If you are a sponsored international student in the UK on a Student visa, it's important to be aware of certain information before travelling abroad as there may be limitations or additional visas that you need to obtain.
Please check the latest travel advice from the UK Government to see what restrictions and procedures may be in place for entering the UK: Foreign travel advice - gov.uk
Travelling outside UK during term-time
As a sponsored international student, you are not permitted to travel outside the UK during term-time, as you would be studying your course.
Key academic dates:
- Key term-time and vacation dates can be found here.
- Postgraduate taught term-time and vacation dates can be found here. You need your course start and end dates to know which academic dates you fall into.
The main reasons for requiring to travel outside the UK and requesting an Authorised Absence letter should only be due to extenuating circumstances, which include:
- A family emergency or bereavement
- Illness
- Applying for a visa extension overseas
The time you are permitted to be absent can only be for a period of up to 2 weeks at any one time. Please note that only 4 to 6 weeks in total may be requested during any one academic year, subject to the Visa and Compliance team and faculty's approval. If the time you are away becomes longer than the authorised period, you must let both your Academic Leader and the Visa and Compliance team know so that the case can be reassessed.
You should have the Authorised Absence letter with you when travelling back to the UK, otherwise you may be detained for questioning whilst the UK Border Force contact the University for confirmation of your authorised travel outside the UK during term-time. You do not need to apply for authorised absence during vacation time.
If you are a postgraduate student on work placement, you can travel during your authorised annual leave period. You will, however, need to obtain a written confirmation from your employer confirming the authorised annual leave and must provide this letter to the Student Opportunities team as well as the Visa and Compliance team.
If you are on a 12-month full time Masters programme and will be working on your dissertation over the summer period, you must apply for authorised absence if you require an absence during this time as it is considered term-time in line with your course curriculum, even if it is during the University summer vacation period.
Absences for more than 3 days during term-time
If you will be absent from your course for more than 3 days, you must request for authorised absence from the Visa and Compliance team.
Making a request for authorised absence
To make a request for authorised absence, please complete this form
You must also upload any relevant documentary evidence of your requested travel on the form. The Visa and Compliance team will assess your request and email their decision to your University email.
Please ensure you submit your request as far in advance as possible and at least 2 weeks before your travel date. Requests made via email will not be processed.
Please note: All absences of 3 days or less during term-time must be reported using the absence report form.
Travelling to Europe (Schengen Zone) during vacation periods
The Schengen Visa can provide you with the opportunity to travel around countries in the EU as a visitor and enjoy different cultures.
To request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the University, you must complete the Absence Request Form mentioned above.
In your request you must include the following information:
- Exact dates of travel
- Country or countries to be visited
- The address of the consulate/embassy where your appointment will occur
Please ensure you submit your request at least 2 weeks before your travel and do not book an appointment at the consulate/embassy until you have received your letter.