Visa Requirements

General Visa Advice

EU Citizens

Students from EU countries do not require a visa to study in Portugal, France, or the Netherlands. However, you may need to register with the local police department upon arrival. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each of your mobility periods to ensure a smooth transition. EU citizens are not required to register with the police in the UK.

 

Non-EU Citizens

If you are from outside the EU, you must research visa requirements for all your mobility periods, including summer schools, and allow sufficient time to apply for each visa throughout the programme.

 

Useful Resources

 

Important Notes

The details below outline partner-specific visa arrangements. However, visa regulations can change frequently and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Further information will be provided before the start of the programme.

Study Visa for Lisbon, Portugal

EU Applicants

Students who are citizens of EU countries do not require a visa to study in Portugal.

 

Non-EU Applicants

Students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain a study visa before entering Portugal.

Since your studies will begin in Lisbon, University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) will issue an admissions letter, which you must present at your visa application appointment. Please refer to ISCTE's guidance on visa and residence permit applications.

 

Applying for a Portuguese Study Visa

  • You must apply for a study visa at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • It is recommended that you apply at least 1–2 months before departure.
  • Your admissions letter from ISCTE must be included in your application. This letter confirms your acceptance, the duration of your stay, and programme fees.

 

Important Note: French Visa for Semester 2

During Semester 1 in Lisbon, you will likely need to travel twice to the French Consulate in Madrid to obtain your French visa for Semester 2:

  • First visit – to complete your visa interview.
  • Second visit – to collect your visa once approved.

 

Why Madrid?

Anyone who is a legal resident in Spain, Andorra, or Portugal must apply for a French visa at the French Consulate in Madrid, as it is the only consulate in the Iberian Peninsula with a visa department.

 

For Portuguese Visa-related enquiries, contact Eduardo Rodrigues from ISCTE: eduardo.rodrigues@iscte-iul.pt.

Find out more

Student Visas for Paris, France

EU Applicants

Students who are citizens of EU countries do not require a visa to study in France. EU citizens do not need to register with the police upon arrival in France.

 

Non-EU Applicants

During Semester 1 in Lisbon, you will likely need to travel twice to the French Consulate in Madrid to obtain your French visa for Semester 2:

  1. First visit – to complete your visa interview.
  2. Second visit – to collect your visa once approved.

Anyone who is a legal resident in Spain, Andorra, or Portugal must apply for a French visa at the French Consulate in Madrid, as it is the only consulate in the Iberian Peninsula with a visa department.

 

Types of French Student Visas

VLS-T Étudiant Visa ("Student Temporary Long-Term" Visa)

  • Valid for 4 to 12 months.
  • Allows free travel within the Schengen Area.
  • Automatically valid upon arrival (no need to validate it at a préfecture).
  • Includes access to French social security (after registration at IESA Arts & Culture), which partially reimburses health expenses.
  • Cannot be extended beyond its validity.
  • Does not allow you to work while studying.
  • Not eligible for VISALE (the free rental deposit service) or housing subsidies from the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).

 

VLS-TS Étudiant Visa ("Long-Term Visa Used as Residence Permit")

  • Valid for 4 months to 1 year and must be validated upon arrival in France.
  • Allows free travel within the Schengen Area.
  • Allows work (up to 964 hours per year / 20 hours per week).
  • Eligible for:
    • VISALE (the free security deposit service for students).
    • CAF rental subsidies.
    • Visa extension beyond the original validity period.

 

Applying for a French Visa

If you live in one of the 46 countries in the “Studies in France” process and require a visa, you must complete your higher education registration via the Studies in France platform. Your visa application will then be automatically transferred to the French consular authorities in your country of residence.

 

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Students

IESA Arts & Culture will provide a Confirmation of Funding letter alongside the official confirmation of your Erasmus Mundus scholarship to assist with proof of funding for your visa application.

Find out more

Entry Visa & Dutch Residence Permit for Rotterdam, The Netherlands

EU Applicants

Students who are citizens of EU countries do not require a visa or residence permit to study in the Netherlands.

 

Non-EU Applicants

International students from outside the EU/EEA who will study at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) for more than 90 days must apply for an entry visa and/or a Dutch residence permit.

Check if you need a visa or residence permit here

 

Application Process

Once registered in Studielink, the Immigration Desk at Erasmus University Rotterdam will provide details on the application process.

Key Requirements:

  • Proof of Financial Means: Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their studies. The required amount (as stated on the invoice) must be transferred to EUR’s bank account (refundable) OR if receiving a scholarship, students must upload their scholarship letter.
  • Financial Documentation: Students may submit a tuition fee payment confirmation from the University of Glasgow or a scholarship letter.
  • Immigration Fee: A €210 processing fee applies.
  • Cost of Living: Students must show financial proof of approximately €975 per month for their stay in the Netherlands.
  • Document Translations: Any documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German must be translated by a certified translator (e.g., notary).
  • Health Requirements: Students may need to undergo tuberculosis (TB) testing upon arrival, unless exempt (see the EUR website for the exemption list).
  • Criminal Record Declaration: Students must confirm they do not have a criminal record.

 

Information for Chinese Students

Students from China must obtain a Nuffic Certificate before applying for an entry visa and/or a Dutch residence permit.

 

Processing Time

Once the visa and/or residence permit application is submitted, a decision typically takes 3–5 weeks.

Student Route Visa or Standard Visitor Visa for Glasgow, Scotland

EU Applicants

Students who are citizens of EU countries do not require a visa to study in Glasgow.

 

Non-EU Applicants

If you are an international student, including EU/EEA nationals, you will need to apply for either:

  • A Student Route Visa (valid for the full duration of the programme) or
  • A Standard Visitor Visa (valid for one semester only).

Find out more about the application process

 

Student Route Visa

To apply for a Student Route Visa, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University of Glasgow.

Key points:

  • CAS will be issued to all international students who have received and accepted an unconditional offer, typically three months before the programme starts.
  • Erasmus Mundus scholarship students will also receive a Confirmation of Funding letter to assist with proof of funding for the visa application.
  • Visa processing usually takes around three weeks.

 

Standard Visitor Visa

If you are applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, the University will issue a letter of support.

Key points:

  • This visa is only valid for one semester. If you need to return to the UK later in the programme, you must apply for another visa.
  • Non-visa nationals do not need to apply in advance but must present specific documentation and have their passport stamped upon entry to the UK.
  • If you enter the UK via eGates or travel via Dublin, you must retain your flight details or boarding pass to prove your entry date to the University’s Compliance team.
  • Check if you are a visa national for the UK here (select 'study' and '6 months or less' as the duration).

 

Student Responsibilities Under Student Route Visas

If the University of Glasgow issues you a CAS for a Student Route Visa, the University must comply with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, including:

  • Attendance monitoring and absence reporting.
  • Checking that you have the correct documentation (e.g., passport, UK biometric residence permit).
  • Ensuring you register on time and attend your course. If you are absent, you must inform your School.

Immigration Compliance in Glasgow

UKCISA Guidance: Protecting Your Student Status

 

Student Route Visa vs Standard Visitor Visa

When deciding between the Student Route and Standard Visitor Visa, please note:

  • Some embassies only accept visa applications from students who already hold a Student Route Visa.
  • If you may need to apply for another UK visa during your studies, a Student Route Visa is the better option.

 

For UK Visa-related enquiries, contact the University of Glasgow's International Student Support Team.