Health Checks

Health Checks Before Your Arrival in the UK

As a part of your visa application you may be asked to take part in a medical examination. As such it may be wise to be aware of the following information:

Tuberculosis (TB)

If you are coming to study in the UK for more than 6 months and you are from a country where there is a risk of TB infection, and you have not had a vaccination, you will need to go to an approved Home Office TB testing centre and receive a certificate that shows that you don’t have TB after having a medical test.

You will need to provide the medical certificate along with your other documents when applying for your visa. You should bring a doctor’s letter, and if required, a recent chest x-ray with you when you travel. Many countries are already screening applicants who are coming to the UK for more than 6 months. If you are tested and are free from TB you will be issued with a certificate confirming the same.

For more information visit the Home Office website.

Other Immunisations

The Department of Health has recommended vaccination against meningitis C following outbreaks of the strain in university students in the UK. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction of the disease. The best time to have this vaccination is before coming to university to allow enough time for immunity to develop.

You should approach your doctor at least two weeks, ideally one month, before you are due to arrive. It is important to note that this vaccination does not provide protection against other strains of meningitis. If you choose to have the vaccination you should bring your vaccination certificate or card with you.

If you are unable to have this done before you arrive you will be able to obtain the vaccination here, when you have registered with a doctor. Any questions you have about the vaccine are best discussed with your family doctor. Usually by the time UK students have reached the age of 16 they will also have completed their immunisation against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and TB. It is best that you check your immunisation status against these diseases before arrival.