The Short Term Study Visa is a UK immigration route designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short period to undertake an English language course. This route is now limited to courses lasting more than six months and up to eleven months and must be taken at an accredited UK institution. It does not cover shorter courses of six months or less, which now fall under the Standard Visitor Visa route. The Short Term Study Visa is not a substitute for the long-term Student Visa and does not provide the same rights or flexibilities. It is strictly limited in scope, with no option to work, extend the visa, or switch into other categories from within the UK, and entry clearance must be obtained before travelling — it is not available at the border.
What this article is about
This guide explains the Short Term Study Visa in detail, setting out who can apply, the eligibility requirements, the application process, the costs, and the visa’s terms and conditions. It also examines common mistakes that lead to refusals, the compliance responsibilities for education providers, and the key differences between this visa and other study-related routes. The aim is to provide clear, legally accurate information for prospective students, education providers, and advisers, ensuring that all parties understand the restrictions, obligations, and steps involved in making a successful application.
Section A: Eligibility for the Short Term Study Visa
The Short Term Study Visa is a tightly regulated immigration category. Eligibility depends on meeting specific requirements set out under the UK Immigration Rules. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet both the general immigration requirements for entry and the specific conditions for this visa type. Failure to meet these criteria will result in refusal.
1. Who can apply
To qualify for a Short Term Study Visa, you must:
- Intend to study an English language course in the UK lasting more than 6 months and no longer than 11 months. If your intended course is six months or less (including English language study), you should instead apply under the Standard Visitor Visa route.
- Be aged 16 or over at the time of application. Applicants aged 16–17 must have suitable care and accommodation arrangements in place and must have parental or guardian consent.
- Be able to prove that you have been accepted on a course of study by an accredited UK institution.
- Apply from outside the UK — this visa cannot be applied for or switched into from within the UK, and it cannot be obtained on arrival at the border.
- Be able to show you have sufficient funds to pay your course fees, support yourself without working, and cover your return or onward travel.
2. Approved institutions
You must be enrolled at an institution that is accredited by a recognised UK body. Acceptable accreditations and quality assurance bodies include:
- Accreditation UK (British Council)
- British Accreditation Council (BAC)
- Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC)
- Accreditation Body for Language Services (ABLS)
- Office for Students (OfS) register
- Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
- Ofsted, Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), Education Scotland, Estyn, or Education and Training Inspectorate
3. Permitted activities
The Short Term Study Visa allows you to:
- Attend the English language course stated in your application and enrolment confirmation.
This route no longer permits activities such as academic research, electives, or interviews — these must now be carried out under other routes such as the Standard Visitor Visa or Permitted Paid Engagement route, where applicable.
4. Prohibited activities
The visa comes with strict limitations. Holders cannot:
- Work in any capacity (paid or unpaid), including internships and work placements.
- Extend the visa from within the UK or switch into another immigration category.
- Bring dependants with them under this route.
- Access public funds or benefits.
These restrictions are strictly enforced, and breaching them can lead to cancellation of leave, removal from the UK, and a potential re-entry ban.
Section Summary
Eligibility for the Short Term Study Visa is now focused solely on English language study at an accredited provider for more than six months and up to eleven months. Applicants must have a clear, genuine intention to study, be financially self-sufficient without recourse to work or public funds, and apply from overseas. Institutions also carry a role in ensuring compliance by providing accurate and verifiable documentation. Meeting these requirements in full is essential to avoid refusal and to maintain good immigration standing for future UK visits or applications.
Section B: Application Process
Applying for a UK Short Term Study Visa involves several key steps, all of which must be completed from outside the UK. The process is straightforward in structure but requires careful attention to detail to avoid errors that could lead to refusal. Entry clearance is mandatory for this route — unlike some visitor categories, you cannot arrive at the UK border and request permission for a short-term English language course.
1. When and where to apply
Applications for the Short Term Study Visa must be made from your country of residence or another country where you are legally present. You cannot apply for this visa from within the UK, and you cannot switch into it from another UK visa.
You can submit your application up to 3 months before your intended date of travel. For example, if your course begins on 1 October, the earliest you can apply is 1 July.
It is important to plan carefully, factoring in both the visa processing time and your travel arrangements, as you must not travel to the UK until your visa has been granted.
2. How to apply
The application process is completed online via the official GOV.UK website. After submitting the online form, paying the visa fee of £214, and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £776 for this route), you will be required to:
- Book and attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.
- Submit your supporting documents either in person at the VAC or digitally, depending on the service in your country.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an eVisa — a digital immigration status — which records your permission to study in the UK. This replaces the old printed vignette in most cases. You will be able to check your immigration status online and share it with relevant organisations, such as your course provider.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview with a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officer to verify the purpose of their visit and assess their genuine student intentions.
3. Required documents
You will need to provide evidence that you meet the visa requirements. This typically includes:
- A valid passport or other travel document with at least one blank page for the visa.
- An acceptance letter from an accredited UK institution confirming your enrolment on an English language course, course dates, and fees.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and return travel (such as bank statements or financial sponsorship letters). UKVI guidance expects you to either have paid your course fees in advance or be able to show you have the funds to pay them when due.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements for the duration of your stay.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where TB testing is required by UKVI.
- For applicants aged 16–17: a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian, evidence of relationship, and details of care and accommodation in the UK.
All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
4. Processing times
Standard processing times are generally around 3 weeks from the date you attend your biometric appointment. In some locations, priority (5 working days) or super priority (24 hours) processing may be available for an additional fee.
Applicants should not book non-refundable travel until they have received their visa, as UKVI does not guarantee processing within specific timeframes.
Section Summary
The application process for the Short Term Study Visa is completed entirely outside the UK and is built around online submission, payment of the visa fee and IHS, biometric enrolment, and provision of supporting documents. Accuracy and completeness are essential — failure to provide the correct evidence or meet procedural requirements will almost certainly result in refusal. Planning ahead is critical to ensure that application timelines align with course start dates, particularly as travel is not permitted until the visa has been issued.
Section C: Fees, Duration & Conditions
Understanding the costs, permitted length of stay, and conditions attached to the Short Term Study Visa is essential before applying. This route is designed to be temporary and is now solely for English language study. Both the permitted stay and the scope of activities are clearly defined under the Immigration Rules, and there is no flexibility to extend or switch from within the UK.
1. Visa fees
The application fee for the Short Term Study Visa is £214. In addition to this, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £776 for this visa type.
These fees are payable at the point of online application and are non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn. Applicants should also budget for additional costs such as:
- Biometric appointments (if a charge applies in your country)
- Priority or super priority services (if available)
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing (where applicable)
- Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh
2. Visa validity
The Short Term Study Visa is granted for the length of your English language course plus 30 days, with a maximum total stay of 11 months. For example:
- If your course is 9 months long, your visa may be valid for 9 months plus an additional 30 days.
- If your course is 11 months long, your visa will be capped at 11 months in total.
The visa start date will normally be shortly before your course start date, allowing time to arrive in the UK, but this cannot be guaranteed and is determined by UKVI. You must leave the UK on or before your visa expiry date — there is no facility to extend this visa from within the UK.
3. Conditions of stay
As a holder of a Short Term Study Visa, you must comply with strict conditions:
- You must attend only the English language course you were granted permission for.
- You cannot work in any capacity — this includes paid work, unpaid internships, voluntary work, and work placements.
- You cannot extend your stay in the UK or switch into any other immigration category while in the UK.
- You cannot bring dependants with you under this route.
- You cannot access public funds or benefits.
- You must leave the UK on or before your visa expiry date.
The Home Office enforces these conditions strictly. Breaching them can result in curtailment of your visa, removal from the UK, and future UK visa refusals.
Section Summary
The Short Term Study Visa offers a clearly defined, time-limited permission to study English in the UK. It comes with a fixed application fee, a compulsory IHS charge, and specific restrictions on work, dependants, and extension or switching. Planning and budgeting for these costs, and ensuring you comply with all visa conditions, are critical to safeguarding your immigration record and avoiding problems with future UK applications.
Section D: Common Issues & Compliance Risks
While the Short Term Study Visa is a relatively straightforward immigration route, refusals are not uncommon. Many stem from avoidable mistakes during the application process or from misunderstandings of the visa’s strict limitations. Since 2025 changes have narrowed the visa’s scope to English language courses only, both applicants and institutions must pay particular attention to eligibility and documentation to avoid problems.
1. Refusals and common mistakes
Applications may be refused for a range of reasons, including:
- Insufficient financial evidence — failure to show that you have enough funds to pay tuition fees, meet living costs without working, and cover return or onward travel. UKVI expects evidence of either fees already paid or clear proof of the ability to pay when due.
- Studying at a non-accredited institution — enrolling with a provider that is not recognised by one of the UK’s approved accreditation or quality assurance bodies.
- Incorrect visa choice — attempting to apply for the Short Term Study Visa for a course that is not an English language course, or for any course of six months or less (which must now be taken under the Standard Visitor route).
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation — including missing enrolment details, mismatched dates, or failure to provide certified translations for non-English documents.
- Genuine intention concerns — where UKVI is not satisfied that your main purpose is to study English and that you will leave the UK when your course finishes.
Refusals are recorded in UKVI’s system and can affect future UK immigration applications.
2. Compliance for institutions
Accredited education providers hosting short-term students have an important role to play in maintaining immigration compliance. While the Short Term Study Visa does not impose sponsorship duties like the Student Visa route, institutions must still:
- Issue accurate and complete enrolment letters, stating the exact course title, start and end dates, tuition fee amount, and payment status.
- Maintain their accreditation with an approved body such as the British Accreditation Council, Accreditation UK, or Ofsted.
- Keep records of student attendance and course delivery.
- Be vigilant to potential misuse of enrolment letters, as fraudulent applications can harm the provider’s reputation and lead to loss of accreditation.
3. Alternatives to the Short Term Study Visa
Applicants should consider alternative immigration routes if their study plans fall outside the Short Term Study Visa parameters:
- Standard Visitor Visa (study) — for any study lasting up to 6 months, including English language courses and short academic programmes.
- Student Visa — for longer-term study, courses with work placements, or where the applicant wishes to bring dependants.
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa — for certain short-term professional engagements where payment is permitted, outside of full-time study.
Choosing the correct route at the outset is critical to ensuring a smooth application process and avoiding breaches of immigration law.
Section Summary
The most common issues with the Short Term Study Visa now relate to the post-2025 scope changes — specifically, applicants trying to use it for courses other than English language or for shorter programmes that must now be undertaken under the Standard Visitor route. Institutions must protect their accreditation by issuing accurate documentation only to genuine students, while applicants must ensure their financial and eligibility evidence is robust. Where study plans do not fit the Short Term Study Visa’s narrow criteria, alternative routes should be explored before applying.
FAQs
1. Can I extend my Short Term Study Visa?
No. This visa cannot be extended from within the UK. Once your visa expires, you must leave the UK. If you wish to study again, you will need to make a new application from outside the UK for either another Short Term Study Visa (if eligible) or another appropriate immigration route such as the Student Visa or Standard Visitor Visa.
2. Can I work on a Short Term Study Visa?
No. You cannot work in any capacity while in the UK on this visa. This includes paid work, unpaid work, voluntary work, work placements, internships, and self-employment. Breaching this condition is a serious immigration offence and can lead to your visa being cancelled, removal from the UK, and refusal of future visa applications.
3. Do I need to provide proof of English language ability?
There is no formal English language testing requirement for the Short Term Study Visa. However, your course provider may have their own entry requirements, including proof of a certain level of English. If you need a Student Visa for a longer course, UKVI’s formal English language requirements under Appendix Student will apply.
4. Can I apply from within the UK?
No. Applications must be made from outside the UK. You cannot switch into this visa category from another visa while in the UK, and entry clearance for this route cannot be obtained at the border.
5. Is the visa multiple entry?
Your grant will specify whether multiple entry is permitted. Many Short Term Study Visas are issued for multiple entry within the validity period, but you should always check your visa decision notice or eVisa status to confirm. Leaving and re-entering the UK does not extend your visa expiry date.
Conclusion
The UK Short Term Study Visa is now a narrowly focused immigration route for those wishing to undertake English language courses lasting more than six months and up to eleven months at an accredited UK institution. It is no longer available for other types of study or for courses lasting six months or less, which now fall under the Standard Visitor route.
The application process is relatively straightforward, but the eligibility requirements and conditions are strict. Success depends on careful preparation — enrolling with an accredited provider, paying or proving the ability to pay tuition fees, providing evidence of sufficient funds to live in the UK without working, and ensuring all supporting documents are accurate, complete, and, where necessary, translated.
For education providers, maintaining accreditation and issuing accurate enrolment letters is essential. While the route does not carry the same sponsorship duties as the Student Visa, reputational and compliance risks still exist if documentation is misused.
Ultimately, the Short Term Study Visa is designed for a specific purpose: to allow individuals to study English in the UK for a limited period. By understanding its scope, costs, and strict conditions in advance — and by ensuring complete compliance throughout the stay — applicants can enjoy a successful and lawful period of study without jeopardising future UK immigration opportunities.
Glossary
| Accredited Institution | A UK education provider recognised by an official accreditation or quality assurance body, authorised to enrol students under the Short Term Study Visa route. |
| Appendix Student | The section of the UK Immigration Rules setting out the requirements for the Student Visa route, including formal English language ability thresholds. |
| Entry Clearance | Official permission granted before travel, confirming a visa holder’s right to enter the UK for the stated purpose and duration. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee payable with visa applications, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the visa validity period. |
| Standard Visitor Visa | A UK visa category allowing visits for tourism, short-term study of up to six months, business activities, or other permitted purposes. |
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office department responsible for managing visa applications, immigration control, and nationality matters. |
Useful Links
| GOV.UK – Short Term Study Visa | Official Home Office guidance on eligibility, application process, fees, and conditions for the Short Term Study Visa. |
| GOV.UK – Student Visa | Official Home Office information on the long-term Student Visa route for eligible applicants. |
| GOV.UK – Standard Visitor Visa | Details on visiting the UK for tourism, business, and short study of up to six months. |
| GOV.UK – Tuberculosis Testing for Visa Applicants | List of countries where TB testing is required and approved clinics for UK visa purposes. |
| British Council Accreditation UK | Information on accredited English language teaching centres in the UK. |
| DavidsonMorris – Short Term Study Visa Guidance | Specialist legal advice and practical guidance for applicants considering the Short Term Study Visa route. |
