Short-term Student Visa Guide: Your Complete Step-by-Step Process
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Eligibility Requirements
- Intention to Study as a Short-term Student
- Accredited Institutions
- Financial Requirement
- English Language Courses up to 11 Months
- TB Certification
- Application Process and Fees
- Conditions of Permission
- Dependants
- Supporting Documents
- Right of Appeal
Overview
The Short-term Student (English Language) route is for individuals aged 16 or over who wish to come to the UK to study an English language course with an accredited provider lasting longer than 6 months. For shorter study periods (up to 6 months), individuals can use the visitor route.
People wishing to study an English course between 6 and 11 months and are aged below 16, or want to study for more than 11 months, should use the Student or Child Student routes.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the short-term student visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Accepted for an English language course of study by an accredited institution and provide written evidence of this from the institution
- Provide a valid passport
- Be outside the UK
- Intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the course completion or at the end of 11 months, whichever is sooner
- Have funds to maintain and accommodate themselves and cover the return journey
- Pay the course fees or demonstrate the ability to pay them
- Provide a valid Tuberculosis (TB) certificate if applicable
Intention to Study as a Short-term Student
Applicants must show genuine intention to study in the UK and meet these criteria:
- Provide a true account of the intended study period
- Not intending to study at a state-funded school or academy
- Not intending to live in the UK by extending periods of study
- Have sufficient funds for living expenses
- Intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the course or visa end
Accredited Institutions
A short-term student must be accepted by an accredited institution that:
- Is a licensed sponsor listed on the student sponsor register
- Holds valid accreditation from recognized bodies like Accreditation UK
- Has a satisfactory full institutional inspection
- Is an overseas higher education institution offering part of its programs in the UK
Financial Requirement
Tuition fees for English language courses vary, but typically range from £210 to £359 per week. Applicants do not need to pay the full tuition fees upfront but should make a minimum payment of 10% before receiving a confirmation letter from the institution.
Unlike the Tier 4 Student Visa, there is no fixed amount of money required to be shown. However, applicants must prove they have enough money to cover course fees, living costs, accommodation, and return travel expenses. Funds should be dated within 31 days before the visa application date.
English Language Courses up to 11 Months
This route allows individuals to study English as a foreign language for up to 11 months. Applicants cannot switch courses or providers during their stay in the UK.
TB Certification
If applicants are from a country listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules and have been present in one of these countries for more than 6 months, they must provide a TB certificate for courses lasting over 6 months.
Application Process and Fees
Applicants must obtain entry clearance for a short-term study visa before arriving in the UK. The application process includes:
- Applying online
- Paying an application fee of £200 and an Immigration Health Charge of £776
- Providing required biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
- Possibly attending an interview
Visa processing can take up to 3 weeks, but priority services are available at some visa centers for an additional fee.
Conditions of Permission
A short-term study visa grants permission to study an English language course for up to 11 months, along with 30 extra days for departure. Visa holders cannot:
- Change courses or providers
- Study at a state-funded school
- Work, either paid or unpaid
- Extend their visa
- Bring family members
- Access public funds
Dependants
Short-term students cannot bring dependants under this visa category. Family members must apply as standard visitors with a maximum stay of 6 months.
Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation letter from the accredited institution
- Proof of accommodation arrangements
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Certified translations for non-English documents
- TB certificate (if applicable)
Right of Appeal
Since April 2021, refusals of short-term study visas do not have a right of appeal. Applicants can reapply if they meet the criteria but must declare previous refusals in future applications.
If you need assistance with your visa application, our expert team at NCALBD is ready to help. Contact us for guidance and support throughout your immigration process.