Study in the UK
for up to six months
Everyone can study as a visitor for up to six months
International students can study in the UK for up to six months as visitors. All students travelling to the UK for up to six months need either a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Who needs a visa?
Students who are from countries on the ETA national list need to apply for permission to travel to the UK.
All other nationalities need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa before they travel. See key facts below.
In all cases, students are able to study flexibly in the UK for up to six months. They are allowed to study at any institution that has an accreditation recognised by the UK government. All language centres that are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English are suitable. Students are allowed to change course or change provider within the six month period in the UK.
See who needs an ETA and who needs a visa.
Notes for students arriving with an ETA
Some students who hold an ETA will be able to use the electronic passport gates (eGates). Students must at least 10 years old and have a biometric symbol in the passport. See the list of countries that qualify to use the eGates.
All other students will speak to a border officer who may give them a Standard Visitor stamp in their passport. The officer may ask the student about their plans, so the student should explain their intention to study and have the course confirmation letter to show as well as evidence of the money they have to pay for the course.
> Find out more about what happens at border control on the GOV.UK website
Note that all visitors from the European Union need a passport to enter the UK.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The ETA is a new requirement for all students who did not need a visa previously. An ETA is an application for permission to travel to the UK. Students must obtain this permission before they travel.
The ETA is not a visa. Students arriving with an ETA will obtain a Standard Visitor visa when they go through UK immigration control.
The cost of an ETA is £16. Apply at least 3 days before travel. When the application is approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to the passport. Find out more.
An ETA will be valid for 2 years. A new ETA is required if the passport changes before the end of this 2 year period. There is no limit on the number of times a visitor enters the UK during this period. The maximum length of stay per visit and study is 6 months.
School children aged 18 or under on French school trip
Students who are under the age of 18 and studying at a school or educational institution in France which is registered with the French Ministry of Education do not need to apply for an ETA or visa when entering the UK as part of a school group. The trip must be organised by the school or the institution and there must be five or more pupils in the group.
Key facts: Standard Visitor visa
- Visitors with a Standard Visitor visa are allowed to study in the UK flexibly during the validity of the visa, which is usually six months.
- Students can study at any UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
- Students can change course or change provider.
- No minimum level of English required.
- Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
- The application cost is GBP127.
How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
When and where to apply:
- Students can apply for a Standard Visitor visa up to three months before they travel.
- They can apply for the visa from anywhere in the world.
- The application form is on GOV.UK
- Read the GOV.UK visit guidance before applying
Required documents:
- Students need a current valid passport with a full blank page available for the visa.
- If the visitor plans to study in the UK during their visit, they should include a letter of confirmation from an approved accredited institution to show evidence of their plans. Students do not need to pay the full course fees before applying for a visa.
- Details of where they plan 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.
- 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.
Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:
- Students who are under 18 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
- If the student is 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 the student is 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, visitors need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provide biometric data: their photo and fingerprints.
Attending a visa application interview
Students applying for a Standard Visitor visa may be required to attend an interview. They should check their emails regularly, including the ‘junk’ folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their language centre for advice to help them prepare 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 English for up to 11 months with the Short-term study visa
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.
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.
Choose an accredited English language course
All international students, whether they study as a visitor or with a study visa, must study at an institution with a government-recognised accreditation.