Oxford Summer Courses UK Visa Process Guide

Apply with Confidence: Navigating the UK Visa Process

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity — and at Oxford Summer Courses, we're here to make the journey simple and stress-free.
If you're travelling from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you may need a visa to attend your course in Oxford, Cambridge, or one of our other prestigious locations. Our experienced team will guide you through the visa process step-by-step. Once you have confirmed your place and paid your course fees, we'll issue you a Visa Support Letter to help with your application. Whether you need a Standard Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), we'll ensure you have the right documents, advice, and support for a smooth arrival.

Do You Need a Visa?

Most international students attending Oxford Summer Courses will need either:

  • A Standard Visitor Visa, or
  • An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The type of clearance you require depends on your nationality, your age, and the length of your stay.

Students from countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates may qualify for an ETA instead of a full visa. (ETA applications are typically faster and simpler.)

  • For non-EU nationals, visa applications open from 8th January 2025.
  • For EU nationals, ETA applications open from 5th March 2025.

Once approved, an ETA is linked electronically to your passport — no physical document needed.

Visa vs ETA: What’s the Difference?

Understanding which clearance you need will help you avoid delays and prepare the right documentation:

  • ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation):
    A quick digital authorisation linked to your passport, allowing short visits for study.
    Available to students from selected countries.
  • Standard Visitor Visa:
    A formal visa issued by the UK government for short-term study visits up to six months.
    Students from countries like the United States, India, and China will typically need this.

Still unsure which you need? Check your visa requirements here.

How to Check If You Need a Visa

Checking your visa requirements is quick and easy.
Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official UK government website: Check if you need a visa.
  2. Enter your nationality and passport details.
  3. Select "Study" as your travel reason.
  4. Choose "6 months or less" as your stay duration.

Tip: Checking early avoids last-minute stress and delays.

When to Apply for Your Visa

Apply as early as possible to avoid delays!

  • ETA applications: Processed within 3–5 working days (but apply early to account for any issues).
  • Standard Visitor Visa applications: May take several weeks, especially during busy summer periods.

You can submit your visa application up to three months before your course starts. We recommend applying as soon as you receive your Visa Support Letter.

What Documents Will You Need?

When arriving in the UK, you'll need to present:

  • Your passport
  • Your visa (if applicable)
  • Supporting documents from Oxford Summer Courses (course confirmation, accommodation details)

Border officials may also ask about your return travel plans and proof of sufficient funds.
Prepare these documents in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.

Immigration and Entry at the Border

When arriving in the UK, you'll need to present:

  • Your passport
  • Your visa (if applicable)
  • Supporting documents from Oxford Summer Courses (course confirmation, accommodation details)

Border officials may also ask about your return travel plans and proof of sufficient funds. Prepare these documents in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.

What Happens if Your Visa Is Refused?

If your visa application is refused, don’t worry — Oxford Summer Courses offers a Visa Refund Guarantee.

Eligible students who secure their place between 1st March and 30th May 2025, pay their full course balance, and submit a Visa Rejection Letter by 1st June 2025 will receive a full refund of all fees paid.

Secure Your Place

To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study in one of our prestigious locations.

Apply Now