For MA, BA, Foundation and Diploma Students

What Visa Will You Need?

To determine if you require a visa (and what type) for our courses, use the  Check if You Need a UK Visa tool. Confirm your nationality, your intent to study, and the course duration.

For MA programmes, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Industry Practice, Vogue Fashion Foundation Programme, and Vogue Diploma in Fashion Communication:

International students without a valid migratory permit must apply for a Student Visa. Apply after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the College, no earlier than six months before the course starts. Upon acceptance, we’ll provide guidance for the CAS and visa application process. However, you can find an overview of the process here.

Student Visa

International students on our MA programmes, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication, Vogue Fashion Foundation Programme, and Vogue Diploma in Fashion Communication need a Student Visa unless they already hold a different immigration permit allowing UK residence and study. The UK Government provides a step-by-step guide and requirements overview. Further advice is available from UKCISA.

As a Vogue College international student, our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team will guide you through your UK Student Visa Application from Unconditional Acceptance to enrolment. Apply within six months before your course start date, after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from us. To get a CAS, you need an Unconditional Acceptance Letter from our Admissions Team. Start your CAS Application after receiving this letter. The Visa Cycle opens in March each year.

After submitting your CAS Application, we’ll assess your eligibility for sponsorship. A successful application results in CAS release. Note that an Unconditional Acceptance Offer of a place at the College doesn’t guarantee a CAS Statement. CAS issuance is at our team’s discretion and doesn’t ensure visa approval. Visit our Visa Compliance Policy for more information.

CAS

Your CAS Statement contains crucial details about your studies with us, personal information, and financial requirements for study in the UK. Upon receiving your CAS, follow the provided guide to apply for your visa online. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and Application Fee, then schedule a Biometric Appointment at a Visa Application Centre. Not all countries have one; travel to a third country may be required.

Depending on your nationality and passport type, you may be prompted to use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity document, eliminating the need for a biometric appointment. From January 2025 the UKVI will only issue visas in digital format. In some instances, applicants may still be required to attend a biometric appointment.

Who Sponsors Your Student Visa?

Your Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), necessary for your student visa application, designates Vogue College of Fashion as your teaching site. International students enrolled in our courses receive overall visa sponsorship from Sotheby’s Institute of Art (London), one of our sister institutes, a higher education institution with a track-record of compliance.

Once Your Visa Is Granted

Visit the Visa Processing Times service to check when you should expect a decision from the Home Office once you submit your student visa application to them. Once your Student Visa is approved, email our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team with a copy of your UKVI 01 letter or email.

Ensure you enter the UK at the right time. Applicants must wait for their electronic visa to activate before entering the UK. Submitting biometrics and completing a Student Route visa application from within the UK is not possible under any circumstances.

If your visa is refused, you’ll need to send a copy of your refusal letter to our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team for guidance.

Conditions Of Your Visa

As an International Student, it’s crucial you comply with Student Visa regulations from the Home Office. Some key ones are:

Attendance:

You must follow the College’s Attendance and Academic Engagement Policies, aligning with UKVI and Home Office standards. Regular attendance is mandatory, and Vogue College monitors it closely. Missing classes or violating policies may lead to course withdrawal and visa curtailment after three warnings.

Work Rights:

You’re restricted from certain employment activities. These include self-employment, professional sports, and business activities. Employment must be under an employer, with income tax handled by them. For clarity, consult the Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team, as UKVI enforces these rules strictly. You can also check UKCISA for more information.

Contact Details:

You need to keep the UKVI and us updated with your correct and most up-to-date contact information to ensure we can reach you. It’s your responsibility to inform the College promptly of any changes.

Full Sponsored Students’ Responsibilities

For Short Courses and Certificate Students

What Visa Will You Need?

To determine if you require a visa (and what type) for our courses, use the  Check if You Need a UK Visa tool. Confirm your nationality, your intent to study, and the course duration.

For Vogue Certificates, Vogue Summer School, 5 Days of… Courses

Most non-UK passport holders need a Standard Visitor visa for courses under six months—use the checker above to determine if you’ll need one. To apply, you need an unconditional acceptance letter from Vogue College. Contact our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team if you haven’t received it yet.

Non-Visa Nationals must avoid E-Gates and get an endorsing stamp from a Border Control Officer to validate their Right to Study.

Visa-Exempt Travellers

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required for visa-exempt travellers. Find out if this applies to you here.

Standard Visitor Visa

International students on our Vogue Certificates, Vogue Summer School and 5 Days of… courses need a standard visitor visa. No sponsorship is needed from us for this type of visa, making the application process different for Visa Nationals and Non-Visa Nationals. Unsure which category you fall into? Check the Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa National List or the Check if You Need a UK Visa service. If still unsure, reach out to our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team.

Visa Nationals

It’s your responsibility to submit a valid visa application to UKVI on time and comply with immigration rules throughout your studies with us. For Visa Nationals, apply within 3 months before your course start date. Supporting evidence you’ll need includes an acceptance letter, proof of financial support, return journey arrangement, accommodation, and intention to leave the UK after your visit. If granted, you’ll need to share a copy of your Visa Vignette (if you receive one) with our team before travelling to the UK for course enrolment. See the UK Government Website for an overview of the full process and requirements.

Non-Visa Nationals

Non-Visa Nationals can apply for the visa beforehand or upon arrival at the airport. Contact us for assistance if unsure but applying at the airport is not recommended if you have previous UK visa refusals. Non-Visa Nationals must still provide documentation at Border Control. If using e-gates, keep a copy of your entry details for reference.

If you are in the UK as a visitor/ on a tourist visa, you cannot:

• Work or carry out any business (this includes paid or unpaid work, work experience or work placements)
• Work for an organisation or business in the UK
• Conduct business activities in the UK. This includes running or setting up a business as a self-employed person
• Do a work placement or internship
• Provide goods and services
• Be involved in direct selling to the public

Other types of immigration permission allowing you to study on a short-term course : Please note if you are sponsored in the UK on a skilled worker visa or a student visa, it is your responsibility to check with your employer or education provider to confirm they allow you to undertake a period of additional study on one of our courses. If you hold a different type of immigration permission in the UK and you are unsure if you are allowed to study under it, please contact our Visa Compliance & Immigration Services team for advice.