Attending graduation

If your Student visa is still valid at the time of your Graduation 

For Non-Visa and Visa nationals, if your Student visa is still valid at the time of your Graduation ceremony, then you can attend the ceremony while on your valid Student visa. No replacement visa will be required.  

Please still ensure to leave the UK prior to your visa expiring to not become an overstayer, unless you have submitted a valid, in-time application from inside of the UK for another visa route (such as the Graduate Visa), and consequently, can remain inside of the UK under ‘3C leave’ while the application is pending. 

What happens if your Graduation is after your visa expiration date 

Non-visa nationals 

Non-visa nationals can apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You will need to check here to see if you can apply for an ETA. More information on how to apply for an ETA can be found here.  

Once you have obtained your ETA, you will be able to enter the UK as a visitor for up to a maximum of 6 months.  

More information on the Standard Visitor visa route and ETA can be found here.  

Visa nationals 

Visa nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Standard Visitor visa from outside the UK, prior to travelling to the UK.   

A graduation letter proves that you are expected to attend your graduation ceremony. It can be used to help obtain permission for yourself, relative or friend to travel to the UK as a visitor.   

Once your graduation ceremony dates have been published online, and there is sufficient expectation that you will complete your course, you can request a letter by emailing your student hub.  

Please allow a minimum of 3 working days for the letter to be issued.  

You will need to meet the usual requirements to be eligible for the Standard Visitor visa, more information on the Standard Visitor visa route and its requirements can be found here.