BEFORE YOU LEAVE

UK Short-term Study Visa

What is a UK Short-term Study Visa?

The UK Short-term Study Visa is a specialised immigration route designed for international students aged 16 or over who wish to undertake English language courses in the United Kingdom. This visa allows you to study an English language course in the UK between six and 11 months, making it an ideal option for students seeking intensive language immersion programs.

Unlike the standard Student visa route, the Short-term Study Visa is specifically tailored for English language study only and comes with certain restrictions, including no work permissions and no ability to bring dependants to the UK.

Who is Eligible for a Short-term Study Visa?

Age Requirements

You must be 16 or older when you apply for a Short-term Study Visa.

Course Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet specific course criteria:

• You must be accepted onto an English language course which is at least six months and no longer than 11 months in duration at an accredited provider.
• The course must consist only of English language study and cannot be combined with other subjects.
• The English language course does not need to lead to a specific qualification.
• There are no minimum academic requirements for immigration purposes; the course can be at any level.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the UK without needing to work or access public funds.

Short Courses Under 6 Months: Alternative Options

If your course is up to six months, you cannot use a Short-term Student visa and should instead check to see if you are eligible to study the course as a visitor. For courses lasting up to 30 days, you may be able to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, and depending on your nationality, you might even be able to travel visa-free or with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Accredited Institutions and Providers

UK Accredited Institutions

If studying with a UK provider, they must be accredited by one of the following bodies:

Eligible Overseas Providers

You can also study with an overseas higher education institution where part of your English language course takes place in the UK, provided the institution:

• Holds its own national accreditation
• Offers no more than half of its educational programme in the UK
• Offers programmes equivalent to a UK degree

How to Apply for a Short-term Study Visa

Application Process

You must apply for and receive a Short-term Student visa before you arrive in the UK. The application must be submitted online through the official UK government website, and you can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date.

Application Fee and Costs

The visa application costs £214 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee which is currently £776. Processing typically takes up to 3 weeks, though faster processing may be available depending on your location.

Required Documentation

Your application must include:

Essential Documents:

• Your current travel document, such as a passport or other travel document
• A letter of acceptance from an accredited institution stating that you have been accepted onto an English language course and the length of the course
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover course fees, living expenses, and return travel
• Biometric information (fingerprints and facial image)

Financial Evidence Requirements:

• Evidence of funds which show that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in the UK
• Proof that you can pay your course fees or evidence of payment
• Evidence that you can meet the cost of your return or onward journey from the UK

Additional Requirements:

• Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable based on travel history)
• Translation of any documents not in English or Welsh

Special Requirements for Under-18 Applicants

If you're under 18, you must provide:

• Written confirmation from both your parents or legal guardian that they consent to your application
• Evidence of your living and care arrangements in the UK
• Proof of your relationship to parents/guardians providing consent
• Details of travel and reception arrangements

Processing Timeline:

• Apply online up to 3 months before your course starts
• Expect a decision within 3 weeks of biometrics submission
• After approval, you'll receive a vignette visa in your passport and will have it stamped on arrival in the UK

Costs & Healthcare (IHS)

• The visa fee is approximately £214
• You'll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — around £776, granting access to the NHS during your stay

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Short-term Study Visa

Permitted Activities

• Study only the English language course for which you were granted permission
• Access to the National Health Service (NHS) through the Immigration Health Surcharge

Prohibited Activities

• You cannot do any kind of work, work placement or work experience during your studies in the UK
• You cannot engage in any business or professional activities in the UK
• No access to public funds
• Cannot extend your visa while in the UK
• Cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK
• Cannot bring family members or dependants
• You must participate only in the specific approved course.
• Leave the UK within 30 days of course completion
• Cannot register in state-funded schools, only with accredited private institutions

Duration of Stay and Exit Requirements

If you are successful, you will get permission to study in the UK for 11 months. However, you must intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your study or when your visa expires, whichever comes first.

Upon approval, you will get a vignette (stamp in your passport) for 90 days, and you will have to enter the UK within the validity of this 90-day vignette.

Multiple Applications and Successive Use

If you use the visa on multiple occasions, the Home Office will generally be expecting each course you study to be "a higher level of English Language proficiency". The guidance suggests progression through CEFR levels (e.g., B1 to B2), though exceptions may apply if you haven't achieved the expected proficiency.

If you apply for a second Short-term Study Visa within two months of leaving the UK, this may be viewed as an attempt to circumvent immigration rules and could result in refusal.

Family Members and Dependants

The Immigration Rules do not allow a Short-term Student to bring family members to the UK. If your family members wish to accompany you, they must apply separately as Standard Visitors, which would limit their stay to a maximum of six months.

If Your Application is Refused

If your Short-term Study Visa application is refused, you have two options:

1. Apply for an administrative review within 28 days of the refusal date, costing £80
2. Submit a new application (though this leaves the refusal on your immigration record)

Comparing Visa Options for UK Study

Short-term Study Visa vs Student Visa

Short-term Study Visa vs Student Visa

• English language courses between 6-11 months
• No intention to work in the UK
• No need for family accompaniment
• Seeking a simpler, unsponsored application process

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Apply up to 3 months before travel, allowing time for processing
• Financial Planning: Ensure you have sufficient funds clearly documented
• Course Selection: Verify your institution is properly accredited
• Document Preparation: Ensure all documents are translated and certified
• Genuine Student Intent: Clearly demonstrate your intention to study and return home

What’s New in UK Immigration Policy?

• Shorter post-study work visas (now 18 months instead of 2 years)
• Stricter visa compliance, application standards, and making it harder to bring dependents

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I work part-time on a Short-term Study Visa? v

  • A: No, any form of work, including part-time employment, internships, or work experience, is strictly prohibited.  

• Q: Can I extend my Short-term Study Visa? v

  • A: No, extensions are not permitted. You must leave the UK and reapply from your home country if you wish to continue studying.

• Q: What if my course is exactly 6 months? v

  • A: For courses lasting exactly 6 months or less, you should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead of a Short-term Study Visa.

• Q: Do I need health insurance? v

  • A: You'll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application, which provides access to NHS services.

• Q: Can I travel to other countries during my studies? v

  • A: While possible, frequent travel may raise questions about your genuine intention to study. Ensure you can re-enter the UK within your visa validity.