Select your study destination
Coming to study in England with us
Colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, including England, are preparing to welcome students for the start of the new academic year in September 2021.
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 which country you are travelling to England from – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the UK’s precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
As a precaution against COVID-19, the UK government has placed all countries into three categories: red, amber, and green. It is important to know which category your country is in. The list of countries and their categories is here. Please check which category your country is in and check the list regularly as it may change at short notice.
The UK Government has announced that from 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 22 September 2021 the following countries will be REMOVED from the red list, and will be added to the amber list:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Maldives
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
From 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 4 October 2021 the rules for international travel to the UK will change. International travel overall will become easier for many people. To see these new rules and understand how they may affect you please see the UK government guidance here.
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the United Kingdom, including England.
Before travelling, you’ll need to:
- Take a COVID-19 test three days before you are due to arrive in the UK and have had a negative result;
- If you are coming from a red list country, you must book a quarantine hotel package;
- Book and pay for the COVID-19 tests you need to take after arrival in the UK. There are details of the requirements and how to book here;
- You must book these tests before you travel. If you are arriving from a red list country your tests will be included in your quarantine hotel package;
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form.
You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Once you arrive in the UK.
- Red list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in your pre-booked quarantine hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Amber list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Green list - you do not need to quarantine (self-isolate), but you must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before Day 2 after arrival.
You will only be able leave quarantine (self-isolation) if your COVID-19 tests are negative. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine, you may need to quarantine for longer. If you need to quarantine, you must consider these extra days of not being able to attend classes, see other people, or to leave your accommodation.
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.
Yes. The guidance on red list country countries for England states that if you have been in one of the listed countries in the 10 days prior to travelling, you can still enter the UK if have residency rights. Your student visa provides you with residency rights.
Yes, in almost all cases you must quarantine.
No. The tests on Day 2 and 8 need to be booked and paid for prior to arrival in the UK. See here for further information.
If you are under 18, and are travelling to England from a ‘red list’ country, you may be able to quarantine at one of our Bellerbys Colleges, in Brighton or London.
Please see the details here.
No. You do not need a vaccination to enter the United Kingdom.
Yes, a negative COVID-19 test result is a requirement for travel to the United Kingdom.
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for all international travellers to the UK to have had a negative test for COVID-19 up to 72 hours before travel. This applies to all transport routes, including planes, passenger ferries and Eurostar trains.
A negative test result does not avoid any need for quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
If you’ve been in a country or territory on the amber list, you can choose to take an additional 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 preparing to welcome students for the start of the new academic year in September 2021.
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.
In Scotland, wearing a face covering is a 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 which country you are travelling to Scotland from – there may be some restrictions on entry as part of the UK’s precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
As a precaution against COVID-19, the UK government has placed all countries into three categories: red, amber, and green. It is important to know which category your country is in. The list of countries and their categories is here. Please check which category your country is in and check the list regularly as it may change at short notice.
The UK Government has announced that from 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 22 September 2021 the following countries will be REMOVED from the red list, and will be added to the amber list:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Maldives
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
From 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 4 October 2021 the rules for international travel to the UK will change. International travel overall will become easier for many people. To see these new rules and understand how they may affect you please see the UK government guidance here.
Your student visa allows you entry and residence in the United Kingdom, including Scotand.
Before travelling, you’ll need to:
- Take a COVID-19 test three days before you are due to arrive in the UK and have had a negative result;
- If you are coming from a red list country, you must book a quarantine hotel package;
- Book and pay for the COVID-19 tests you need to take after arrival in the UK. There are details of the requirements and how to book here;
- You must book these tests before you travel. If you are arriving from a red list country your tests will be included in your quarantine hotel package;
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form.
You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Once you arrive in the UK:
- Red list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in your pre-booked quarantine hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Amber list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Green list - you do not need to quarantine (self-isolate), but you must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before Day 2 after arrival.
You will only be able leave quarantine (self-isolation) if your COVID-19 tests are negative. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine, you may need to quarantine for longer. If you need to quarantine, you must consider these extra days of not being able to attend classes, see other people, or to leave your accommodation.
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.
Yes. The guidance on red list countries for Scotland states that if you have been in one of the listed countries in the 10 days prior to travelling, you can still enter the UK, including Scotland if have residency rights. Your student visa provides you with residency rights.
Yes, in almost all cases you must quarantine.
No. The tests on Day 2 and 8 need 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, a negative COVID-19 test result is a requirement for travel to the United Kingdom.
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for all international travellers to the UK to have had a negative test for COVID-19 up to 72 hours before travel. This applies to all transport routes, including planes, passenger ferries and Eurostar trains.
A negative test result does not avoid any need for quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
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 preparing to welcome students for the start of the new academic year in September 2021.
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.
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 which country you are travelling to Wales from – 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 very restricted 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.
As a precaution against COVID-19, the UK government has placed all countries into three categories: red, amber, and green. It is important to know which category your country is in. The list of countries and their categories is here. Please check which category your country is in and check the list regularly as it may change at short notice.
The UK Government has announced that from 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 22 September 2021 the following countries will be REMOVED from the red list, and will be added to the amber list:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Maldives
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
From 04:00 BST (GMT+1) on 4 October 2021 the rules for international travel to the UK will change. International travel overall will become easier for many people. To see these new rules and understand how they may affect you please see the UK government guidance here.
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.
Before travelling, you’ll need to:
- Take a COVID-19 test three days before you are due to arrive in the UK and have had a negative result;
- If you are coming from a red list country, you must book a quarantine hotel package;
- Book and pay for the COVID-19 tests you need to take after arrival in the UK. There are details of the requirements and how to book here;
- You must book these tests before you travel. If you are arriving from a red list country your tests will be included in your quarantine hotel package;
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form.
You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Once you arrive in the UK:
- Red list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in your pre-booked quarantine hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Amber list - you must quarantine (self-isolate) in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival;
- Green list - you do not need to quarantine (self-isolate), but you must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before Day 2 after arrival.
You will only be able leave quarantine (self-isolation) if your COVID-19 tests are negative. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine, you may need to quarantine for longer. If you need to quarantine, you must consider these extra days of not being able to attend classes, see other people, or to leave your accommodation.
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.
Yes. The guidance on red list countries for Wales states that if you have been in one of the listed countries in the 10 days prior to travelling, you can still enter the UK, including Wales if have residency rights. Your student visa provides you with residency rights.
Yes, in almost all cases you must quarantine.
No. The tests on Day 2 and 8 need 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, a negative COVID-19 test result is a requirement for travel to the United Kingdom.
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for all international travellers to the UK to have had a negative test for COVID-19 up to 72 hours before travel. This applies to all transport routes, including planes, passenger ferries and Eurostar trains.
A negative test result does not avoid any need for quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
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
Colleges and universities throughout the Republic of Ireland are preparing to welcome students for the start of the new academic year in September 2021.
There are some restrictions still in place in Ireland to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Full details are available here. Please visit this page regularly as the rules may change.
Face coverings should be worn in many indoor public places, and public transport, including taxis. You can see details of where to wear a face covering 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
In addition, if you have been in a country which is a Designated State within 14 days of arrival in Ireland, you will need to self-isolate (quarantine) if you have proof of vaccination, or quarantine in a government mandated hotel if you have no valid vaccination.
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. Under exceptional circumstances students have the opportunity to start their courses online, with the expectation that they will travel to Ireland as soon as possible.
Restrictions if you are currently in Ireland:
For the latest information on COVID-19 restrictions, please visit the Government website.
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
Universities in the Netherlands are looking forward to welcoming back students for the start of the new academic year in October 2021.
Many of the restrictions the Dutch government put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have now been lifted. You can see the current rules here.
The government has announced that from 25 September most of the remaining social distancing rules will be dropped. However, it will still be necessary to wear a face covering on public transport and some other settings.
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: