TB Testing
Students from certain countries must be tested for TB if they plan to study in the UK for longer than 6 months.
Tests must be carried out at an approved clinic and TB Test Certificates are valid for 6 months after they are issued.
If you are resident in a country where TB testing is mandatory, you will not be able to apply for a student visa without a
valid TB Test Certificate to support your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TB test?
If you are resident in a country where TB screening is mandatory, you will need to take a TB test if you want to
study in the UK for more than 6 months. If you are extending a UK Student Visa from your own country, you will not need another
TB test, provided you have not been away from the UK for longer than 6 months.
In which countries is TB screening mandatory?
The UK Government maintains a list of countries for which TB testing is mandatory.
For a full list, see Further Information below.
Where can I get screened for TB?
You must get screened at a clinic that is approved by the UK Government. For a list of approved clinics in your country, see Further Information below.
When you book your TB test, make sure you tell them that you need the test to support your UK student visa application. It usually takes a few days
to get an appointment and results are available within a day or two. But it can take longer at busy periods (e.g. Jun - Aug and Sep - Dec).
What does the test involve?
The initial test is a simple chest X-ray. If there is no sign of TB, no further tests will be required. If there are signs of TB, you will
be asked to return for further tests. Typically, it takes 3 days for additional tests.
What if I am found to be infected with TB?
If you are infected with TB, you will not be granted a student visa until you are cured. A full course of treatment takes approximately 6 months.
You will need to retake the test before applying for your visa.
Also In This Section
Further Information
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