International Student Office

Miscellaneous visitors

This page provides links to information for international visitors who wish to come to the University for miscellaneous research, study or academic visits.

Before making an immigration application you should confirm details of your visit with the relevant academic department.  They will usually need to provide you with a document for immigration purposes.  You should choose the immigration category that best describes the purpose of your visit, taking care to ensure that you meet all of the requirements (see links below).

If you have a general visit visa, you are not entitled to study or undertake any study related activities. The University will not be able to register those who present this kind of visa.

Visits from student visitors wishing to undertake taught studies

If you want to visit Leeds for a taught course, you must contact the appropriate office:

Undergraduate Admissions – .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Taught Postgraduate Admissions - .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Language Centre – .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Study Abroad / Exchange– .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Academic Visitors

Academic Visitors fall under the Business Visitor category. Please see the definition and requirements for an academic visit here.

If you meet the requirements as an academic visitor, you will need a formal letter of invitation from the University.  See the application form (VAF1E) in the above link for a full list of supporting documents required.

Miscellaneous Research Visitors

There are different visa arrangements for the different categories of international student visitors as follows:

Very short visits (of up to one month)

You will require a Student Visitor Visa.  Find out more

Your School will need to provide you with a Student Visitor Letter. This visa status entitles the holder to remain in the UK for a period of up to 6 months and CANNOT be extended. No work, paid or unpaid, is permitted. 

Visits to Leeds for periods of time between one and six months

You will require a Student Visitor Visa.  Find out more

You will need to complete a simple application form to apply to the University of Leeds. If you are accepted your School will then provide you with a Student Visitor Letter.

This visa status entitles the holder to remain in the UK for a period of up to 6 months and CANNOT be extended. No work, paid or unpaid, is permitted. 

You can then register on-line as a miscellaneous research non-degree (non-award bearing) student via the normal on-line registration route and obtain a student ID card. 

Visits to Leeds for periods of time of more than 6 months

You will require a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. Find out more on our Tier 4 pages. Please note: UK Border Agency (UKBA) regulations require the University to monitor the attendance of all Tier 4 student visa holders.  Extended, unauthorised absence must be reported to UKBA.

You will need to complete a simple application form to apply to the University of Leeds. If you are accepted, the University will send you an offer letter with further information.