Attendance requirements for international students - UK

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If you’re an international student attending a UK university, there are additional attendance requirements that you should be aware of. Not attending your classes or not engaging with your studies can even result in your visa being withdrawn in extreme cases.  

Although this sounds scary, you won't have any issues as long as you attend all your classes (or let your lecturer know that you can’t attend).  

We’ve put together this guide on the attendance requirements for international students to study in the UK to help you out. This guide will cover the following:  

• How to maintain your attendance
• How your university monitors your attendance
• What will happen if you have poor attendance
• What you need to do if you’re withdrawing from your course

How to maintain your attendance  

To meet the attendance requirements of your Student Visa (previously called the Tier 4 Visa), you must attend all of your lectures, seminars, meetings, tutorials and other classes. 

Contact your academic department immediately if you cannot attend a class because of an unavoidable absence. Your department should have a handbook which will include information on informing them of absences. 

If you’re unwell, you might need to submit a self-certification, extenuating circumstances form, or a leave of absence form for longer absences.  

To maintain your attendance during higher education, you should also: 

• Complete all assignments, practicals, or other coursework.
• Attend all exams. 
• Make your university or department aware of any personal circumstances or issues affecting your attendance or ability to engage in your studies. 

• Keep any appointments to meet with the members of your department (such as your supervisor, personal tutor, or mentor). 
• Check your emails regularly and reply to any emails about your attendance or engagement. 
• Contact your university if you’re concerned about your attendance or have many unexplained absences. 

Remember that there are also strict rules on working during term time for international students, even if you’re absent from university. Have a look at our blog: ‘International students: UK working hours’, for more detailed information. 

 

University policies on attendance for international students  

Your university will monitor attendance for UK students. However, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires all universities to record and monitor the attendance of Student Visa holders, in particular. If you're an international student studying a full-time course in the UK, UKVI can request access to your attendance records. If your university has concerns about your attendance, they have to take action.  

If your attendance is considered unsatisfactory by your academic department, you might be withdrawn from your course, and your Student Visa will be cancelled.  

How is your attendance monitored? 

How your university monitors your attendance will depend on your university and the type of course you study. Generally, if you're a taught student, your attendance will be recorded at all timetabled sessions and classes. Your supervisor will record any meetings or research proposals if you're a research student. 

If you're on a work placement or studying abroad, then your university will likely monitor your attendance through regular check-ins. 

How will your university identify attendance concerns?  

Your university will regularly review your attendance data and assess if you meet the university’s and UKVI's attendance requirements. Action will likely be taken if you have a series of unexplained and unauthorised absences or have been absent from your studies for a significant period of time. Unauthorised absences are those that the university was not informed about in advance or where there was no suitable reason for the absence.  

What action will be taken if there are attendance concerns? 

Initially, your academic department will likely deal with any attendance concerns. This might include an email to offer support or a meeting to discuss any issues you may have that are affecting your attendance.  

If your poor attendance continues, your university will likely involve the department dealing with international students (for example, it might be called International Student Support). This usually starts with a warning email, followed by a meeting if the issue is unresolved.  

If your attendance then still continues to be a concern, it will escalate. You might have to attend a visa attendance panel or a formal meeting. This will allow you to present any evidence and a written statement explaining your absences.  

As a result of this meeting, you might be withdrawn from your course, given a Leave of Absence, or given actions or targets to complete to help improve your attendance. 

 

Withdrawing or suspending your studies  

If you suspend your students or withdraw from your course, your university legally has to inform UKVI and withdraw sponsorship of your Student visa. Your Student Visa will then be cancelled, and you must leave the UK. 

Student accommodation for international students  

At UniHomes, we have a huge range of student properties in student cities across the UK. Every property comes with all bills included, so you don’t have to stress about setting up or paying utility bills - you can focus on your studies and attending your course! 

Check out what student properties we have near your university to find the perfect place to live next year.