This is an evolving situation and we will continue to update on current UK Government guidelines. View the latest information and advice from the UK Government on COVID-19.

The health, wellbeing and safety of all students is a top priority for everyone. For further guidance and support, please contact your individual university or school directly. 

Information for current international students 

Many schools, universities and colleges will be transitioning to more online tuition and alternative examination arrangements, but staff will continue to support you in your own institution. Your school or university should be in contact regarding new arrangements and are who you should contact for further information.  

We also understand that many students live in shared accommodation and this can be worrying. If you are living in student accommodation and are worried about your health or that of the people you live with, contact the staff member at your school or university with responsibility for student support. If you are worried about remaining in your accommodation, please speak to your university or school. Your institution will help ensure you have somewhere to live.   

If you need help, information or advice – your university is there to help you.  Make sure you have the right contact details within your institution.

Information for future students 

For students looking to begin their studies in the UK in 2020, we appreciate the current situation has led to some uncertainty. We want to reassure you that UK universities will always be open to international students, even if admissions processes and arrangements may be adapted as a result of COVID-19. This might mean later start dates than normal, or that some teaching is delivered online. Contact your chosen institution for more information, and visit our dedicated page for starting your degree in 2020.

Please see the UCAS website for further information regarding university applications and admissions.

As the situation evolves we will continue to update you with the latest guidance. Please also see further information for international students from Universities UK

See below for further sources of advice and support:

Further support and advice

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a helpline to answer your questions about COVID-19 and concerns regarding your education. You can contact the helpline by telephone and email:

Phone: +44 (0) 800 046 8687 (calls made from overseas will be charged at an international rate which will vary by country.) The helpline is open from 08.00 - 18.00, Monday – Friday. 

Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Please see further information from UKCISA on their website.

You can also contact UKCISA's Student Advice Line on +44 2077889214 (13.00 - 16.00 UK time, Monday–Friday).

See updates from the Office for Students on their website.

For updates on arrangements for school examinations administered in the UK please see the regulators website for the relevant country for more details:

Please note UK Qualifications offered overseas will follow guidance in the respective country, please refer to the Exam Boards for further information.

IELTS and other language tests

IELTS testing has been suspended in many countries, as a result of the Coronavirus restrictions. Visit the IELTS website for the latest updates on IELTS test arrangements. 

IELTS Indicator is an online test, taken at home and marked by IELTS examiners. This is available in some countries for a limited time while IELTS testing is suspended. 

Anyone who has been affected by the suspension of other language tests should contact their test provider with any enquiries. 

Travel

For the latest UK travel advice, please visit the GOV.UK website. 

Health and wellbeing

For the latest UK health advice, please visit the NHS website. 

View the government guidance on isolating in university and college halls of residence and student housing for advice on how you should manage isolation for individuals or groups if someone either shows symptoms of, or is confirmed to have, coronavirus (COVID-19).

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has produced guidance for those who have been advised to self-isolate:

Many universities have already implemented a number of COVID-19 support services that current and future international students can access, to ensure that students' physical and mental health are prioritised. Contact your institution for information on what they’re doing to support international students.

Visas

The Home Office has published guidance on immigration for individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus. For information please see UK Government updates below:

A Home Office Coronavirus immigration helpline and email address is available for all immigration enquires related to Coronavirus.  

Telephone: +44 (0) 800 678 1767, Monday – Friday,  09.00 – 17.00. 

Email: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk 

For further information regarding visa extensions please see updated guidance from the UK Home Office. 

Please also seek advice from your individual institution regarding latest information on the impact of COVID-19 on visa arrangements. 

We will also be sharing updates on the Study UK official social media channels, you can follow us at @StudyUKBritish on Twitter, @studyuk_britishcouncil on Instagram and @StudyUK.BritishCouncil on Facebook.

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