Overview
You will normally need a visa to study as a doctoral student in the UK as an international student. You will need to apply as part of the UK’s points-based Student Visa process, which is the same for undergraduate, Masters and PhD levels of study.
If you have been granted asylum, are recognised as a refugee or have long residence in the UK, you may not need a visa to study as an international student. The UK Council for International Student Affairs has comprehensive guidance for international students.
Eligibility
International students who meet the following criteria are able to apply for a student visa:
- You have been accepted to study at a UK institution as a student visa sponsor and granted confirmation of acceptance for studies.
- Your course is a full-time or part-time PhD at Ofqual level 7 or above
- You have the necessary English language skills for your course
- You have PhD funding, or the means by which to pay your fees and living costs yourself.
You are able to bring dependents to the UK if you are studying towards a doctorate or a research-based higher degree (i.e. Masters by research).
How to apply
Universities are required to ‘sponsor’ students’ visa applications. Once your chosen place of study has agreed to sponsor your application, you will receive a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). You can then apply for your UK Student Visa.
The university who sponsors you is responsible for confirming you meet the requirements for your course, including relevant qualifications and English language ability.
You apply for your student visa on the gov.uk website
Join our International Community
Find out more about the Visa & Immigration process.
If you are not a UK or Irish citizen you must have valid immigration permission allowing study in the UK before we can enrol you on a course at HSU.
Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) are delighted to announce a significant milestone for both institutions, as the process for CICM to join the HSU community is completed.
Health Sciences University is seeking additional Lay Members to join its Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC). This is a voluntary, unpaid role, open to members of the public. You do not need any experience of research or of university committees to take part.
Health Sciences University has become one of 50 founding signatories to the UK Government’s new Women in Research Charter, launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 July 2026.
Health Sciences University (HSU) joins other universities across the South including the University of Portsmouth, Southampton Solent University, the University of Chichester, Arts University Bournemouth and the University of Winchester, to create a Shared Virtual Technology Transfer Office (SV-TTO) - a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the Wessex region.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and UK Management College (UKMC) and have announced a new academic partnership that will expand access to high-quality higher education and create new opportunities for students across the north of England.
HSU graduate Ben Samways studied BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science before progressing into strength and conditioning with an MSc at Bournemouth University.
