The Short Term Study visa is designed for international students wishing to undertake short-term academic or English language courses in the UK. It is commonly used for courses lasting up to six months, or up to 11 months specifically for English language studies. Unlike longer-term student visas, it is tailored for temporary stays and does not allow work, internships, or access to public funds.
Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted onto an eligible course at an accredited institution and provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Valid health insurance and proof of accommodation arrangements are also typically required.
One of the key risks for applicants is misunderstanding the visa’s limitations, such as the inability to extend the visa, switch to another visa type, or bring dependants. Any breach of these terms can lead to visa refusal or entry bans. Additionally, applicants must ensure all supporting documentation is accurate and complete to avoid processing delays or rejection.
Visas to study in the UK
There are three main immigration options for international students coming the UK:
Short term study visa
The short term study visa is an immigration route specifically designed for students aged 16 or over wanting to undertake an English language course in the UK of between 6 to 11 months at an accredited institution.
The rules relating to short term study visas are set out under Appendix Short-term Student (English language) of the Immigration Rules.
This is an unsponsored route, where sponsored study for persons aged 16 and over is covered under Appendix Student of the Rules.
Student visa
If you are coming to the UK to study on an English language course that lasts longer than 11 months, or any other course that lasts longer than 6 months, you will need to apply using the standard student visa route. Prior to 2021, this was known as the Tier 4 student visa.
Standard visitor visa
For those wanting to undertake a short recreational course of up to 30 days, you may be able to apply for a visitor visa. In some cases, depending on where you are from, you may even be able to travel to the UK visa-free, or with prior Electronic Travel Authorisation, to undertake a short course of study during your stay.
What is the short term study visa?
The short term study visa is a very specific route, limiting the visa holder to study on an English language course lasting no longer than 11 months.
For the purpose of this route, English language study is defined as a course that teaches English as a foreign language only, excluding all other subjects. A visa applicant cannot study mixed courses under this category of visa.
This means you will not be permitted to study on any other course or change your course while in the UK, nor will you be allowed to study at an academy or state funded school.
The short term study visa does not permit the visa holder to engage in any business or professional activities in the UK, or to undertake any paid or unpaid work, including work experience or work placements. In contrast to the standard student visa, you will also be precluded from bringing family members with you to the UK under this visa route.
Who is eligible for a short term study visa?
You will be eligible for a short term study visa if you are an overseas student aged 16 or older who has been accepted by an accredited institution or eligible overseas provider on an English language course in the UK that runs for between 6 to 11 months.
If you or a close family member already lives in the UK, you may instead be eligible to apply for immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is a free scheme where EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, or the close family members of these nationals, register to safeguard their status and right to live, work and study in the UK, provided that the main applicant was living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
If you are ineligible under this scheme, and want to undertake an English language course of between 6 to 11 months, you will need to apply for a short term study visa.
Short term study visa requirements
To apply for a Short Term Study Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria to demonstrate their eligibility. A key requirement is proving that you genuinely intend to enter the UK for the purpose of studying as a short-term student. You must have been accepted onto a course of English language study that lasts no more than 11 months and does not include any other subjects.
The course must be provided by an accredited UK institution or an eligible overseas provider if you are studying in the UK as part of an overseas programme. Applicants must also show that they have sufficient financial resources to support and accommodate themselves during their stay without needing to work or access public funds. Alternatively, you may rely on friends or relatives who have committed to supporting and accommodating you.
Proof of financial capability to pay for a return or onward journey from the UK is required. You also need to have either fully paid your course fees or have sufficient funds to do so. It is essential to confirm that you plan to leave the UK no later than 30 days after the end of your course or at the end of 11 months, whichever comes first.
For applicants under 18, evidence of travel and accommodation arrangements must be provided, along with written consent from your parent(s) or guardian(s) allowing you to study in the UK. Meeting these requirements is crucial for a successful visa application.
Accredited UK institutions
If you are studying with a UK provider, they must be an accredited institution. This means the provider must either be an approved Home Office sponsor listed on the student sponsor register, or has a valid accreditation from any one of these bodies:
| Accreditation Body | Region/Scope |
|---|---|
| Accreditation Service for International Colleges | UK-wide |
| Accreditation UK | UK-wide |
| British Accreditation Council | UK-wide |
| Education and Training Inspectorate | Northern Ireland |
| Estyn | Wales |
| Education Scotland | Scotland |
| Independent Schools Inspectorate | UK-wide |
| Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) | England |
| Office for Students | UK-wide for higher education |
| Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education | UK-wide for higher education |
Eligible overseas providers
You can also apply for a short term study visa if you are planning to study at an overseas higher education institution where part of your English language course is in the UK. However, your institution must satisfy the following requirements:
- It must hold its own national accreditation.
- It must offer no more than half of its educational programme in the UK.
- It must offer programmes that are equivalent to a UK degree.
How to apply for a short term study visa
To apply under the short term study visa route you will need to submit an online application on the GOV.UK website. The earliest you can apply for this type of visa is 3 months prior to travel. You must also only apply from outside the UK, where you cannot apply for leave to enter as a short term student at the UK border.
As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at an overseas visa application centre where you will provide your biometric information and documentation. As part of the application process you must provide various documents in support, with a certified translation if those documents are not in English or Welsh. These documents include:
- A current passport or other valid travel document
- Evidence of your course, for example, a letter of acceptance from the educational institution providing the name, duration and cost of the course
- Evidence you can support yourself during your trip, for example, bank statements or payslips from over the last 6 months
- Details of any financial sponsor’s occupation, income, savings or funds
- Details of where you plan to stay in the UK and your travel plans
- Evidence that you have paid your course fees or have enough money to cover these
- Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also need to provide additional documentation in support of your application, such as evidence of your permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a national of that country, or a tuberculosis test certificate if you have been present in any one of the countries listed in Appendix T for more than 6 months immediately prior to your application.
Short term study visa rules for under 18s
If you are aged 16 or 17 on the date of your visa application, you can travel to the UK without an adult, although you must have written consent from both your parents, or one parent if they have sole responsibility, or from a legal guardian. This written consent must confirm support for your application, and for your travel, reception and care arrangements in the UK.
You will also need to provide evidence you have somewhere suitable to stay in the UK, including the name, date of birth and address of the person you will be living with, plus details of your relationship to the person responsible for your care and their written consent.
How much does a short term study visa cost?
The cost of applying for a short term study visa is £200. You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks of applying, although you may be able to pay to get a faster decision depending on what country you are applying from. You will need to check with your visa application centre.
In addition to the application fee, you will also be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge, currently set at £776. This will enable you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You must pay this charge as part of your online application, although you will be entitled to a full refund if your application is refused or withdrawn.
Can you stay in the UK after a short term study visa?
If your application for a short term study visa is successful, you will be permitted to stay in the UK for the full length of your course plus an extra 30 days, provided your overall stay is no longer than 11 months. You will not, however, be permitted to extend this visa under the rules.
If you would like to undertake a further course of study or accept work in the UK, you will need to leave the country and apply for a new visa under the relevant immigration route.
If you leave the UK and apply for a second period of leave as a short term study visa holder where less than 2 months have passed since you last left the UK, this may be seen as an attempt to live in the UK or circumvent the stricter requirements of the standard student route. In these circumstances, your application for a second visa may be refused.
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists, and can advise both employers and graduates on Home Office applications such as short term study visas. For advice, please contact us.
Short term study visa FAQs
What is the Short Term Study Visa for?
The Short Term Study Visa is designed for international students who wish to undertake short courses in the UK, such as English language courses lasting up to 11 months or other short-term academic programmes.
Who is eligible for a Short Term Study Visa?
Applicants must be accepted onto an eligible course at an accredited institution, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, and meet specific travel and accommodation requirements.
Can I work while on a Short Term Study Visa?
No, work is not permitted under this visa. You cannot take up employment, internships, or engage in any paid or unpaid work while in the UK.
Can I extend my Short Term Study Visa?
No, the Short Term Study Visa cannot be extended. You must leave the UK within 30 days of completing your course or at the end of 11 months, whichever is earlier.
Can I bring dependants with me?
No, dependants are not allowed on the Short Term Study Visa. Each applicant must apply for their own visa if eligible.
What courses are eligible?
Eligible courses are typically English language courses lasting up to 11 months or short academic programmes at accredited UK institutions.
What documentation is required?
You will need proof of acceptance onto a course, financial evidence, travel arrangements, and, if under 18, written parental consent and details of accommodation.
Can I switch to another visa type while in the UK?
No, switching to another visa type while on a Short Term Study Visa is not permitted. You must leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country if needed.
How long does it take to process the visa?
Processing times typically range from 3 to 8 weeks, but it’s best to check the UK government website for updated timelines based on your location.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Short Term Study Visa | A visa allowing international students to undertake short academic or English language courses in the UK for up to 11 months. |
| Accredited Institution | An educational provider recognised by an approved accreditation body, meeting the standards required for visa eligibility. |
| Accreditation Body | An organisation that ensures educational institutions meet specific quality and compliance standards, such as the British Accreditation Council. |
| Financial Self-Sufficiency | The ability to cover all costs, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, without relying on work or public funds. |
| Parental Consent | Written approval from a parent or guardian required for applicants under 18 to study in the UK. |
| Return or Onward Journey | Proof of plans to leave the UK after the visa expires, such as a booked return flight. |
| Dependent | A family member, such as a spouse or child, who relies on the visa holder and is not permitted under this visa type. |
| NHS (National Health Service) | The UK’s healthcare system, which is generally not accessible to Short Term Study Visa holders unless covered by a reciprocal agreement or private insurance. |
| Switching Visa | The process of changing from one visa category to another while in the UK, which is not permitted under the Short Term Study Visa. |
| Course Acceptance Letter | An official document from the educational institution confirming the applicant’s acceptance onto an eligible course. |
| Visa Processing Time | The period required to review and approve a visa application, typically ranging from 3 to 8 weeks. |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | A physical card containing visa holder details, not typically required for Short Term Study Visa holders. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee paid to access NHS services in the UK, not applicable for Short Term Study Visa holders. |
| Public Funds | Government benefits and financial support, which are not accessible to Short Term Study Visa holders. |
| English Language Course | A programme of study focused on improving English proficiency, often the primary purpose of a Short Term Study Visa. |
| Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, visas, and border control. |
| Visa Refusal | The rejection of a visa application, often due to insufficient documentation or failure to meet requirements. |
Additional Resources
UK Government: Short Term Study Visa Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/short-term-study-visa
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
List of Approved Accreditation Bodies
https://www.gov.uk/check-academic-accreditation
British Council: Studying in the UK
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
NHS Healthcare for Overseas Visitors
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/
Education UK: Visa Advice for International Students
https://www.educationuk.org/global/
Home Office: Immigration Rules
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs)
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/
Check if You Need a UK Visa
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Study UK: Planning Your Stay
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/planning
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
