under the 'Requesting and reporting a term time absence' section on the Student visa conditions page.

You must also upload any relevant documentary evidence of your requested travel on the form. The Visa and Compliance team will assess your request and email you their decision.

Please ensure you submit your request at least 2 weeks before your travel date.

Travelling to Europe (Schengen Zone) during vacation periods

The Schengen Visa can provide you with the opportunity to travel around countries in the EU as a visitor and enjoy different cultures. 

To request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the University, you must complete the Absence Request Form mentioned above.

In your request you must include the following information:

  • Exact dates of travel
  • Country or countries to be visited
  • The address of the consulate/embassy where your appointment will occur

Please ensure you submit your request at least 2 weeks before your travel and do not book an appointment at the consulate/embassy until you have received your letter.