Studying in the UK

aerial view of buildings
Cambridge University. © Pixabay

1. Immigration and visa

a) Persons from Switzerland moving to the UK

Since 1 January 2021 the UK has been operating a points-based immigration system with dedicated visa routes, for example for students and graduates.

Persons from Switzerland can continue to visit the UK for up to six months without applying for a visa, and may participate in short-term study.

Persons from Switzerland coming to the UK to study for a period longer than six months need to apply for a Student visa (student route) under the UK’s points-based immigration system and must have confirmation that their visa application has been successful before they travel to the UK.

For more information:

Check if you need a UK visa

The UK's points-based immigration system: an introduction for EU, EEA and Swiss students

What EU, EEA and Swiss citizens planning to study in the UK should consider

Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor – Eligibility requirements for visitors coming to the UK to study for up to six months

UK Council for International Student Affairs information about visitors

There is a separate visa route (Short-term study visa) to study English in the UK for language courses lasting longer than six months and up to 11 months. -> Short-term study visa to study English in the UK

Information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs about the short-term study visa for language courses

There is a separate visa route for child students aged between 4 to 17 years old who wish to study at an independent school. -> Information about the Child Student visa and how to apply

b) Swiss citizens already living in the UK before 31 December 2020

Swiss citizens who were already resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 do not need to apply for a Student visa if they have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme has passed, but it is possible to make a late application where there are ‘reasonable grounds’ for doing so. More information:

EU Settlement Scheme

Embassy Brexit FAQ: information about how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme and late applications

2. Course fees and financial support

a) Persons from Switzerland moving to the UK

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals coming to the UK to study are no longer eligible for home fee status or financial learner support. This means that British universities are free to charge Swiss students full international fees, which vary depending on the institution and the course. This applies to the entire UK, i.e. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More information:

Home or Overseas fees: information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs

Information from the UK Department of Education

b) Swiss citizens already living in the UK before 31 December 2020

Swiss citizens with pre-settled and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme who meet the residency criteria will be eligible for home fee status and tuition fee loans in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check here for full details in EnglandScotlandWales and Northern Ireland. More information:

Information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs on who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education in England from Universities UK (Version 7 - 10.02.2024)