Travelling outside of the UK

Information for students travelling outside the UK during your time at NTU.

Studying abroad

NTU offers students a range of international opportunities on and off campus. See our study abroad pages for information on:

• where you can go
• what you can do
• how to get funding and support for your time abroad.

Do I need a visa to study abroad?

As an international student, you may need to apply for a visa to study or volunteer abroad.

See the website of the host university or organisation you intend to study at or volunteer with. They will be the best source of information on the type of visa you should apply for.

You should also look at the relevant embassy's webpage. There you'll find information about the visa application process, including:

• costs
• timescales
• the documentary evidence required.

What happens to my Student visa if I study abroad?

NTU is your Student sponsor. We'll continue to monitor your attendance and engagement with your studies. We'll do this even while you're studying abroad, the same as we would if you were here on campus in Nottingham.

NTU will liaise with your host institution. We'll work together to set up the relevant contact points. Your host institution will communicate any attendance issues to NTU.

If you're absent from your host institution for any reason, you must stay in touch with them. Any extended absence may impact your Student visa. If any difficulties arise, you should also inform your Subject Administrator at NTU.

Your period of study abroad could extend the length of your course. It could change it from a three-year course to a four-year course, for instance. If so, you'll need to extend your Student visa before it expires. See our information about making visa applications both inside and outside the UK.

Schengen visa scheme

The Schengen visa scheme is for non-EEA nationals. It allows them to visit 26 participating countries in the European Economic Area. They only need one visa to do it.

You should find out if you need to apply for a Schengen visa. Visit the relevant embassy's website for information. See the list below.

Schengen visas are issued for short stays of up to 90 days. You can use them for:

• tourism
• cultural or sport visits
• study trips organised as part of your course
• short periods of study, of up to 90 days
• conferences
• visiting family or friends
• transit
• business trips.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa

You'll need to allow plenty of time to prepare your application.

Many countries require you to attend an appointment to apply for your visa. At busy times, including at Christmas, New Year and Easter, you may need to wait for an appointment.

You can usually apply up to six months before your planned travel date.

Some embassies also ask you to collect your passport once the visa has been approved.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?

• If you plan to visit only one country in the Schengen area, you should apply to the embassy of that country.
• If you plan to visit more than one country, apply to the embassy of the country that's your 'main destination'. This means the country in which you plan to spend the most time during your trip
• If you plan to visit several countries without having a main destination, apply to the embassy of the country you'll enter first.

What documents will I need?

The visa requirements for each country are all slightly different. For most Schengen visa applications, you'll need some or all the following.

• A completed application form from the appropriate embassy website.
• A visa fee of €80 payable in pounds sterling (£). Check the fee with the relevant embassy. It's usually around £70, plus any handling fees charged by the visa application centre.
• Recent passport-size photograph(s).
• Your original and valid passport or travel document, plus your UK BRP, if you have one.
• Your passport and UK visa must be valid for at least 90 days after your planned return date.
• Evidence of your student status within the UK, e.g. an enrolment letter.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your trip. This will usually be UK bank statements covering the last three months.
• Evidence of accommodation and travel bookings.
• Evidence of your reason for the visit, e.g. a study trip, a short period of study, or a conference.
• Valid travel insurance. This must include emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation cover, including in case of death. The minimum cover should be of €30,000. This insurance must be valid
  • for the entire Schengen area, and
  • throughout the duration of the stay.

Visit the Schengen Area - European Commission (europa.eu) for general information on Schengen visas.

You must check the information on the relevant embassy's website for full requirements and for details on how to apply. Many countries now use commercial companies to process Schengen visa applications. These include firms like VFS Global and TLScontact.

Leaving and re-entering the UK

Before you leave the UK, you should check the expiry date of both your passport and your UK visa.

Most Schengen countries insist your immigration permission to be in the UK should last for a certain period after you return from your trip. This is usually 90 days, but some countries insist on as long as six months.

If your permission to stay in the UK is due to expire before you plan to return:

• check with the International Student Support Service before you leave.

You should also take advice if:

• your permission to stay in the UK is for a period of less than six months, or
• your UK visa has been curtailed.

You should carry the following documents with you in your hand luggage.

• Your passport or travel documents.
• Your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one.
• Your police registration certificate, if applicable.
• An up-to-date letter from your school administrative office confirming you're enrolled on a full-time course.