Immigration guidance for short course students
The information below applies to the delegate attending the course.
If you are a national from a country outside of the UK or Ireland, you'll need immigration permission to study short courses with us. This applies to European students as well as international students. It is your responsibility to check your immigration status and ensure you obtain the correct visa before travelling.
If you have booked an online UAL Short Course, there is no need to provide your immigration documents or request a visa letter.
After you book your short course:
Read our guidance on visas for short periods of study for instructions on how to apply for a Standard visitor visa and everything you need to know before and after receiving your visa
Read our frequently asked questions for any questions about you may have.
Before you start your course:
Please send electronic copies of your passport and valid immigration permission to the Short Courses Compliance by emailing to ShortCoursesCompliance@arts.ac.uk
You can also present your passport and valid immigration permission to the Short Courses Team at Central Saint Martins, Granary Square N1 4AA, in person from Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Please contact the Customer Service Team before you travel to Central Saint Martins:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 7015, Email: shortcourses@arts.ac.uk
To avoid the queues we recommend that you email the copies of your passport and other required immigration documents rather than present your documents on a day your course starts, where possible.
Please note we cannot allow you to start your course if you do not have the correct immigration permission.
UK Visas for short course study
Online Immigration Status (eVisa)
If you hold an online immigration status that allows you to study the course booked, you must obtain a Share Code using the tool on gov.uk Please send it to us together with a copy of your passport photo page by email to shortcoursescompliance@arts.ac.uk
Standard Visitor
holders ()
- If you have arranged a Standard Visitor Visa vignette, the vignette should be activated with a stamp upon entry to the UK. Please ensure that you send to us a copy of your passport photo page and the stamped vignette after the you enter the UK.
- If you already have a multiple year Standard Visitor visa vignette, please ensure that you send a copy of your passport, vignette and the latest UK entry stamp.
Standard Visitor holders (Non-Visa Nationals)
- If you do not have a visa vignette (for example, if you are a non- visa national, which can be checked ) please send a copy of your passport photo page and the stamp received in the passport when you recently entered the UK.
- If you are a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA you are eligible to use the eGates which means that you will not see a border force officer or have your passport stamped. If this is the case, please ensure that you email us:
- a clear copy of your passport photo page
- your travel booking confirmation documents or boarding pass, which must confirm the date of entry to the UK, as well as your name.
- An is a requirement for non-visa nationals who wish to travel to the UK as a visitor. An ETA may need to be obtained in advance and provides you with permission to travel to the UK. Visit the to check if your nationality is listed.
Where can I get help?
You can contact Short Courses Immigration Compliance Office ShortCoursesCompliance@arts.ac.uk if you are unsure that the visa you have allows you to join short course.
UAL’s Student Advice Service has advisers specially trained on immigration issues and can assist you with enquiries about visa and immigration matters.
The and websites have the most up-to-date visa information. Because UK immigration rules are constantly changing, you should keep consulting these sites regularly for updates.
Please read UAL's short course booking terms and conditions carefully before you make a booking.
