FAQ | British Council

Do you want to receive our news? If you want to receive our newsletter comfortably in your email, sign up!

For further updates on EU students moving to the UK we recommend our Study UK site.

1. Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

Yes, if your studies in the UK are longer than six months a year, you need a visa. Language courses lasting less than six months are exempt from this requirement. Your university will be able to provide you with guidance and support on this. Your university is your sponsor for the visa application and entry to the UK. You can see latest information about the visa application process on the UK Government's webpage.

2. Will qualifications gained in UK universities be officially recognised in Spain?

Yes, university qualifications are still recognised. However, qualifications for professions which are regulated will require acceptance by the regulator of the profession unless there is a bilateral agreement between the UK and Spanish government or between the UK and Spanish regulators of the profession.

3. Can I access a Spanish university with British qualifications?

Yes. On 3 July 2023, an agreement was signed between the Spanish Ministry of Education, universities from both countries and the UK Department for Education to ensure that students with UK qualifications maintain their options to study at Spanish universities under similar conditions to students from other EU countries. They will be able to access university without taking the EBAU if their cut-off mark is lower than ten and they will have to sit the specific part to raise their mark if a higher cut-off mark is required.

4. Can I stay and work in the UK once I finish my degree or postgraduate qualification?

The new Graduate Route, launched on 1 July 2021, enables you to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years (or three years for PhD students) after graduation. This is a fantastic opportunity for international students that will help you to take your next steps into employment after graduation in the UK.

5. How can I legalise my UK qualification certificates?

The British Council and the British Consulates in Spain are not able to provide assistance with certifying or legalising UK educational documents. There are agencies online that will both certify and legalise your documents. Get in touch with education@britishcouncil.es so that we can provide you with some links, or search the internet.

6.How can I understand the basics of the UK education system for a successful application?

The British Council Guide is a good starting point. We also recommend that you navigate the Study UK website and UCAS website.