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.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
Advance HE has published a new report that explores the merger which brought together AECC University College in Bournemouth and the University College of Osteopathy in London to create Health Sciences University (HSU).
This month, Claire Nadaf, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, and Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset and Visiting Professor at HSU, embarked on a nursing delegation to China.
Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a capital funding bid from the Office for Students to the value of £2,136,638.
HSU is delighted to welcome Laura Finucane as Honorary Associate Professor. A leading figure in musculoskeletal (MSK) health, Laura brings a wealth of clinical, academic and international leadership experience - and a deep passion for rethinking how we support people in our practice.
In October, HSU was pleased to celebrate the publication of the Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) study in BMJ Open.
