Select your study destination
Coming to study in England with us
Colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, including England, are now welcoming students for the new academic year.
Most of the remaining COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions have now been lifted throughout England and the rest of the United Kingdom, including rules around larger gatherings and social distancing.
Wearing face coverings continues to be recommended in crowded places, including public transport and many shops.
Details of the COVID-19 rules in England can be seen here. We recommend you visit this page regularly, as the situation may change at short notice.
There are also rules that need to followed while on university campuses. As a precaution against COVID-19, many universities will adopt a hybrid approach to teaching, with some classes being taught in-person and with some remaining online.
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.
There are some details of how individual colleges and campuses at our partner universities are responding to COVID-19 at the following links:
The current COVID-19 restrictions affect the following Study Group colleges and
International Study Centres in England, including:
Travelling to England
There are a number of things you need to consider before you travel to England. In particular, you need to be aware that – depending on whether or not you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the UK’s precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the United Kingdom, including England.
Entry to the UK is now permitted for people fully vaccinated from a wide range of countries. The list of countries whose vaccinations are approved is available here. Please check to see if your country is one of those from which vaccinations are accepted. Full vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List are also accepted for entry to the UK.
If you are from one of the countries listed and have a valid vaccination, you will be able to enter the UK without the need for self-quarantining. You will still need to book a COVID-19 test to be taken on day 2 after your arrival, and complete a Passenger Locator Form before you travel. Details of what you need to do can be seen here.
Valid vaccination programmes include:
- UK vaccination programme and UK vaccination programme overseas (i.e., Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA] approved programmes);
- Approved EU/EEA and US vaccination programmes;
- Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or Janssen vaccines from public health authorities in countries on the approved list;
- Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm Beijing, or Covaxin vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List.
Vaccinations must have been completed at least 14 days prior to travel.
Some ‘Mixed’ doses (i.e., one Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer BioNTech, for example) may also be acceptable.
Please note that not all vaccinations are acceptable for student entry into the UK. (The Sputnik V vaccine, for example, is not currently recognized.)
Possible early release for unvaccinated arrivals from open countries is available using the Test to Release scheme in England.
While you are in the UK
You will be offered regular COVID-19 tests during your time in the UK. If at any time you test positive for COVID-19 once you are in the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.
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 when you can get a COVID-19 vaccination.
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. The Day 2 test needs to be booked and paid for prior to arrival in the UK. See here for further information.
No. You do not need a vaccination to enter the United Kingdom.
If you are coming from a ‘red list’ country you will need to take a COVID-19 test three days before you are due to arrive in the UK (and have had a negative result). You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling from an ‘open travel’ country.
You can choose to take an additional paid-for test to see if you can end quarantine early. This is called the Test to Release scheme and there are details here.
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, 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 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 free PCR test to check if you have COVID-19.
Coming to study in Scotland with us
Colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, including Scotland, are now welcoming students for the start of the new academic year.
Most of the remaining COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions have now been lifted throughout Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, including rules around larger gatherings and social distancing.
You may need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter certain events and venues, such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds.
In Scotland, wearing a face covering is required in certain indoor public places, indoor communal spaces including shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and public houses, and on public transport. You can see details of where to wear a face covering here.
Full details of the COVID-19 rules in Scotland can be seen here. We recommend you visit this page regularly, as the situation may change at short notice.
There are also rules that need to followed while on university campuses. As a precaution against COVID-19, many universities will adopt a hybrid approach to teaching, with some classes being taught in-person and with some remaining online.
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 Scottish government guidance.
There are some details of how individual colleges and campuses at our partner universities are responding to COVID-19 at the following links:
Travelling to Scotland
There are a number of things you need to consider before you travel to Scotland. In particular, you need to be aware that – depending on whether or not you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the UK’s precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the United Kingdom, including Scotand.
Entry to the UK is now permitted for people fully vaccinated from a wide range of countries. The list of countries whose vaccinations are approved is available here. Please check to see if your country is one of those from which vaccinations are accepted. Full vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List are also accepted for entry to the UK.
If you are from one of the countries listed and have a valid vaccination, you will be able to enter the UK without the need for self-quarantining. You will still need to book a COVID-19 test to be taken on day 2 after your arrival, and complete a Passenger Locator Form before you travel. Details of what you need to do can be seen here.
Valid vaccination programmes include:
- UK vaccination programme and UK vaccination programme overseas (i.e., Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA] approved programmes);
- Approved EU/EEA and US vaccination programmes;
- Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or Janssen vaccines from public health authorities in countries on the approved list;
- Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm Beijing, or Covaxin vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List.
Vaccinations must have been completed at least 14 days prior to travel.
Some ‘Mixed’ doses (i.e., one Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer BioNTech, for example) may also be acceptable.
Please note that not all vaccinations are acceptable for student entry into the UK. (The Sputnik V vaccine, for example, is not currently recognized.)
While you are in the Scotland
You will be offered regular COVID-19 tests during your time in the UK. If at any time you test positive for COVID-19 once you are in the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.
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.
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. The Day 2 test needs to be booked and paid for prior to arrival in the UK. See here for further information.
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, 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
Colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, including Wales, are now welcoming students for the new academic year.
Most of the remaining COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions have now been lifted throughout Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom, including most of the rules around larger gatherings and social distancing.
You may need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter certain events and venues, such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds.
In Wales, face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places, and public transport, including taxis. You can see details of where to wear a face covering here.
Full details of the COVID-19 rules in Wales can be seen here. We recommend you visit this page regularly, as the situation may change at short notice.
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 Welsh government guidance.
There are some details on how Cardiff University is responding to COVID-19 here.
Travelling to Wales
There are a number of things you need to consider before you travel to Wales. In particular, you need to be aware that – depending on whether or not you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the UK’s precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
As international travel to Wales is limited at present, it is likely that you will be arriving in England first and then travelling onto Wales. So, some of the links below relate to advice that applies to people arriving into England.
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the United Kingdom, including Wales.
If you are arriving in Wales from another part of the UK (England, Scotland or Northern Ireland) or the Republic of Ireland, and have been in one of those countries for at least 10 days before entering Wales, you will not need to complete a passenger locator form to provide your journey, or contact details, or isolate once you arrive in Wales.
Entry to the UK is now permitted for people fully vaccinated from a wide range of countries. The list of countries whose vaccinations are approved is available here. Please check to see if your country is one of those from which vaccinations are accepted. Full vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List are also accepted for entry to the UK.
If you are from one of the countries listed and have a valid vaccination, you will be able to enter the UK without the need for self-quarantining. You will still need to book a COVID-19 test to be taken on day 2 after your arrival, and complete a Passenger Locator Form before you travel. Details of what you need to do can be seen here.
Valid vaccination programmes include:
- UK vaccination programme and UK vaccination programme overseas (i.e., Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA] approved programmes);
- Approved EU/EEA and US vaccination programmes;
- Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or Janssen vaccines from public health authorities in countries on the approved list;
- Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm Beijing, or Covaxin vaccinations issued under the World Health Organization Emergency Use List.
Vaccinations must have been completed at least 14 days prior to travel.
Some ‘Mixed’ doses (i.e., one Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer BioNTech, for example) may also be acceptable.
Please note that not all vaccinations are acceptable for student entry into the UK. (The Sputnik V vaccine, for example, is not currently recognized.)
While you are in the Wales
You will be offered regular COVID-19 tests during your time in the UK. If at any time you test positive for COVID-19 once you are in the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.
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.
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. The Day 2 test needs to be booked and paid for prior to arrival in the UK. See here for further information.
If you are coming from a ‘red list’ country you will need to take a COVID-19 test three days before you are due to arrive in the UK (and have had a negative result).
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, 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, < https://gov.wales/self-isolation>
and get a test to check if you have COVID-19.
Coming to study in Ireland with us
There are a number of rules in place in Ireland as precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Wearing a face covering is required on public transport and in most shops. Wearing a face covering is also recommended in places where social distancing is difficult.
When you are in a restaurant, pub, or nightclub you must wear a face covering when you are not drinking, eating or dancing.
You will need a ticket to enter a nightclub, and will need to show proof of vaccination – a EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) - to get into cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, restaurants, pubs and other venues. Pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and licenced venues need to close by midnight.
Full details of the COVID-19 rules in Ireland can be seen here.
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 University College Dublin and government guidance.
There are details of how University College Dublin is responding to COVID-19 here. The College has also published some guidance for international students, and this is available here.
Travelling to the Republic of Ireland
There are a number of things you need to consider before you travel to Ireland. In particular, you need to be aware that – depending on which country you are travelling to Ireland from – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
You must complete an on-line Passenger Locator Form before you travel to Ireland.
You must also have:
- A valid proof of vaccination, or
- A valid proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 180 days, or
- Evidence of a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival into Ireland.
To be valid, your vaccination must be one of the vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency
Full details of the entry requirements for travelling to the Republic of Ireland are available here.
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, a negative COVID-19 test result is a requirement for travel to the Republic of Ireland.
No. You do not need a vaccination to enter the Republic of Ireland.
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 new 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
The Dutch government has put a number of restrictions in place as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.
You should wear a face covering on public transport and some other settings, including at Holland ISC.
You should keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other people while out and about.
You can see details of the current rules here.
You may need a coronavirus ‘entry pass’ for entry to nightclubs and other venues. A pass will be obtainable by those fully vaccinated, have valid proof of recovery, or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken less than 24 hours before entry.
There are 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.
Teaching will be mostly face-to-face and you will be able to start your studies on-campus. 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.)
Travelling to the Netherlands
If you arriving from a country outside the EU/Schengen zone, you first need to check whether you are arriving from a ‘safe’ country or region. The list of ‘safe’ countries is available here. Please check this list regularly as it may change at short notice.
Arriving from a ‘safe’ country
If you are arriving from a ‘safe’ country you may travel to the Netherlands; the EU travel ban does not apply to you and you will not need to self-isolate once you arrive in the Netherlands.
However, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result if you are travelling to the Netherlands. There are details of what’s required here.
Arriving from a ‘very high risk’ country
A number of countries have been designated ‘very high risk’ for COVID-19. The list appears here. Please check this list regularly as it may change at short notice.
To enter the Netherlands from a ‘very high risk’ country you must:
If you are arriving from a country neither on the list of safe countries nor on the list of very high risk countries you will need a valid proof for vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken before you travel, but you will not need to self-quarantine.
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.