Short-term study
(English language) visa
for English language courses
lasting six to eleven months
The short-term visa is for anyone over 16 years old who wants to study English in the UK for between six and 11 months. This includes students from EU and EEA countries. All international students need to choose an accredited course provider before making a visa application. All centres with the British Council accreditation are suitable.
If a student wants to study a different subject for longer than six months they need a Student visa. This includes an academic year or foundation course, or any programme that is not 100% English language.
Key facts: Short-term study visa
- No minimum level of English is required.
- Students must be 16 years old or above when they arrive in the UK.
- Students must have a plan to study at a UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
- The visa is only valid for study at the institution that is named on the application form.
- Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
- The application costs GBP200, plus GBP776 fee for the immigration health surcharge (see below).
- Extensions: students can extend their original course booking up to the end of their visa validity period (maximum of 11 months).
Application process: Short-term study visa
When and where to apply:
- Students can apply for a Short-term study visa up to three months before they travel.
- The application form is online on GOV.UK.
Immigration health surcharge
All students who apply for a visa for longer than six months must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online visa application. They will then be able to access national health services in the UK during their stay. This includes free doctors appointments and hospital services. For a visa that is valid for between six and 12 months, the cost is GBP776. The cost increases with the length of the visa. You can use the immigration health surcharge calculator.
Required documents:
- A current valid passport with a full blank page available for the visa.
- A letter of confirmation from a UK government-approved accredited institution. This needs to include the course name, duration and cost, including accommodation. Students do not need to pay the full cost before making a visa application.
- Details of where the student plans to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
- Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs. Learn more about providing evidence. Students do not need to pay the full course fees, travel or accommodation costs before applying.
- Certified translations are required for any documents that are not in English. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
- Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK. Read the full GOV.UK application guidance before submitting the application form.
Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:
- Students must be 16 years old when they arrive in the UK to be eligible for the Short-term study visa.
- Students who are under 18 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
- If they are travelling on their own they must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or their legal guardian. Ask the language centre for a template letter to ensure this meets the requirements.
- If they are travelling with an adult over 18 years old who is not their parent or guardian, they need to name the adult on the visa application. This name will appear on the student’s visa. Two adults can be named on the application and the student must arrive with at least one of them.
- Find full details on GOV.UK.
Attending a visa application centre
After submitting the application form and required documents, most students need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provider biometric data: their photo and fingerprints. EEA nationals do not need to attend an application centre if they have a biometric chip in their passport. Instead, they scan their passport through an app.
Check if local application centres are open
Most visa application centres are now open. Find a visa application centre to check. If local visa application centres are closed due to Covid-19, it is still possible to start the process online. See the UKCISA website for details.
Attending a visa application interview
Students may be required to attend an interview. Students should check their emails regularly, including the ‘junk’ folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their Sponsor institution for advice if they are preparing for an interview.
Response times
Students can usually expect a response within three weeks. Some visa application centres offer a priority service for an additional fee, though service times are not guaranteed. Students should apply for their visa at the earliest possible opportunity, up to three months before their planned travel date.
More on UK student visas
Study for up to 6 months
as a visitor
Many students can study in the UK for up to six months without a visa. Some nationalities need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa in advance of their trip.
Study English for longer than 11 months with the Student visa
A Student visa is required for international students who want to study English in the UK for longer than 11 months.
Covid-19 travel information
Covid-19 restrictions are reducing in the UK due to a successful vaccination programme. Find out everything you need to know about travel, student visa requirements and what to expect in the UK.