EEA students

If you are a student from the EEA or Switzerland you are entitled to enter the UK freely and to have the right of residence for the duration of their course. You may find it useful to apply for a registration certificate as confirmation of this right particularly if you have a partner or spouse who is not an EEA national and who wants to join you in the UK. 

EEA students also have a right to work but there are some differences for students from Bulgaria and Romania.

Can I claim any welfare benefits?

It is a condition of residence that you are able to support and accommodate yourself and your dependants without relying upon the social assistance system of the UK. However, current UK legislation means that a claim for benefit cannot be refused on this basis.

Most full-time students are prevented from claiming benefits. Certain groups may be eligible - these include part-time students, students with disabilities and lone parents. 

Nationals from the accession countries are not eligible for benefits unless they are lawfully working in the UK or are self-employed.

You should always seek advice before claiming benefits.

Am I entitled to health care?

Newly developed medical conditions

All EEA nationals and their families are entitled to receive full medical care from the National Health Service (NHS) for conditions that developed since arrival in the UK. This is regardless of the length of their course.

Pre-existing medical conditions

EEA nationals on courses of six months or more are also entitled to treatment for pre-existing conditions. Students on courses of less than six months duration will also be eligible for NHS treatment for pre-existing conditions provided they hold a European Health Insurance Card, available from their national authorities.