International Student Support

What We Do

Our International Student Support Team are here to help you throughout your studies with any immigration queries you may have. If you require a Student Route Visa extension or if you are switching to a Start-up visa, it is International Student Support who will assist you with this process.

Airport Arrival Service

The University provides an Airport Arrival Service for new students arriving at Newcastle International Airport (NCL) to put you at ease for when you arrive. Our Arrivals team will help you arrange transport from Newcastle International Airport to your University accommodation.

Arrival Guide

This online guide has been produced by the Gateway & International Student Support Team and is intended to provide information that you may find useful prior to travelling to the UK, ensuring your transition to life and study is as smooth as possible.

Student Route Visa

If you are an international student planning to come to the UK to study for longer than 6 months, you will likely require a Student Route Visa. All the information below explains how to apply for a Student Route Visa, and how changes to your course and study status can impact your leave in the UK. 

Biometric Residence Permits

If you are applying to study at the University of Sunderland for 6 months or more, you will be issued with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Your BRP is the same size as a bank card and is issued by the UKVI. This is evidence that you have valid leave in the UK.  

EU Settlement

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

If your application is successful, you will either be granted settled or pre-settled status.

Dependants

We understand that you may want to bring family members with you to the UK during your time of study. International Student Support can advise you and your dependants around the Student Route Visa application process.  

Start-up Visa

The Start-up Visa scheme is aimed at people who wish to establish a business in the UK.  The University of Sunderland is one of the UK Higher Education Institutions authorised to endorse a limited number of Start-up visas per year.  

Graduate Route Visa

From 01 July 2021 the Graduate Route visa will be live. The Graduate Route visa is a new work visa route for graduates who have a degree or other relevant qualifications from an approved UK Higher Education provider. It will be like the old Tier 1 Post-Study Work route visa that ended in 2012. Most successful applicants will be granted two years. PhD graduates will be granted three years.