Coming to study in England with us
Mandatory COVID-19 restrictions for England have now been lifted. You no longer have to take any COVID-19 tests before or after travelling, and you do not need to have had a COVID-19 vaccination to travel to the UK. Details of the COVID-19 recommendations while in England can be seen here.
There may also be rules that you will need to follow while on university campuses. There are some details of how individual colleges and campuses at our partner universities are responding to COVID-19 at the following links:
While you are in the UK
You should register with a National Health Service (NHS) doctor (a ‘General Practitioner’ or ‘GP’) once you are in the UK. As well as general health care, they will be able to advise you if you need to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Protecting yourself and others
It is very important that you continue to follow the general measures to counter COVID-19, such as regularly and thoroughly washing your hands. You should consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces.
If you fall ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature; persistent cough; sudden and unexplained loss of taste/smell) please visit the NHS 111 COVID-19 page for advice. You should stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
Please tell the centre Welfare Team immediately if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are self-isolating.
Some questions answered
It is very important that you please let us know how you will be starting your course and provide up-to-date information regarding your intention to start your studies in the Centre or virtually from home, your contact information and, if you are joining us in the UK - your flight information. You will need to complete the Pre-Registration form found on your Welcome Hub where you can also find lots of information on induction activities, pre-enrolment events and emergency contact information.
Once you confirm your place, you will receive an email with your StudySmart username and password which will enable you to access the Pre-Registration form.
No. You do not need a vaccination to enter the United Kingdom.
No. You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling to the UK.
Yes. In order to book a COVID-19 vaccine, you should register with a National Health Service (NHS) doctor (a General Practitioner) and get an NHS number. (The NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service.) While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, you can request to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.
Yes. If you were fully vaccinated more than three months ago, you can get a booster vaccination in England. More information is available here.
Yes, you can travel freely throughout the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and also between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Full details about travel in the UK are in the guidance issued by the four UK countries:
The UK government has provided guidance to universities on how to operate safely, and universities have taken a range of measures for campuses and accommodation to be COVID-secure. The UK government also requires that universities support students in the event they are expected to isolate.
All UK universities have outbreak management plans. In the event of a local outbreak of COVID-19, universities will work with local public health officials to consider moving to other modes of teaching that reduce face-to-face contact.
The UK government has also supported the creation of a programme of mental health support for students, Student Space, for students in England and Wales. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships, there are resources and support available to you on the Student Space website.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature;
- a new, continuous cough;
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you fall ill with these symptoms stay at home, visit this webpage for advice, and get a test to check if you have COVID-19.
Coming to study in Scotland with us
Most mandatory COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland have now been lifted. You no longer have to take any COVID-19 tests before or after travelling, and you do not need to have had a COVID-19 vaccination to travel to the UK.
Wearing a face covering is still required in most indoor settings in Scotland.
Details of the COVID-19 advice in Scotland can be seen here.
There are some details of how individual colleges and campuses at our partner universities are responding to COVID-19 at the following links:
While you are in the Scotland
You should register with a National Health Service Scotland (NHS Scotland) doctor (a ‘General Practitioner’ or ‘GP’) once you are in the UK. As well as general health care, they will be able to advise you when you can get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Protecting yourself and others
It is very important that you continue to follow the general measures to counter COVID-19, such as regularly and thoroughly washing your hands, wearing a face covering where appropriate, and keeping a safe distance from other people.
If you fall ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature; persistent cough; sudden and unexplained loss of taste/smell) phone NHS Inform on 111 and tell them about your symptoms and that there could be a risk of coronavirus.
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus you should self-isolate immediately and book a test.
Please tell the centre Welfare Team immediately if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are self-isolating.
Frequently asked questions
It is very important that you please let us know how you will be starting your course and provide up-to-date information regarding your intention to start your studies in the Centre or virtually from home, your contact information and, if you are joining us in the UK - your flight information. You will need to complete the Pre-Registration form found on your Welcome Hub where you can also find lots of information on induction activities, pre-enrolment events and emergency contact information.
Once you confirm your place, you will receive an email with your StudySmart username and password which will enable you to access the Pre-Registration form.
No. You do not need a vaccination to enter the United Kingdom.
Yes. In order to book a COVID-19 vaccine, you should register with a National Health Service Scotland (NHS Scotland) doctor (a General Practitioner) and get a Community Health Index Number (CHI number). (The CHI number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service.) While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, you can request to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.
Yes. If you were fully vaccinated more than three months ago and are over 18, you can get a booster vaccination in Scotland. Booster vaccinations are being be offered in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in a COVID-19 at-risk group. Provided you are registered with a GP or medical practice you will be notified when you are eligible for a booster vaccination. Please do not contact your GP to ask about appointments. More information is available here.
Yes, you can travel freely throughout the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and also between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Full details about travel in the UK are in the guidance issued by the four UK countries:
The UK government has provided guidance to universities on how to operate safely, and universities have taken a range of measures for campuses and accommodation to be COVID-secure. This includes increases in cleaning, ventilation, handwashing facilities, social distancing and advice on rules of contact and social mixing. The UK government also requires that universities support students in the event they are expected to isolate.
All UK universities are required to have outbreak management plans. In the event of a local outbreak of COVID-19, universities will work with local public health officials to consider moving to other modes of teaching that reduce face-to-face contact.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature;
- a new, continuous cough;
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you fall ill with these symptoms stay at home, visit this webpage for advice, and get a free PCR test to check if you have COVID-19.
Coming to study in Wales with us
Most mandatory COVID-19 restrictions in Wales have now been lifted. You no longer have to take any COVID-19 tests before or after travelling, and you do not need to have had a COVID-19 vaccination to travel to the UK.
Wearing a face covering is recommended for most indoor settings.
Details of the COVID-19 advice for Wales can be seen here.
There are some details on how Cardiff University is responding to COVID-19 here.
While you are in Wales
You should register with a National Health Service (NHS Wales / GIG Cymru) doctor (a ‘General Practitioner’ or ‘GP’) once you are in Wales. As well as general health care, they will be able to advise you when you can get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Protecting yourself and others
It is very important that you continue to follow the general measures to counter COVID-19, such as regularly and thoroughly washing your hands, wearing a face covering where appropriate, and keeping a safe distance from other people.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are high temperature; persistent cough; sudden and unexplained loss of taste/smell. If you fall ill with these symptoms stay at home (self-isolate) and get a test to check if you have COVID-19.
Please tell the centre Welfare Team immediately if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are self-isolating.
Frequently asked questions
It is very important that you please let us know how you will be starting your course and provide up-to-date information regarding your intention to start your studies in the Centre or virtually from home, your contact information and, if you are joining us in the UK - your flight information. You will need to complete the Pre-Registration form found on your Welcome Hub where you can also find lots of information on induction activities, pre-enrolment events and emergency contact information.
Once you confirm your place, you will receive an email with your StudySmart username and password which will enable you to access the Pre-Registration form.
Yes. In order to book a COVID-19 vaccine, you should register with a National Health Service (NHS Wales / GIG Cymru) doctor (a General Practitioner) and get an NHS number. (The NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service.) While registration with a GP is encouraged to access the vaccine, you can request to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments as an unregistered patient through a local GP practice.
Yes. If you were fully vaccinated more than three months ago and are over 18, you can get a booster vaccination in Wales. Booster vaccinations are being be offered in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in a COVID-19 at-risk group. Provided you are registered with a GP or medical practice you will be notified when you are eligible for a booster vaccination. Please do not contact your GP to ask about appointments. More information is available here.
Yes, you can travel freely throughout the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and also between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Full details about travel in the UK are in the guidance issued by the four UK countries:
The UK government has provided guidance to universities on how to operate safely, and universities have taken a range of measures for campuses and accommodation to be COVID-secure. This includes increases in cleaning, ventilation, handwashing facilities, social distancing and advice on rules of contact and social mixing. The UK government also requires that universities support students in the event they are expected to isolate.
All UK universities are required to have outbreak management plans. In the event of a local outbreak of COVID-19, universities will work with local public health officials to consider moving to other modes of teaching that reduce face-to-face contact.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature;
- a new, continuous cough;
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you fall ill with these symptoms stay at home, visit this webpage for advice, and get a test to check if you have COVID-19.
Coming to study in Ireland with us
Details of the COVID-19 advice for Ireland can be seen here.
If you fall ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature; dry cough; fatigue) you must self-isolate (stay at home) and visit this page for advice.
You can get a free COVID-19 vaccination or booster while you are in Ireland. Find out how and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine here. There is a Vaccination Centre on the University College Dublin Belfield campus site.
Travelling to the Republic of Ireland
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the Republic of Ireland. You will be expected to travel to Ireland to begin your studies. Only under exceptional circumstances will students be able to start their courses in their home country.
Frequently asked questions
It is very important that you please let us know how you will be starting your course and provide up-to-date information regarding your intention to start your studies in the Centre or virtually from home, your contact information and your flight information. You will need to complete the Pre-Registration form found on your Welcome Hub where you can also find lots of information on induction activities, pre-enrolment events and emergency contact information.
Once you confirm your place, you will receive an email with your StudySmart username and password which will enable you to access the Pre-Registration form.
Yes. You can find out how and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine here. There is a Vaccination Centre on the University College Dublin Belfield campus site.
The Irish government has provided guidance to universities on how to operate safely in the COVID-19 Safe Return Plan.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a fever (high temperature: 38 degrees Celsius or above) including having chills;
- a dry cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just a dry cough;
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties;
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
If you fall ill with these symptoms stay at home and visit this webpage for advice.
Coming to study in the Netherlands with us
Most of the restrictions put in place to guard against the spread of COVID-19 in the Netherlands have now been lifted.
If you fall ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature; persistent cough; sudden and unexplained loss of taste/smell) please self-isolate and follow the official advice.
There are also some details here of the measures Holland International Study Centre has put in place to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Holland International Study Centre is fully compliant with Health and Safety rules for higher education and follows all national regulations. Please email Student Services with any queries or concerns that you may have.
Travelling to the Netherlands
You will need to apply for your visa as per normal to allow you to start your programme in person on time. (If you cannot start in person due to travel restrictions, you’ll be expected to arrive as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.)
There are details of what’s required for travel to the Netherlands here
Please note that COVID-19 vaccine certificates will not be accepted for travel if more than 270 days (approximately 9 months) have passed since you had your second dose. If your vaccination is over 270 days old you will need a third (booster) dose for your vaccine certificate to be accepted. This is as a result of changes to the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate Regulations.
There are more details here.
Travelling to study with us in the United States
This page has some information and advice for students travelling to study with us in the United States. Please check this page, and the official COVID-19 pages, regularly, as the travel situation may change, often at short notice.
Things to know before you travel
Are there any restrictions on who can travel to the United States?
Admission for vaccinated visitors to the United States is now permitted from the UK, Brazil, China, India, Ireland, South Africa, Iran and the European Schengen zone countries.
Full details of current US travel restrictions are available here.
Students unable to enter the US will be able to start their course virtually from home in most cases.
Do I need a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to the United States?
Yes. All air passengers coming to the USA, including fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 viral test result no more than 3 days before travel (or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the USA). For further details, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Do I need to have had a COVID-19 vaccination to enter the USA?
No. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you be fully vaccinated before traveling. Visit the World Health Organization website for more information about WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
(Please note that many US universities now require students to be vaccinated before starting their studies.)
Once you are in the United States
What COVID-19 rules will there be once I am in the USA?
COVID-19 rules and restrictions are set by the Departments of Health in individual states. Check this website for details of restrictions in your area.
Are there COVID-19 restrictions while on campus?
Our number one priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of our students. As such, our approach will be gradual and very carefully managed and will be done in-line with our partner universities and UK government guidance.
As a precaution against COVID-19, many universities are now requiring students to be vaccinated before starting their studies.
There are some details of how individual colleges and campuses are responding to COVID-19 at the following links:
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccination once I am in the United States?
Yes. Please visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination center near your campus.
What is the latest US health guidance on COVID-19?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the latest information on health guidance. Please visit the CDC website for the latest information about how COVID-19 is being handled in the United States.