Overview

The Short-term Study visa allows individuals aged 16 or over to come to the UK to study English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months.
This route is designed for those who wish to improve their English at an accredited institution without enrolling in a full academic programme. It cannot be extended, switched to another visa, or used for other types of study.

Visa Duration and Extension

The visa is granted for the duration of the course, plus a short additional period at the end for departure.
For English language study, the maximum stay is 11 months.
For other short-term studies (non-English), the maximum stay is 6 months.
This visa cannot be extended or converted to another immigration category.
Applicants must leave the UK at the end of their authorised stay.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Short-term Study visa, you must:

Be 16 years old or over.
Have been accepted on an English language course at an accredited institution.
Intend to study only English, not any other subject.
Be able to pay for your course, living costs, and return travel.
Intend to leave the UK at the end of your study period.
Not use the UK as your main place of residence or attempt to stay through successive short-term visas.
Have adequate arrangements for accommodation during your stay.

Documents Required

Valid passport or travel document.
Official letter of acceptance from an accredited English language school confirming:
- The course title, duration, and cost.
- Accreditation details of the institution.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Evidence of arrangements for travel and accommodation in the UK.
Proof of intention to return home (such as employment, study, or family commitments).
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Approved Educational Institutions

Your chosen institution must be:

An accredited language school; or
A licensed student sponsor for the Student Visa route; or
Accredited by one of the following:
- Accreditation UK
- Accreditation Body for Language Services (ABLS)
- British Accreditation Council (BAC)
- Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC)
- Or have a full institutional inspection by a recognised education inspectorate such as Ofsted, Education Scotland, Estyn, or the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Study an English language course in the UK for up to 11 months.
Participate in full-time study at an accredited institution.
Travel within the UK for leisure during your stay.

You cannot:

Work (paid or unpaid), undertake internships, or engage in business activities.
Enrol in non-English courses or degree-level studies.
Bring dependants with you.
Extend your visa or switch to another route.
Access public funds or benefits.
Study at a state-funded or maintained institution.

Short-term Student (Child)

Applicants under 18 must also demonstrate:

Parental consent for travel, reception, and care in the UK.
Suitable arrangements for accommodation and supervision.
The course must not exceed 6 months in length.

Processing Times and Priority Service

Standard processing time: up to three weeks from biometrics submission.
Priority or Super Priority services may be available in certain countries for an additional fee.
Applications can be made up to six months before the course start date.
A border officer may request proof of study and return travel at entry.

Home Office Fees

For courses up to 6 months: £127.
For English language courses up to 11 months: £200.
There is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for short-term students.
Fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

Administrative Review

There is no formal right of appeal for Short-term Study visa refusals.
Applicants may request an Administrative Review only if there has been a clear case error, but generally the route requires a new application with updated evidence.