Visa information

We are aware of the current potential issues affecting international air travel. If you are travelling from, or transiting through, a region that may be impacted, we strongly advise that you regularly monitor the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, as well as any updates issued by your local authorities.

All students who are not citizens of the UK or the Republic of Ireland will need the appropriate immigration permission to enter the UK for study. For our two-week summer programme, students will normally enter under the Visitor route, which allows short-term study for up to 6 months.

A status as a visitor in the UK has the following restrictions:

  • You cannot take employment in the UK (including part-time or full-time vacation employment)
  • You cannot undertake a work placement/internship (paid/unpaid) as part of the course of study
  • You cannot work on a self-employed basis in the UK or be involved in business activities
  • You cannot extend your stay in the UK
  • You must have the funds to support yourself during your studies in the UK

If requested as part of your application, we can provide a letter confirming your enrolment on the summer programme. This letter can be used at the UK border or in a visa application if required. Your passport and visitor visa will be checked by Downing after arrival.

If you already have UK Immigration permission in another category, you may be able to participate in the Downing College International Programme on that. You will need to provide evidence of this prior to starting at Cambridge.

Specific questions about your visa application?

We are unable to provide any specific visa advice beyond the general guidance above. If you have questions about your visa application, please get in touch with your local visa-issuing authority for specific guidance.

Non-Visa nationals

If your country is not included on the list of visa nationals, you are not required to apply for a visa in advance of travelling to the UK but you will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Further information is on the government website and includes a YouTube video on how to apply for an ETA. The fee is £16 and an ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK as a visitor over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. You may need to explain to a Border Force Officer at immigration control on arrival in the UK the reasons for your stay in the UK. You may need to show your programme letter and evidence of funds. You will receive an entry stamp in your passport to reflect your visitor permission. 

EGates nationals

Students from an EU country, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and the USA can use the eGates on arrival in the UK and have automatic entry as a visitor. If you use the eGates you will not speak to Border Force or receive a stamp in your passport. You will therefore need to provide alternative evidence to Downing of your date of entry to the UK (such as your boarding pass) in addition to your passport to confirm your entry to the UK as a visitor.

Visa nationals

Students from certain countries, i.e. visa nationals, are required to apply for, and obtain, a visitor visa before travelling to the UK. The list of visa nationals is outlined in the Home Office's Immigration Rules. Information on the application, including the required supporting documents, is given on the Home Office website. You should make the following selections on the application form to ensure that you apply for the correct visa:

What is the primary reason for my visit to the UK?

In your visa application, you’ll be asked to select the primary purpose of your visit to the UK. Please select: Short-term study (up to 6 months), including a recreation course.

What address do I provide?

If you're asked to provide the address where you will be staying during your time in Cambridge, please use the following:

Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DQ.

Who is the accommodation officer?

If you're asked to provide details of the accommodation officer please use the following:

Dr Kamran Yunus, Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DQ United Kingdom. Telephone number: +44 (0)7968058404.

What should I list as the qualification I will get?

If you are asked what qualification you will get, please put 'summer school'.

When will I recieve my visa letter?

If you're confirmed to attend the Downing College International Programme at Downing, you will receive your visa letter within 3 months of starting the programme.

 

Travel guidance for students from China 

As a significant number of our participants join us from China, we offer additional support to assist with the visa application process and group travel arrangements. Each year, we collaborate with a trusted and experienced visa agency in China. This agency provides guidance throughout the application process. Please note:

  • This service is optional and fee-based.
  • Downing College does not assume responsibility for the outcome of any visa application.
  • We recommend this agency to help ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Students under 17 years of age 

UK immigration regulations and airline policies require that students under 17 travel with an accompanying adult aged 18 or above. If parents are unable to accompany their child, we will arrange for a qualified counsellor from one of our partner international schools in China to accompany the group. In such cases:

  • The student and counsellor will apply for visas together.
  • The counsellor will travel on the same flight as the students
Students aged 17 or above

 Students aged 17 or older may apply for a Visitor visa as an unaccompanied minor. The recommended agency can assist with this process if required.