How to apply for a student visa

Before you can apply for your student visa, you will need to request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from us. This is proof that you have been accepted to study a course at UCA and you will need to enter your CAS number on your visa application. You will not be able to submit your visa application without your CAS number.

The following process, Section 1, describes the requirements for new applicants to UCA. Section 2 describes the process for current or returning students looking to extend their visa. This may be to retake a module.

Section 1

We can issue a CAS to you once we have confirmation of the following:

• You have an unconditional offer for a place on a course at UCA.
• You have firmly accepted the offer.
• You have paid your tuition fee deposit.
• You have provided us with the required supporting documents, and they meet UKVI requirements.
• Successfully complete a Pre-CAS Interview, if required by the university.

Supporting documents for your CAS

Once you have received and firmly accepted your unconditional offer, you will be invited to create your account on CAS Shield. Through this online platform, you will be able to upload copies of all supporting documents required before we can assign a CAS for you.

Please do not email your documents to us and please do not send us any originals by post.

You will need to complete all sections in CAS Shield and provide:

• A copy of your passport.
• Any previous UK visas/BRPs/CAS statements.
• If required, any financial documents you intend to submit with your visa application (e.g. bank statement/letter, loan letter).

Depending on your circumstance, we may require additional information. We will contact you directly through CAS Shield to request this information.

Receiving your CAS number

We will send you your CAS number via email along with details of the evidence that you have provided to get your place at UCA, such as details of your highest academic qualification.

Section 2

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – Returning or interrupted student

You can request a new CAS to extend your visa to continue your current course. Alternatively, you may need a new CAS due to interruption of studies.

Your studies may have been interrupted for numerous reasons, which include personal reasons or returning home for work experience.

If you have returned home having been interrupted and you are now applying for a CAS to return to UCA to continue your studies, please contact UCA at least 2 months prior to the commencement of your course.

If you are intending to make a further application from the United Kingdom, please contact UCA at least 2 months before your current visa expires.

UCA will require you to complete a new CAS application form and provide details of your current passport.

If you are making your application from abroad, you would also need evidence of carriage that you left the United Kingdom.

UCA will consider the application once we have received all the relevant information.

If your CAS is Issued you can proceed to make your application with UKVI as normal.

For general enquiries in respect of your CAS, please email [email protected].

To make an application for CAS to continue your course, or after interruption, please contact [email protected].

When you apply for your student visa, you will need to submit all the documents listed in your CAS with your visa application. We advise that you take a copy of all your documents and print out your application form before you send them. Keep these copies for your records in case there are any problems with your application.

Once you are issued your CAS from UCA, it has a validity of 6 months, and you should complete your application in that time. If you make your application to UKVI after that period, your application will not be accepted by UKVI.

You must include the following documents with your visa application:

• UCA CAS number – this is confirmation that the university has accepted to sponsor you. When you complete your online UKVI visa application form, you must include the CAS number.
• Your passport must be valid at when you submit your UKVI application and until you travel to the United Kingdom. If your passport expires before your visa vignette is issued, you should renew it and update UKVI records. If your passport is due to expire once you have travelled to the United Kingdom, you should renew it at your earliest opportunity. You will not be able to travel until you have a renewed your passport. We would recommend that you have at least six months validity on your passport if you are applying for a student visa.
• Passport (with at least two clear pages that are next to each other if you are applying from outside the UK).
• Biometric Residence Permit (if you have previously lived in the UK and have been issued with a BRP).
• Two new passport photos that have not been used for a UK visa application in the past. Photographs should measure 45mm tall and 35mm wide (portrait). Photographs should not be a cut down larger photograph. Please follow the link for instructions on how to use the UK Immigration ID check app.
• Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable). Please check if you are required to have this certificate by clicking the link.
• Evidence of finances confirming you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and living costs.
• Evidence of any official financial sponsorship or consent to complete studies. Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
• Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent and proof of relationship if you are under 18.
• Letter of financial consent from your parents if they are financially supporting you. Additionally, UKVI would require you to prove your relationship, for example you could submit your birth certificate.
• Evidence of access to funds.
• Original certificate or transcript of previous studies as mentioned in the ‘Evidence used to Obtain’ section of your CAS.
• English language qualification as mentioned in the ‘Evidence used to obtain’ section of your CAS.

You may be required to submit extra documents depending on your situation. For example, if you are under 18 years of age, or UKVI require further clarification on part of your application. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Translations

If your application includes any documents which are not in English or Welsh, you must also include a fully certified translation of each original document. The translation must be from a professional translator or translation company that can be independently verified by the Home Office.

All translations must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator or translation company that it is an accurate translation of the original document.
• The date of the translation.
• The full name and original signature of the translator, or of an authorised official of the translation company.
• Contact details of the translator or translation company.

Most students will apply for their student visa from their home country or country of residency outside the UK.

 When to apply

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before the start of your course. How long it takes to process will depend on where you are applying from, but you should get a decision within 3 weeks. Your visa will only be valid for one month before the course start date on your CAS or 2 weeks before your travel date to the United Kingdom.

Applying for your visa

Important: Before starting your student visa application, you must first obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from UCA (University for the Creative Arts). Once you have been accepted and you have been issued your CAS you can then proceed and make your student visa application.

1. Complete the online application form and pay all fees associated with your application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Enter the collection location for your BRP* (Your CAS email will contain further information in relation to this).

Important: when making your visa application, your course start and end dates must match the details on your CAS.

1. Print your completed application form and cover sheet (recommended).
2. Book and attend your appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide a photograph and your biometric data as required by UKVI.
3. Submit your signed application form, supporting documents and passport, either at the VAC or by post.
4. UKVI may require you to attend an interview if your application is complex. UKVI will contact you to arrange an interview. You should attend this as soon as practicable. Reasons could include verifying supporting documents or personal circumstances. Please click on the link below for further information.

Credibility explained

1. UKVI will consider your application and your visa will either be granted or refused. If it is refused, you should contact [email protected] who will be able to advise in relation to options available to you.
2. If your visa application is successful, your documents and passport will be returned to you, and you will have a short entry clearance vignette (visa sticker) in your passport which will be valid for 1-3 months. You will also receive letter explaining where you should collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from once you arrive in the United Kingdom.
3. Check that all the details on your visa are correct, if they are not correct please contact the Visa Advice Team before travelling to the United Kingdom.
4. Travel to the United Kingdom on or after the ‘valid from’ date on your vignette, remembering to bring your BRP collection letter. You must NOT travel before the valid from date on your entry clearance as your entry to the United Kingdom may be refused.
5. Once you arrive in the United Kingdom you will need to collect your BRP from the location stated on your letter. Your BRP collection should be available 10 days after intended travel date, however if your BRP is not available for collection after 2 weeks of your arrival, please contact [email protected].

*BRP’s will no longer be issued after 31/12/24. UKVI are in the process of introducing eVisa to replace physical BRP cards. Click here for more information on eVisa.

EU/EEA applications

The application process for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals is no different to other nationalities, however EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need to prove they meet the financial requirements. Additionally, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals benefit from being able to use the UK Immigration ID app.

Important: when making your visa application, your course start and end dates must match the details on your CAS.

You can only apply for a new visa from within the United Kingdom if your current visa falls into one of the following categories:

• Extending your student visa.
• Switch to a student visa.

You cannot apply for, or switch to a student visa from inside the United Kingdom if you hold one of the following visas or leave to remain categories:

• Visitor.
• Short-term student.
• Parent of a child student.
• Seasonal worker.
• Domestic worker in a private household.
• Permission outside the immigration rules.

When to apply

• The earliest you can apply is 3 months before the start of your course unless you are applying to continue studying a course you were already studying. If that is the case, you can submit your application as soon as all requirements have been met.
• You must apply before your current visa expires, although you can legally remain in the United Kingdom until you get a final decision on your application.
• Your new course must not start later than 28 days after the end of your current visa. If it is more than 28 days from the end of your current visa, you will need to leave the United Kingdom and apply from your home country.

Academic progression

If you want to apply for your student visa from within the United Kingdom and currently have or have previously held a student visa and have successfully completed your course and can demonstrate academic progression.

Alternatively, you should be exempt from academic progression. This may be because you need to repeat a module or retake an exam. There are other reasons for exemption, click the link to discover more. Please see section ST14.4 Immigration Rules - Student Guidance.

Your new course should be a higher the level than your previous course for which you were granted your original student permission. For example, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate course (BA), academic progression to the next level would be to study master's program (MA).

If your new course is a lower level than your previous course, this will not demonstrate academic progression.

You would not be able to apply for your new student visa from within the United Kingdom. If you are unsure whether you can demonstrate academic progression, please contact [email protected] for further information.

Applying for your visa

Before starting your student visa application, you must first obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from UCA (University for the Creative Arts). Once you have been accepted and you have been issued your CAS you can then proceed and make your student visa application. See above for more information on how to apply for a CAS if you are applying to extend or continue your study.

1. Create an UKVI online account.
2. Complete the online application form and pay all fees associated with your application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge and any fees associated with Biometrics.  Important: when making your visa application, your course start and end dates must match the details on your CAS.
3. Print your completed application form and cover sheet (Recommended).
4. Collect all your documents in support of your application.
5. Complete the online self-assessment form and application form.
6. During the application process, you will need to prove your identity. How you do this will depend on the on your passport or resident permit type. You will be advised during the application process if you need to do your biometric enrolment either at UKVCAS centre or using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
7. Once you have provided your biometric data, your application will be considered by a UKVI caseworker.
8. Your documents and new If you made your visa or immigration application from inside the UK, your biometric residence permit (BRP) will be sent to the address you gave in your application. You do not need to collect it. please bring it to the Campus Registry as soon as you receive it so that we can take a copy.

You should normally get a decision on your application within 8 weeks. There are priority service options that will enable you to obtain a decision as quickly as the next working day. There is cost to use this service which starts at £500 for an individual application decision within 5 working days or £1000 for a decision by the end of the next working day. Family applications would need to pay an additional fee per family member. The cost will depend on the service requested. Please note family applications may take up to 30 days.

When you make a student visa application, you will need to show evidence to UKVI that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs whilst studying in the United Kingdom.  Please note that UKVI will increase the current Maintenance requirements from 2^nd January 2025. Please see the amended UKVI amounts below.

How much money do I need?

You must be able to evidence to UKVI that you have sufficient funds to pay for any outstanding tuition fees for your first year. This information will be shown on your CAS.

In addition to paying your first-year tuition fees, you must also be able provide evidence that you have sufficient funds for your living expenses during your studies. This means that as international student, studying a course at UCA, you will need to show you have the funds for any outstanding tuition fees plus £9,207 for living costs.

Living expenses are calculated by UKVI, as follows:

• For courses outside of London you will need to show you have £1,023 for each month of your course (up to a maximum of 9 months).

This is a total of £9,207, plus the cost of your course tuition fees for the first year.

• Students studying inside one of the London Boroughs will be subject to higher living expenses of £1,334 for each month of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months). This higher figure does not apply to UCA applicants.

Changes from 2^nd January 2025

Previous maintenance amounts will be increased by UKVI as follows:

• For courses outside of London you will need to show you have £1,136 for each month of your course (up to a maximum of 9 months).

This is a total of £10,224 plus the cost of your course tuition fees for the first year.

• Students studying inside one of the London Boroughs will be subject to higher living expenses of £1,483 for each month of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months). This higher figure does not apply to UCA applicants.

UKVI only use OANDA to calculate exchange rates If the money is submitted in  a foreign currency, UKVI will convert it to GBP using the OANDA exchange rates on the submitted application date.

How do I prove that I have the funds?

You can only use evidence that is in your name or your parent/s or legal guardian/s name, unless you are being officially sponsored. If the funds are in the parent/s or legal guardian/s name and you must supply evidence to UKVI that they are satisfied for you to use the funds for your education, and that you have access to these funds.

You will need to show that you have held the required amount for at least 28 consecutive days on the closing balance of the statement you submit as evidence of funds. The statement submitted must not be more than 31 days old from the date you submit your visa application.

 Evidence you can use includes:

• Personal bank or building society statements.
• A building society passbook.
• A certificate of deposit.
• A letter from your bank, or a regulated financial institution, confirming your funds. 

A few things to remember:

1. Funds must be in the form of a bank or building society and must be accessible immediately and without notice.
2. The account must be in the name of the applicant, or the applicant’s parent/guardian. the applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must have control of the funds.
3. Evidence of funds held on a credit card account are not acceptable.
4. Your financial documents must show that the full amount of required money has been in the account for at least 28 consecutive days up to the date of the closing balance. If you cannot show this or the funds drop below the required amount over the 28 days, we will not assign a CAS for you until you can prove you have held the funds for the required time.

What if I have an official financial sponsor?

An official financial sponsor is defined in the student visa policy guidance by UKVI as one of the following:

• The UK government.
• Your home government.
• The British Council.
• An international company or organisation.
• A university.
• An independent school.

If you receive funding from one of the above, you will need a letter from them evidencing how much money they will contribute toward your tuition fees and living costs.

You need the reference number sent by your education provider. This is shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If your financial sponsorship is not recorded on your CAS, you will need to show a letter of confirmation from your official financial sponsor.

The letter must show:

• Name and contact details of the official financial sponsor.
• Details of who the recipient of the financial sponsorship will be.
• Sponsorship amount, or confirmation that the financial sponsor will cover all course and living costs as required.
• Date and duration of sponsorship.

If the financial sponsor is only partially covering some of the course fees and/or living expenses, the applicant must provide evidence to UKVI showing that they have the remainder of the required finances.

What if I have a student loan?

If you have a student loan, you also need to provide evidence to UKVI. The information provided in the letter must conform as follows:

• Must confirm loan amount.
• Must confirm loan recipient, and this must be the applicant.
• It must be dated no more than 6 months prior to your application.
• It must state that the loan is a student loan and must show it has been provided by the government, a government sponsored loan company, or academic/educational loans scheme.
• Must confirm that no conditions exist on the release of the loan, except that the application to study must be successful.
• The Money must be available to the applicant or paid directly to the university prior to the course starting.

The following do not qualify as evidence of finance for your studies:

• Overdrafts.
• Cryptocurrency.
• Stocks, shares, or unit trusts.
• Pensions.
• Unregulated financial institutions in the country in which the institution may operate and is not controlled by an appropriate regulatory authority.
• Financial institutions/banks that do not use electronic record keeping.
• Evidence of finance will not be accepted if UKVI cannot make verification checks on the applicant’s proposed funds.

UKVI do not require all international students to provide financial evidence. Please click here to see if you will be required to provide financial evidence.

Please note: if your sponsor is only covering part of your tuition fees or living costs, you will still be required to show evidence that you have the remaining fees or living costs.

The UK has a healthcare system that is funded by Tax payers. This means that all UK nationals and most residents have equal access to the National Health Service (NHS) without being charged for each individual visit to a GP or hospital.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has been introduced to help fund the NHS and allow visa holders to benefit from, and have the same access to NHS facilities, as other UK citizens.

Who must pay?

• If you are applying from outside the UK and your visa will be longer than 6 months, you will have to pay the IHS when you submit your visa application. The cost will vary but will cover the length of time you will stay in the United Kingdom.
• If you are applying for your visa in the UK or extending your visa, you will have to pay the IHS for the duration of the visa.
• Main applicants and all dependants will have to pay the IHS for the duration of their stay.
• If you extend your visa in the United Kingdom, you will need to pay an additional cost for the renewed duration.
• You will still need to pay the IHS if you have private medical health insurance.

How much does it cost?

• The surcharge for students would be £776 per person per year. This would also be the same for student dependents, and applicants that are under eighteen at the time the application is made.
• The surcharge for most visa categories is £1,035 per person per year of your visa.

If you qualify to bring dependants to the United Kingdom, each of your dependants would also be charged the same amount as you if they are applying to remain in the United Kingdom for the same amount of time as you.

Calculate the applicable health surcharge on the Home Office website.

Is anyone exempt from the charge?

Anyone applying from outside the UK for a visa that is less than six months does not have to pay the IHS charge.

View a full list of exemptions to the healthcare surcharge.

Visa applicants can start using the NHS from the start date of their visa and once they have fully paid the IHS charge.

Refunds

There are occasions when it is possible to receive a refund for the IHS. This would normally occur if:

• You paid twice for the same visa application.
• your visa application has been refused by UKVI.
• You choose to withdraw your visa application prior to receiving a decision from UKVI.

There are occasions when the applicant may only receive a partial refund if the visa application is successful, but

• Your visa is issued for less time than the originally requested.
• If you applied for your dependants to join you and they were refused, the applicant would only get back the IHS amount for dependants.
• If you have paid IHS twice for the same period. This may occur if you apply to extend or switch your visa whilst in the United Kingdom. Please note, you will not get a refund if the period is less than 6 months.

Refunds are paid in allocations of 6 months and rounded down to the nearest 6-month period. As an example, if you have paid twice for a 15-month period, you will only be refunded for 12 months.

Refunds are normally paid with 28 days of the visa application decision. This can take longer if the applicant appeals the application refusal or requests and administrative review.

If your visa application is successful, UKVI will issue a 90-day entry clearance visa. This is issued as a vignette (visa sticker) and adhered into your passport.

Your vignette is valid for 90 days only. If you do not travel to the UK within this time, your visa will expire, and you will need to apply for another vignette. You will have to pay a fee for this.

You must not try to travel on this visa prior to the start date of the vignette.  The airline will not allow you to board the flight.

If you do manage to fly to the United Kingdom before the inception of your visa, there is a very high probability that you will be refused entry at the border, as you will not have valid leave for the United Kingdom.

For more information, please see UKCISA visa problems.

After entry you should collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or alternatively set up your eVisa if you enter the United Kingdom after 31^st December 2024.

Click here for more eVisa information.

Your permission to stay in the UK is currently issued in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is a plastic card. It contains your personal and biometric information (including photograph and fingerprints), your immigration status and current visa conditions. 

Please note, BRP’s will no longer be issued after 31^st December 2024. Please check the UCA website for details on eVisa, the UKVI replacement for BRP’s.

You can use your BRP to confirm your:

• Right to study.
• Work conditions.
• Right to any public services or benefits you are entitled to.

If you need to prove your right to work or rent, this must be done online. Please see the links below for more information.

• https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
• https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent

After you arrive in the UK you must collect your BRP. You will be informed from where to collect your BRP. Normally collection would be from the Post Office you selected for collection during your visa application, You should collect your BRP within ten days. For more information, please check with Gateway services at your campus.

You will as part of the visa issuing process, receive a letter stating from exactly where to collect your BRP. Please keep this letter. Additionally, this letter should be presented to Border Force officers on arrival. This can be electronic or printed format.

You will need your BRP to fully enrol on the course, open a bank account, or request any official letters from the university. If you are having any problems collecting your BRP, you can contact [email protected] or your specialist Gateway adviser.

When you collect your BRP, it is important that you check that all the information is correct, including:

• Full name.
• Date of birth.
• Your student visa status.
• The correct sponsor licence number.
• The start and end dates of your visa.
• How many hours per week you can work on your Student visa.

Incorrect information on my BRP?

You must check your permit carefully when you receive it, to make sure that all the details are correct or if anything is missing.

You must inform UKVI of any mistakes within 10 days of receiving your new BRP. If you do not Inform UKVI within the correct period, you may need to apply and pay for a replacement.

For help with this please contact your specialist Gateway adviser based in your campus library.

Report a problem with your BRP.

 Lost or Stolen BRP?

If your permit is lost or stolen, you must report the loss or theft to the UK Visas and Immigration office as soon as possible. You must also report the loss or theft to the police and obtain a police report and a crime reference number, as soon as possible.

• If your BRP is lost or stolen while you are in the UK, you must apply for another permit within 3 months of reporting the loss or theft of your BRP card. If you do not, you could be fined up to £1000 and UKVI could also ask you to leave the UK.
• If your permit is lost or stolen while you are outside the UK, you must apply for a ‘BRP replacement visa’ to re-enter the United Kingdom. Once you are granted entry at the border, you should apply for your new card as soon as practicable.

For help with this please contact your specialist Gateway adviser based in your campus library, or email [email protected]. 

Finding your BRP after reporting it lost/stolen

Once you report your BRP card as lost or stolen, it is no longer a valid document. If you subsequently find it, you should return it UKVI at the address below, once you are in possession of your new replacement card.

When you do receive your replacement, destroy your old BRP by cutting it in pieces, return it to the Home Office in an envelope without a window. Make sure you cut through:

• Your personal details.
• The royal coat sure of arms.
• The gold biometric chip if your card has one.

Returns Unit
PO Box 195
Bristol
BS20 1BT

If you find a BRP please return it to the above address, in an envelope with no window.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a new digital immigration system, which will be in full operation from 2025 onwards. Physical visa documents are gradually being replaced with an online record of immigration status. This digital status is known as an ‘eVisa’.

From the 6 August 2024 students no longer need to wait for UKVI to send an invite to set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa. All current BRP holders whose BRP’s expire on 31 December 2024, should create an online UKVI account before the expiry of their BRP.  You must create your UKVI account to access your eVisa before this date.

Since 2018 people seeking to come to the UK or extend their time in the UK have been granted eVisas instead of, or as well as physical visa documents.

EU/EEA nationals applying from overseas under the student route using the ID check app will receive an eVisa only and will not receive any physical document to prove their immigration status. Recent applications for permission to stay in the UK will have also generated an eVisa, in some cases this will be as well as a physical immigration document.

eVisa will replace the following physical documents:

• Biometric residence permits (BRP) / Biometric residence cards (BRC)
• Passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps.
• Passport vignettes, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes.

This means UKVI will hold your immigration status digitally online.

Until the end of 2024, if you have a physical document, you should continue to carry it when you travel outside and return to the United Kingdom. Most people will currently have a BRP/BRC (Biometric Residence Permit/Card) that will expire on or before 31 December 2024.

Updating from your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your current immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You do not have to reapply for your current visa. 

For further information, click here.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Universities in the UK do not offer financial aid in the same way as US institutions.

Financial need is not considered at the point of application & offers/acceptance letters do not usually include a ‘financial aid package’ as you would receive from a US institution. Universities have a set tuition fee prices (see UCA’s here), which can be reduced by applying for available scholarships (see UCA’s here). Very few universities in the UK will take financial need into consideration when offering international students scholarships.

Any scholarships received will reflect in the Cost of Attendance (COA). Some institutions may offer automatic discounts/scholarships. If the institution offers such discounts/scholarships, they usually notify the student in their offer/acceptance letter.

The only program that a foreign school may participate in is the Title IV Direct Loan programme. This means that PELL and TEACH loans cannot be taken if you are studying with UCA.

Please notify us of any third-party scholarships or funding as soon as possible.

Deposit & Visas

UCA requires students from the USA to pay a tuition fee deposit of £2,500. This is a requirement to receive CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Study) – you need this number from UCA to apply for your visa. However, if you are using Federal Aid to cover your tuition, we will waive this requirement upon notification that you have applied for a loan.

Please note: if you choose to live in university halls of residence, you will be required to pay the accommodation deposit of £300. This will not be waived.

Once your loans have been confirmed, you can use the Student Loan Notification letter that you will receive for visa purposes as part of your application for your UK student visa. This certificate is issued specifically for visa application purposes and is an acceptable form of evidence of your student loan for your Student Route visa application so that you meet the requirement to prove you have sufficient funds. This is part of an arrangement between UK universities and UK Visas and Immigration.

Federal Direct Loans

 The only program that a foreign school may participate in is the Title IV Direct Loan programme. This means that PELL and TEACH loans cannot be taken if you are studying with UCA. There are three types of Federal Loans available:

• Direct Subsidized loans (Fixed maximum value and no interest charged while in school).
• Direct Unsubsidized loans (Fixed maximum value and interest charged while in school).
• Direct PLUS loans – Graduate and Parent PLUS (Maximum value set by School (Cost of Attendance) and interest charged while in school).

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive US Direct Loans you must:

• Be a US Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid US Social Security Number.
• Be registered on a full-time or part-time (at least half-time) course with us.
• Be living in the UK while studying.
• Have not borrowed over your federal loan limits or defaulted on repaying previous loans.
• If you are a male under the age of 26, have signed up for selective service or have been officially exempted from selective service.
• Not have any outstanding convictions for drug-related offences.
• If you are a current student at UCA have been assessed to have made satisfactory academic progress to continue your studies with us.
• Not be studying a course that involves any study in the US or at another institution that is not eligible to process Federal Student Aid.

The University will use the information you have provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility for US Direct Loans.

Further information on the different types of Title IV Direct Loans can be found on the Student Aid website: https://studentaid.gov/

How much can I borrow?

The maximum amount that you can borrow in each academic year (depending on your eligibility and loan limits) is determined by your estimated Cost of Attendance (COA); an assessment of how much it will cost you to study for one academic year. The amount you can borrow through Direct Loans is determined by your COA and the borrowing limits set by the US Department of Education.

Calculating your Cost of Attendance

We will calculate your Cost of Attendance based on the following:

• Tuition fees (we will deduct any scholarships that you will receive from this).
• A set monthly amount for living expenses, including books and supplies. These are reviewed on a yearly basis.
• One return flight home.
• Any fees or charges associated with taking a Direct Loan (usually charged when the loan is paid to you).
• Deductions representing your Student Aid Index (SAI) taken from the information submitted on your FAFSA.
• Any other Estimated Financial Aid (EFA) that you will be receiving.

Applying for your Direct Federal Loan

Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Apply online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 

You will need the University for the Creative Arts school code for your application – it is G23389. If you are continuing at UCA you should complete a new FAFSA each year. 

If you are applying for a Parent Plus Loan, your parent can apply online at: https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing

Check your Institutional Student Information Record

Once the US Department of Education has processed your FAFSA form, you’ll be able to log in to StudentAid.gov to review your Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to make sure all the information is complete and accurate. If there’s any missing or incorrect information, complete or correct your FAFSA form as soon as possible.

Your FAFSA Submission Summary will include your Student Aid Index (SAI). Schools use the SAI to assess your eligibility for federal student aid.

When your FAFSA information is finalised, please either contact International Admissions ([email protected]) or the American Loans team ([email protected]) quoting your student to confirm and we will download and check your ISIR. The US Department of Education will tell you that your school has been notified of your FAFSA, but this does not actually happen for institutions outside the US.

We usually begin assessing the ISIR’s from April. We will check that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, and we will contact you as soon as possible if there is any problem.

Check your Funding Notification Letter

Once we have accessed your ISIR, we will use the SAI to calculate your cost of attendance. You will then receive a Funding Notification Letter to confirm the loans amounts that you are eligible to borrow. Please check the details and confirm what you would like to borrow and return the signed sheet to [email protected].

Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)

You must complete a new Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you are a new or returning borrower. A MPN will also need to be completed separately for the PLUS loans if applicable.

PLUS Loan Credit Check

PLUS loans are subject to credit check. This is not automatically sent to us, despite the loan application stating it is. Please make sure to confirm to [email protected] once yourself or your parent have completed the credit check.

Receive your Student Loan Notification Letter

When we are satisfied that we have all the required documents for you and your Federal Student Aid has been approved, we will send you a letter with the loan amounts to be available when you have enrolled, and the disbursement dates. You will be able to use this letter for your visa application. Please note: a CAS will not be issued to you until your Federal Aid has been approved. This letter will need to be provided to the International Admissions team to confirm that they can proceed with the CAS process.

Arrive and enrol at UCA, and receive first disbursement

When we see that you have enrolled at UCA, your first disbursement of your Federal Student Aid will be processed via Convera in line with the disbursement dates on your Student Loan Notification letter.

Keep us informed

If you have any plans to withdraw or interrupt your studies, please inform us as soon as possible. We will be able to advise you on how this will affect your Federal Aid payments, and what you need to do. You can only receive your second or third disbursement once it has been confirmed by your academic department you are making Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Private student loans

Private loans are provided by individual lenders and not the US Government, a private loan application will need to be made directly to the lender. The application needs to be made for each academic year like Title IV Direct Loans. The StudentAid website https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private has some information on the differences between Federal and private loans.

If you intend to apply for a private Sallie Mae loan, we will also administer this for you. You can find more information at https://www.salliemae.com/. Please contact us at [email protected] to let us know when you have submitted your application so that we can check and certify it for you.

Depending on what course you are applying to study, and at what level, your dependants may be able to join you.

On the 1 January 2024, UKVI made significant changes in respect of dependents joining student applicants in the United Kingdom and most international students are not able to bring family members to the United Kingdom.

You must meet the following criteria for your dependants to qualify to join you in the United Kingdom.

• You must be a government sponsored student applicant studying a course that is longer than 6 months, or;
• A full-time student studying a postgraduate course (RQF level 7 or above). Your chosen course of study must have a duration of more than 9 months.

Additionally, as of the 1 January 2024, the postgraduate course must be one of the following:

• A PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8).
• A postgraduate research-based higher degree.

Please also see the dependant’s guidance for further information in relation to student family members.

Credibility interviews explained

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) use credibility interviews to establish if a student applicant is genuine. Credibility interviews are an effective way for UKVI to explore if an applicant is making a legitimate student application. As part of the visa application process, UKVI may ask you to attend an interview.

During the interview, UKVI will want you to demonstrate that you are a genuine student who has considered why you want to study in the United Kingdom and prepared accordingly. PhD students may be asked additional more extensive questions in respect of research.

UKVI expect you to explain clearly why you have reached the decision to come to the UK, What research did you conduct prior to choosing your programme with UCA. and show that you have reached this decision after careful consideration. They may also want to you to explain and show and how you intend to support yourself whilst in the United Kingdom.

Throughout the interview UKVI will try to establish the following:

• Why you chose the United Kingdom for your study.
• Previous education history and qualifications obtained.
• Your previous immigration history.
• Personal, social, and economic circumstances.
• If you have dependants and they qualify, do they intend to join you whilst you study in the United Kingdom. Their circumstances would also be evaluated.

This above list is not exhaustive but gives a general indication of what may be required by UKVI.

The credibility interview is an important part of the visa application. It can strongly influence the outcome of an application. Many visa applications are refused due to applicants not being sufficiently prepared to give detailed answers during interview.

UKVI will not request all applicants to attend an interview. You will receive an email asking you to participate in an interview. Once you submit your application, you should monitor your inbox and junk folder on a regular basis; for a UKVI email.

The interview will be conducted in English and can last up to 30 minutes. If you do not attend the interview. UKVI will refuse your application.

When you arrive in the United Kingdom as a student for the first time with a visa vignette you should present yourself to a Border Force Officer (BFO). The immigration officers will be at all entry points to the United Kingdom and their primary function is to establish your nationality and identity and ascertain if you are a genuine student.

Airport staff will direct you to the right area dependant on what passport you hold. EU/EEA Swiss Lichtenstein, Iceland and Norway should be directed to the European queue, whereas all other passengers should be directed to the ‘Others’ queues.

As you will already have your student visa, you already have been granted ‘leave to enter’. This is a term used by Border Force and the Home Office to describe you have permission to enter the United Kingdom.

Although this has been granted already BFO’s will ask questions and may ask you to provide evidence to prove you are genuinely eligible to hold the student visa you have been issued.

The BFO will want to communicate with you in English to be satisfied that your English level is at the required level. The BFO may also ask you to read or write something. This would also be to ascertain your level of English. You should be able to communicate confidently without the need for an interpreter.

BFO’s may also ask to see documentation connected with your previous study and United Kingdom student visa application. You should have a hard (paper) copy available.

• Your offer letter from UCA.
• Details of your UCA course.
• Your CAS number and UKVI CAS letter.
• Evidence of your finances.
• Previous education certificates and transcripts.
• Accommodation details.
• Travel itinerary.
• Immigration status letter (European and Swiss Nationals).

Please do not rely on this information being available on your phone or tablet when you arrive as you may not be able to access this information in an air, sea, or rail port environment.

It is not a legal requirement to provide this information to the Immigration officials, but it may assist your passage through the Immigration controls. You are, however, required to present the letter that states where you should collect your BRP. With the introduction of eVisa, this may not be a requirement if you are entering the United Kingdom after 31 December 2024.

European Nationals only – Immigration status letter

You will receive this letter direct from the Home Office. It will contain various details, and most importantly will include:

• Your study conditions.
• Your work conditions.
• Start and end dates of your visa.

Although you are not required to present this on arrival it may be beneficial if you have a hard copy to present if you are questioned by Border Force staff. Please make sure you keep evidence of carriage (boarding pass, itinerary) as you will need this when you enrol for your program at UCA.

Using eGates

If you are EEA and Swiss citizens, you can use the eGates to enter the United Kingdom.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA, known collectively as B5JSSK nationalities; can also use the eGates, if they have a passport with a ‘chip’.

B5JSSK nationals should not use the eGates the first time they enter the United Kingdom. You will require a BFO stamp to validate the entry clearance. Please make sure you see a BFO before you pass through the Immigration controls.

For any subsequent re-entry to the United Kingdom. B5JSSK citizens should use the eGates.

See the Home Office guidance on entering the UK for advice about what to do and expect at border control.

Before leaving immigration arrivals control, make sure:

• Your passport has been stamped if you have an entry clearance (Non-European nationals only).
• BFO’s have returned all documents.
• You have your boarding pass, tickets or itinerary.
• All education certificates and transcripts have been returned.

Once you are admitted into the United Kingdom, you should make your way to the baggage hall to collect your luggage if arriving at an airport. There will be information screens to guide you the correct baggage belt/carousel. You will be able to collect your baggage.

Once you have collected your baggage you should follow the signs to the exit and through the customs channels:

• Green – All nationalities nothing to declare.
• Blue – European nothing to declare.
• Red – Goods to declare including food cash and alcohol.

You may be approached by Border Force officials and asked questions related to your baggage and travel to the United Kingdom. They might also conduct a search of your luggage. You should co-operate fully with the officials to allow them to perform their duty as efficiently as possible.

Please click here for customs information about what you can bring to United Kingdom.