When you arrive at Swansea University, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK. BRP cards are issued to students who undertake study for a period of greater than 6 months.  The BRP is a credit-card sized document which resembles a British driving licence.  This contains both your personal and biometric information and confirms your immigration permission in the UK.

During the main enrolment events in September/October you will be able to pick up your BRP card from the enrolment venue itself.  At other times of the year you will need to make an appointment to collect the BRP card from your campus of study:

Singleton Campus

Bay Campus

You should check your BRP collection letter to see where you selected the BRP to be delivered to.  If you didn’t use Swansea University’s alternative location code, your BRP will be delivered for collection at a Swansea Post Office instead.

On collection of your BRP card, you must check to ensure the details are correct and accurate.  This includes:

  • Your correct personal details.
  • The correct end date on the BRP card as follows:
    • Courses of more than 12 months in length - the course end date plus 4 months;
    • Courses between 6 and 12 months in length - the course end date plus 2 months;
    • Pre-sessional courses of less than 6 months - the course end date plus 1 month;
    • Courses that last less than 6 months that are not a pre-sessional course - the course end date plus 7 days
  • The University’s Sponsor License number (18UEHPGX4)
  • Type of Permit (Student Route)
  • Work Hours (Work 20hrs max in term-time) if doing RQF6 level study or above

If you do identify any error on your BRP (with the exception of your full name not fitting on the card) you must go and see the International@CampusLife team who will advise on the process for correction.  Please see: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/international-campuslife/ for the times you can see them.  (These are called drop-in sessions on their website).

You can also find further information about the BRP card at: Biometric Residence Permit (BRPC) - Swansea University

Before you can begin your studies, Student Compliance Services will need to take copies of your valid passport and valid BRP card.  This is called a Right to Study check.

You must make sure you fully understand and follow all of the conditions of your student route (previously Tier 4) visa. You must quickly respond to emails from Swansea University staff regarding your visa and study situation.  This helps to make sure the University can fulfil its Sponsor licence duties too.  You will be required to read and sign a student route (previously Tier 4) student declaration confirming this.