Visas for Short-term Summer Education Abroad Programs

"Do I Need a Visa?" Advising U.S. Students regarding Summer Programs

For short-term summer education abroad programs, a number of countries do not require a student to obtain a visa in advance. U.S. students may be allowed to enter the country as a "visitor" or "tourist," which in some countries does not require the student to make prior arrangements to obtain permission to enter. However, there are notable exceptions and special requirements in some countries, including the UK and Italy. Make sure your students have checked with the country's consulate to know whether they need a student visa before they go.

The lists below include examples of the policies in different countries related to short-term programs.

Note: visa requirements for any country are subject to change. To confirm the information for a specific country, please see the Embassy or Consulate Web site for that country. A full list of foreign embassies and/or consulates is available on the U.S. Department of State Web site Country Specific Information.

Examples of Countries That Do NOT Require a Visa for Short-term Study Abroad Programs

• Australia (if less than 3 months)
• Canada (if 6 months or less)
• China (if less than 6 months)
• Czech Republic (if less than 90 days)
• New Zealand (if less than 3 months)

Examples of Countries that REQUIRE a Visa for Short-term Study Abroad Programs

France

• While France does not require a “student visa” for programs less than 90 days, France does still require a “short stay student visa” for any studies at a French institution for less than 90 days.
• The student will need to apply using a short stay visa application form and include the same documents required for a long-stay student visa with the application when submitted to the French consulate.
  • Note: the student does NOT need to register with CampusFrance before applying for a short stay.
• For more information on how to apply for a “short stay student visa,” see:
  • Embassy of France Web page on Visas for U.S. Citizens
  • Web page of the Consulat General of France in Washington Studies in France for less than 90 days: short stay visa

Italy

• Italy requires a student visa for any study program, regardless of duration.
• Some institutions report that a number of consulates have stated that there are situations when a student visa is not needed, especially in regard to U.S. "island" programs abroad that do not have designated classroom space. However, according to the Italian Embassy visa office, "Any study course requires a visa, provided that it gives credits. It is not relevant that there is not a designated classroom space." Students are advised to consult with the local consulate for more information.

United Kingdom

• The UK requires a student visa for any study program with an internship component, regardless of duration of the program and regardless of whether the internship is for academic credit.
• For study programs under six months that do not have an internship component, a U.S. citizen may enter as a "Visitor/student," which does not require pre-entry clearance (a visa).
  
• Note: Even under the "Visitor/student" category, the UK requires that the student's program is listed on the Register of Education and Training Providers.
  
• Read more online at UK Student Visa Requirements

May a Student Obtain a Student Visa In-country if they Decide to Stay Longer to Study?

Some countries, including Spain and the UK, do not allow a student to extend their stay and acquire a student visa for a longer program while the student is still in the country. Students in these countries would be required to return to the U.S. to obtain a student visa, and need to plan accordingly to ensure they have enough time to obtain the visa and return for the longer program.