Students are expected to study on the University of Bristol’s premises or at a temporary location we authorise.  Remote study is not permitted on a student visa, except for in exceptional circumstances  such as work placements, study abroad or fieldwork/research, when you may be permitted to be based at another location whilst continuing to engage with your course. Absences from Bristol must be a requirement of the course or your research; remote study for personal reasons will not be approved as a change in study location whilst you hold a Student visa. 

If you wish to do this, you must discuss this with your personal tutor or academic supervisor first. If this arrangement is agreed, you must contact your School or Faculty office to request that they submit  a Change in Study Location form.  

Once this is done, our colleagues in the Compliance team will assess the request and let you know if your requested absence from Bristol will affect your current visa.   

If you are permitted to leave the UK for longer than 60 days and continue your studies remotely the University will have to report a change in your study location to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This is to notify them that we, as your Student visa sponsor, are aware that you are temporarily studying outside the UK, so that upon your return UK Border Officers do not question your absence from the country or your engagement in your studies. 

Reporting a change in study location, where sponsorship is continued,will not cancel your visa and it should still be valid when you return to the UK to continue your studies.  

If your proposed remote study is for personal reasons or you notify us that you are leaving the UK and do not plan to come back on your Student visa, the University will have to withdraw your Student visa sponsorship. This will result in your visa being cancelled and you having 60 days to leave the UK. During these 60 days you will not be able to leave the country and re-enter on your Student visa. 

If you are subsequently required to return to the UK to complete your studies, you can request a CAS to apply for a new Student visa.When you are ready to return to the UK, you can contact the Student Visas team for further advice: student-visa-advice@bristol.ac.uk.   

Please be aware that changes to your study location could impact your eligibility to apply for the Graduate route visa.