Covid-19: Information for international students

With one of the best healthcare systems in the world, globally respected policing and low crime rates, studying in the UK is exceptionally safe and secure. 

Our NHS (National Health Service) is one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems, offering safe and modern treatment. Each of our educational institutions offers excellent and comprehensive support to students around issues of wellbeing and mental health. 

The NHS is available to all international students. As part of your student visa application, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. The Immigration Health Surcharge costs £470 per year for a student, and it gives students access to NHS services without further charge (subject to a few exceptions, such as prescription charges in England). Find out more about this here. 

Public health

Remember to follow local guidance for the part of the UK you live in, or are planning on studying in. Please note the public health advice and requirements for Covid-19 may differ between the UK’s four nations. Find out more below:

• NHS England and Covid-19 overview and advice in England 
• NHS Scotland and Covid-19 overview and advice in Scotland 
• NHS Wales and Covid-19 overview and advice in Wales 
• HSCNI (Health and Social Care Northern Ireland) and Northern Ireland Covid-19 overview and advice 

Face coverings

You must wear a face covering in many indoor and crowded spaces in the UK, including on public transport and in shops.

The rules may differ depending on the part of the UK you are studying in, so check the latest guidance on face coverings for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Covid-19 vaccine

The Covid-19 vaccine is available to international students in the UK. Anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Find out more on the NHS website.

Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK. Finding out whether you need a visa to study is easy - simply check here.

For the latest information on your local UK Visa Application Centre, please visit: 

• TLS contact if you’re in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East
• VFS Global for all other countries 
• UK service points (UKVCAS)

If your local Visa Application Centre is closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, you can still familiarise yourself with UK visa requirements. We recommend you talk to your university about the English language evidence you will need to make your visa application.

If your local English language testing centre is closed, universities can use other forms of evidence to demonstrate English language ability. 

These include:

• IELTS 
• IELTS Indicator 
• Duolingo English Test 
• TOEFL (China)
• PTE Academic 

Please note that different universities have different requirements, so make sure you check what form of English language evidence you will need with your university.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government has implemented a number of concessions to assist visa holders in the UK who have been impacted by global travel and health restrictions. This includes concessions related to blended and distance learning, meaning international students have more flexibility around when to travel to the UK. Find out more about concessions for students on GOV.UK.

Please note that travel and arrival advice may vary between the UK’s four nations. See relevant advice for where you are travelling to below:

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

Remember to also check travel advice in your own country in advance of making your travel plans.

It’s important to stay in touch with your university as you make your plans.

We know how daunting moving to another country can be, and we want to reassure you that universities are working hard to ensure that you know what to expect before you travel to the UK and are welcomed and supported on arrival by your chosen university. Get in touch with your university to find out more about how they can support you.

Visit our Covid-19 FAQs for the latest travel advice.