Do I need a student visa?

A visa is an authorization stamped into your passport by a foreign government. Student status abroad often requires a visa. Studying abroad is different from being a tourist. Not all countries require visas for North American visitors. Visit the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Foreign Entry Requirements for visa requirements by country.

Semester and Year-Long Programs

 
Among the countries where UST sponsors programs, visas are required for:
Australia, Austria, China, Denmark, UK (more than 6 months), France, Japan, Italy, Spain, Chile, Ecuador, India, New Zealand, Uganda, Jordan

Visas are not required for:
Germany, Ireland; or for less than 6 months in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) unless you are participating in an internship or service learning.

Most visas must be obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit. Usually you must submit your passport, an application form, and a processing fee if required. If possible, apply for a "multiple entry" rather than a "single entry" visa. If you have petitioned to study in another country, be sure to check on visa requirements.

Short-Term Programs

The program sponsor will facilitate obtaining student visas for programs that travel to countries where US citizens are required to obtain a visa. The program sponsor will contact you regarding necessary paperwork. Most visas require at least one (sometimes more) passport photos. Students will be notified how many photos they will need in their acceptance letter.