The University of Cambridge has an International Students website which gives a great deal of support to students coming to study from outside the UK. In particular, you will find clear instructions regarding the process of applying for a Student visa (please see the page for visiting students in particular)

Once you have an offer to study at Christ's as a visiting student, we will pass on information from the International Student Office (university-wide), which provides guidance for students who will need a visa and we may ask you to provide some additional documents if needed at that stage.

Please note that Colleges do not provide any advice on student visa applications and all enquiries will be referred to the International Student Office. We advise that you contact the International Student Office (international.students@admin.cam.ac.uk) directly for questions relating to visas. They provide a very useful Visa Advice Service offering free, confidential advice on a range of student-related immigration matters. They also normally organise a 'visa webinar' for offer holders in the summer to ensure that your questions are answered, and we will send you an email to advertise this in late May. 

When you have met all the conditions of your offer, the International Student Office will send you by email your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS is a unique number, relevant only to you and to the course you will undertake at Cambridge. You will need to enter your CAS number in the relevant section of your Student Visa application. You cannot apply for your Student Visa without your CAS, and we cannot issue the CAS before all your offer conditions have been met.

The CAS confirms the University is sponsoring you for your Student Visa. You should ensure that you understand your responsibilities whilst holding a student visa.

  • You should CHECK the details in your CAS carefully once you receive it. Your CAS will include details which must match those on our passport (i.e. names as they appear on your passport, date of birth, sex, passport number, birth country and nationality). The International Student Office obtains the CAS number from the UK Home Office having provided these details. If you find any errors you must let the International Students Office who sent you your CAS know immediately. They will issue a corrected CAS before you make your student visa application. Further detail.
     
  • A CAS can only be used for one visa application. If your student visa application is refused, you must request a new CAS. This will only be issued upon receipt of your full refusal notice and if the University is satisfied you will be able to meet the requirements for a new visa application.


Specific notes on details of the requirements

In order to receive a visa as a visiting student, there is a requirement to return to the same institution to complete your degree after your year as a visiting student in Cambridge.

  • Students from Sciences Po who have the visiting student year as the third and final year for your degree, this does count as it is a required part of your degree and you will return to the same institution to graduate.

Your home institution will need to confirm your status as a current student and they will need to confirm that your period of study in Cambridge will contribute to your degree.

  • One of the documents you will be asked to provide as part of the application process is the Home Institution Declaration that will demonstrate that you meet this requirement.

 

Visiting students / Evidence of English Language Competence / HS Transcript / Degree Transcript