Covid-19 FAQs

UK universities are continuing to deliver the high-quality teaching the UK is known for, while ensuring that the safety of students and staff remains top priority.

The UK government has removed all Covid-19 restrictions, meaning universities can teach all classes in person.

There are still measures in place at UK universities to keep everyone safe. Hand sanitizers are available across UK campuses, and some universities recommend face coverings in indoor teaching settings.

View government guidance on face coverings for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you have any questions at all, please contact your university directly. Rest assured that you will be supported at every step before, during and after you travel to the UK for your studies.

We know that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause a lot of uncertainty about international study, and we’d like to reassure all international students that universities in the UK are looking forward to welcoming you here.

Since the start of the pandemic, UK universities have implemented a number of Covid-19 support services that international students can access, such as airport pick-up services, support through self-isolation periods and food packages. Universities are also offering increased mental health support during the pandemic, with many putting initiatives in place which support students to keep active and socialise safely.

Visit our ‘support while you study’ page for information on the variety of support available to international students in the UK.

There are not currently any Covid-19 restrictions in place for entering the UK.

Remember to check any guidance for departing your home country and any country you transit through on your way to the UK.

We know how daunting moving to another country can be, and we want to reassure you that universities are working hard to ensure that you know what to expect before you travel to the UK and are welcomed and supported on arrival and throughout your time at university.

Remember that travel rules are subject to change, so please continue to check the latest rules while making your plans, and stay in touch with your university for information and support.

You can view the travel guidance for the part of the UK you are studying in here:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

UK universities are offering a range of options to students to ensure they are supported on arrival to the UK.

This includes airport pickup services, mental health and wellbeing support, food and grocery deliveries and a range of inductions and welcome week activities so you can start to prepare for your studies and meet your fellow students.

Remember to stay in touch with your university as you make your travel plans, so they can ensure you are supported on arrival and throughout your time in the UK.

If you test positive for Covid-19 and need to self-isolate, you should inform your university as they will have measures in place to support you.

While self-isolating, there are lots of options available to you. Lots of local food supermarkets offer online delivery services. You can also order food online from local take-away restaurants to be delivered to your accommodation.

Please see the links below for more information:

• Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose

Take-away services:

• Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats

We recommend arranging an international bank account or bank card before you arrive in the UK, in case you are unable to open a bank account in your first few weeks. This will make it much easier for you to buy food and other essentials in case you need to self-isolate. Don’t bring large amounts of cash with you.

International students in the UK are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

In order to book a Covid-19 vaccine, international students should register with a local GP (General Practitioner) and get an NHS number. An 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. You can also find your NHS number using this tool.

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.

For more information on the UK’s vaccination programme, visit the NHS website.

For further questions about the Covid-19 vaccination and international students in England, visit the FAQs on the NHS website. Please note, this FAQ applies to England only. Students should refer to the relevant guidance for the part of the UK they are studying in, by visiting government websites for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government implemented a number of concessions to assist visa holders in the UK who were impacted by global travel and health restrictions.

This included offering extensions of visas, relaxing the rules on switching in the UK, and enabling international students to continue existing courses or commence new courses of study by distance learning (studying remotely) or blended learning (a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching).

Please note that the visa concessions for students related to blended and distance learning end on 30 June 2022.

View the full UK government guidance here.

The guidance states that if local social distancing measures in any part of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) mean that you cannot study in person, your institution can offer distance learning. In this instance, your university will inform you of any changes.

If you have any questions or concerns about what the end of these concessions mean for you, please contact your university as soon as possible.

Universities are on hand to support all students who are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need support – your university is there to help you. Find out more on UKCISA’s website.

The Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.

If you studied via distance or blended learning due to Covid-19 for any period of time until 30 June 2022, you can still apply for the Graduate Route, provided you meet the other requirements of the route. This is part of the UK government's Covid-19 student visa concessions.

Learn about the concessions here.

Please visit our EU student advice page for the latest information.