International Students
Tier 4 Visa
Please note that all students without EU or EEA citizenship must apply for a Tier 4 Visa to study here. Information about how and when to apply for this is available on the Cambridge International Students website. Currently, there is pilot scheme for Tier 4 Masters’ students, details of which can be found here: https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/tier-4-visa-pilot.
Applying for a visa can be an expensive and time-consuming process – as such, we would like for you to only have to go through the process once. The International Students Office runs a visa advice service, including free checks to ensure that you have everything you need to get your Tier 4 Visas, from meeting the medical requirement to meeting the financial requirement.
Please pay close attention to the Tier 4 entry information that can be found here: https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/tier-4-entry-clearance, which the International Student Office has created, to ensure you are prepared for your arrival in Cambridge and the UK.
Pre-arrival information
Please follow this link for practical guidance on coming to study in the UK and at Cambridge, including the International Student Guide.
International Students Union
This website from the CUSU (Cambridge University Student Union) has some great information for International Freshers.
The iCUSU will organise events before the beginning of term for all undergraduate and postgraduate freshers (click here).
The International Student Team will be able to advise you on obtaining your visa (should you need one) before your arrival, and will organise events to help you meet other international students at the University.
Responsibilities under Tier 4 Guide
The ‘Responsibilities under Tier 4’ guide has been updated. Please see it here: https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/tier-4-responsibilities
Collecting your BRP
If you are collectng your BRP at the beginning of Michaelmas term, 2019, please read the guidance carefully on the linked page.
Students will need to take their BRPs to College for scanning after collection. For courses starting earlier, IST will be attending inductions and uploading visas onto CamSIS (ADTIS, MBA, MFin and Economics preparatory course).
You must visit College reception to register and make a copy of your passport photo page and your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) by within 10 days of receiving your BRP. If you are unable to attend the College at the start of the term within this timeframe please contact us, in advance where possible, to explain the situation. If you do not do this and your absence is not expected, there may be implications for your immigration status.
When registering, you are confirming that you are currently engaged with your studies as expected, and that you have informed the University of any changes in your immigration status, study circumstances or contact details including UK residential address and telephone number. Please check your CamSIS account and update your UK contact details as soon as possible.
Registering with the Police
This will be available in the University Centre on the same dates as BRP collections. Appointments must be booked in advance.
UK mobile phones/SIM cards
There are many operators and plans available so you may wish to research them online before getting here. The main operators are EE, Three, Vodafone, O2 and Giffgaff.
Setting up a Bank Account
You cannot set a student bank account up remotely, nor can you set it up before you become a member of the College. Therefore freshers’ week is the time that you will likely be arranging appointments with your chosen bank to set up your student account. You will need your passport and a letter from college (addressed to the bank) confirming your course and address details. The main banks with offices in Cambridge are Santander, Barclays, NatWest, HSBC and Lloyds TSB.