Studying and living in the UK

Accommodation, health and family

• How do I find somewhere to live in the UK?
• Can my children go to school in the UK?
• Can I get free health care while I study in the UK?
• Do I need insurance?
• Can I use my driving licence from home to drive in the UK?

How do I find somewhere to live in the UK?

You will need to arrange some form of accommodation before you arrive in the UK, even if it is only temporary.

Accommodation

Can my children go to school in the UK?

If your children are aged between 5 and 16, they can attend state primary and secondary schools in the UK, as long as they are here as your dependants. You will not have to pay for this. However, schools may sometimes refuse places to children if they consider their stay in the UK will be too short, or if the schools have no free places. You can find out about the education system in the British Council's Education Information Note Choosing a state-funded school. You can find out about schools near you on the UK Government website.

Your family's immigration

Can I get free health care while I study in the UK?

If you are on a course lasting six months or more you can get treatment from the National Health Service (NHS) from the beginning of your stay. You will not have to pay for hospital treatment, but you may have to pay for some dental treatment and a standard charge for medicines prescribed by a doctor, depending on your income. This also applies to your spouse or civil partner and children. Children under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education, do not normally have to pay for any treatment.

Keeping healthy

Do I need insurance?

Endsleigh, in association with UKCISA, has produced an insurance policy specifically designed for International Students. You should consider purchasing both Possessions Insurance, to protect belongings, and medical insurance to protect yourself. Both can be provided by Endsleigh.

If you are not entitled to treatment under the National Health Service, you should make sure you have adequate medical insurance to cover medical costs, if you fall ill, and also to cover the additional possible costs resulting from illness. These can be substantial, and include:

• Loss of fees if you are unable to complete your course
• Additional treatment and medical expenses not covered by the National Health Service
• Costs of returning home if a relative is taken ill
• Costs of a relative visiting you in the UK if you fall ill
• Returning to your home country for treatment

Even if you are entitled to free National Health Service treatment whilst in the UK, you should consider taking out insurance which covers the above additional costs.

Can I use my driving licence from home to drive in the UK?

This will depend on where your licence was issued. You might be able to drive using your current licence for up to 12 months and then take a driving test. Alternatively, you might be able to exchange your licence for a British licence or apply for a provisional licence and then take the test.

Driving in the United Kingdom

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