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Adult students

What type of documents to provide

This page explains what type of documents you must provide with your application form to apply to study in the United Kingdom and how we return them to you.

You must send original documents with your application as we do not accept copies.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must send a fully certified translation by a professional translator.

The documents to prove your availability of your money must be dated no more than one month before you submit your application.

More information

  • Original documents

    Documents must be issued by an authorised official of the issuing organisation and be:

    • original; and 
    • on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation.

    You must provide the correct documents to support your visa application with your application form. We will not contact you if you do not send the correct documents and may refuse your application.

  • Translated documents

    If one of your documents is not in English or Welsh, the original must be sent with a fully certified translation by a professional translator. This translation must include:

    • the translator's qualifications; 
    • confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
    • the date;
    • the translator's signature; and
    • the translator's contact details.

  • How we return your documents

    If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom, your documents will be returned to you by post to the address you provide on your application. If a representative makes an application on your behalf your documents will be returned to them. Your documents will be returned using recorded delivery. If you want your documents to be returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope. You can also arrange for your documents to be collected by courier at your own cost. If you would like to arrange a courier, put a courier request in writing by fax to 0114 207 5862.

    If you are outside the United Kingdom, your documents will be returned in the same way you sent them to us. For example, if you took them to a visa issuing post, the visa issuing post will return them to you.