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HomeStudent homeSupport and adviceInternational studentsStudying as an international student

Studying as an international student

We've put together general information about managing your studies, and advice on issues specific to International students.

For more detailed advice about your course and your studies, contact your academic department (eg your supervisor or course leader).

You'll find information for all students about managing your studies in our Studying at York pages. This includes:

  • ways to develop your skills
  • things you need to know about examinations and assessment
  • what to do if there are issues stopping you from progressing in your studies

You'll also find information about making sure you comply with the conditions of your visa.

Making sure you comply with your visa

Our Disability Services team can arrange academic support and adjustments if you have a disability or long-term health condition that has a significant impact on your ability to study.

We also help with additional issues that affect international students, particularly relating to your visa.

Academic issues for international students

Related links

International Student Support Self-Referral Form
Use this form to contact us with any queries - we aim to respond within three working days.

Find other contact details on our Contact us page.

Studying at York - information for all students.

 

Taking a leave of absence

If you wish to take a leave of absence from the University, you must consult with an Immigration Adviser before taking this step.

Having permission to remain in the UK as a student means that the immigration authorities in this country have given you permission to enter and stay here to study on a full-time, organised, daytime course.

If you take a leave of absence you will be required to go home and re-enter the UK only when you resume full-time study. You must apply for a new Student visa before returning to the UK. If you stay in the UK when not studying full-time this could result in deportation. Please note that self-study does not count as full-time organised study.

If you haven't already done so, you should discuss taking a leave of absence with your course supervisor/ director.

Further information

Authorised absences for Student visa holders

The University of York acts as immigration sponsor for Student visa holders during their studies. If a sponsored international student’s studies are interrupted for personal or academic reasons, the University is normally required to withdraw its sponsorship and report this to the Home Office​.

There are limited circumstances in which the University will not withdraw its sponsorship of a student’s visa during a period of authorised absence:

Length of planned absence Can the absence be authorised?
Absence of 7 days or fewer

A sponsored international student may remain in the UK provided that they:

  • notify their department of their absence; and
  • register their illness via the self-certification procedure (if appropriate).
Absence of up to 30 days

A sponsored international student may remain in the UK provided that:

  • they seek prior authorisation for the absence from their department; and
  • their programme end date or submission deadline remains unchanged; and
  • the student continues to meet their expected points of contact throughout the duration of their absence.
Absence of between 31 and 60 days

A sponsored international postgraduate research student may remain in the UK provided that:

  • they seek prior authorisation for the absence from the Special Cases Committee; and
  • their programme end date or submission deadline remains unchanged; and
  • the student continues to meet their expected points of contact throughout the duration of their absence.
Absence of more than 60 days The student will need to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to re-enter the UK when ready to resume their studies.

If you have any questions, contact student-visa@york.ac.uk.

Transferring or changing courses

UKVI has introduced changes that may affect students changing, transferring or starting on a new course, or those who fail their course and are offered a lower award. If you have failed your course or are considering making any changes to your programme, you are strongly advised to contact the Immigration Advice Service. 

Information about transferring your course of study:

If you change your course of study from the one for which you were granted a visa, you must apply for a new visa before you can start your new studies. You may be required to leave the UK and apply for a new Student visa from your home country. You will not be able to start your course until you have applied for a new Student visa. If you fail to submit your application before your course start date, you will be placed on Leave of Absence and will have to leave the UK. See renewing your visa for more information.

Further information

Paying tuition fees

Tuition and accommodation fees should be paid directly to the University. Please keep a copy of the receipt. 

The University will never offer discounts on tuition or accommodation fees through third parties. 

  • Never give any money to a third party offering to pay your fees
  • Never respond to any emails requesting personal information

Related links

Financial problems?

We've put together advice for students about the cost of living, and sources of support if you're struggling financially.

You can apply for assistance funding if you find yourself in financial difficulty due to unexpected or unforeseeable events. For example:

  • financial support is stopped because of a sudden change in political situation in your home country
  • you suffer an injury, causing you to incur unexpected additional transport costs 
If you fail your course

If you fail your course and you have a Student visa, the University will notify UK Visas and Immigration, who will cancel your visa.

You will receive a University of York letter to advise you of your situation. The letter will confirm that you have 60 days from the date of the letter to either leave the UK or apply for another visa. You can only apply for another visa if you are accepted onto a different course of study and you must return home to make this application.

If you have a job, you must stop working from the date of the letter.

If you wish to submit an appeal, and are entitled to do so, you must still leave the UK within 60 days while waiting for the outcome. This is because you will no longer be studying full time on your current course, which is a condition of your Student visa.

Please speak to a University immigration adviser for more information.

Academic English language support

Writing Centre

The Writing Centre offers advice and guidance on academic writing, critical thinking and analysis skills, developing effective study habits and communication skills. It provides a range of courses, workshops, and one-to-one consultations for all international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Online grammar checkers

You should not rely on grammar checkers when preparing written work, but they can be useful to help you check your work. LanguageTool is one example that you can try out. 

Developing your skills

The Library, Writing Centre, Maths Skills Centre, and Careers and Placements all offer ways to help you develop your study skills and enhance your future employability.

Language support

We support your language development in a range of ways, including:

  • general English classes
  • academic skills sessions and resources highlighting academic language
  • conversational and social opportunities for mixing with others

Related links

International Student Support Self-Referral Form
Use this form to contact us with any queries - we aim to respond within three working days.

Find other contact details on our Contact us page.

Studying at York - information for all students.