UK Short-Term Student Visas: Complete Guide

1. Standard Visitor Visa (Short-Term Study – Up to 6 Months)

Purpose
This visa is for students aged 18 or over who wish to take a short course (up to 6 months) at an accredited UK institution.

Key Features

• Valid for up to 6 months
• No work permitted (paid or unpaid)
• Cannot be extended or switched within the UK
• Dependants are not allowed

Eligibility Requirements

• Acceptance onto a course at an accredited UK institution
• Proof of intention to leave the UK after completing the course
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
• Application must be submitted from outside the UK

Fees

• Visa fee: £115
• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from the institution
• Proof of financial support (bank statements or sponsor letter)
• Accommodation and travel details
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required)

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2. Short-Term Study Visa (English Language – 6 to 11 Months)

Purpose
For students aged 18 or above who want to study an English language course lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months.

Key Features

• Stay allowed for course duration plus up to 30 extra days (maximum 11 months)
• Only English language courses are permitted
• No work allowed
• Cannot be extended or switched in the UK
• Dependants are not permitted

Eligibility Requirements

• Acceptance onto an English language course at an accredited UK provider
• Must apply from outside the UK
• Proof of sufficient funds and return travel plans
• TB test required (if applicable)

Fees

• Visa fee: £214
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Confirmation letter from the course provider
• Proof of financial support
• Accommodation and travel plans
• TB test results (if required)
• Parental consent (if under 18)

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Proof of Funds

1. Required Funds

You must show that you can cover both living expenses and any outstanding tuition fees.

Monthly Living Costs

Location	Monthly Amount	Up to 6 Months	Up to 11 Months
London	£1,334	£8,004 + course fees	£14,674 + course fees
Outside London	£1,023	£6,138 + course fees	£11,253 + course fees

• Funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days

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2. Tuition Fees

You must provide proof of your course fees:

• If fully paid: Submit receipt or confirmation from your institution
• If partially paid: Provide an official statement showing the remaining balance

Your total funds must clearly cover:

• Living expenses
• Any outstanding tuition fees

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3. Financial Documents

If You Are Self-Funded

• Bank statements showing your name, account number, and balance
• Funds held for at least 28 consecutive days
• Statements must be issued within 31 days of application

If Sponsored by a Parent/Guardian

• Sponsor’s bank statements (same requirements as above)
• Signed sponsorship letter
• Proof of relationship (e.g. birth certificate)
• Copy of sponsor’s passport or ID

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4. Optional Supporting Documents

Including additional documents can strengthen your application:

• Proof of paid accommodation
• Return flight booking or reservation
• Proof of paid tuition fees

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Visitor Visa (≤6 Months)	Short-Term Study Visa (6–11 Months)
Course Type	Any short course	English language only
Age Requirement	18+	18+
Maximum Stay	6 months	11 months
IHS Required	No	Yes (£776)
Visa Fee	£115	£214
Work Rights	Not allowed	Not allowed
Extend/Switch in UK	No	No
Dependants	Not allowed	Not allowed

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Student Visa Application Checklist

General Documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• Passport-sized photographs (if required)
• Completed online visa application form

Course Documents

• Offer letter or confirmation of acceptance
• Course details (name, duration, fees)

Financial Evidence

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

Accommodation & Travel

• Accommodation confirmation
• Travel booking details (e.g. flight itinerary)

Medical

• TB test results (if required)

If Under 18

• Parental consent letter
• Proof of care arrangements during stay