Short-term Study Visa — United Kingdom

This visa lets you study English in the UK for a limited period.

It’s only for specific course lengths and doesn’t replace long-term study routes managed by UKVI.

Who it's for

This visa is for an English language course lasting more than 6 months and no longer than 11 months in the UK.

If your course is 6 months or less, you’d usually enter as a visitor, depending on your nationality.

You shouldn’t apply for this visa if you intend to:

• Study a degree or long-term academic programme
• Remain in the UK beyond 11 months
• Get married or register a civil partnership (that requires a Marriage Visitor visa)

For long-term study, look at the Student Visa or Child Student Visa, depending on your age and course.

If you want to work after a UK degree, routes such as the Graduate Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, or UK Ancestry Visa may be more suitable.

UKVI decides your application.

UK Border Force makes the decision at the border.

Course types covered

This visa is for English language courses only.

Your course must:

• Be English language study
• Last over 6 months
• End within 11 months

It doesn’t cover:

• Degree programmes
• Foundation years tied to degree study
• Vocational training not related to English language
• Short courses of 6 months or less

If you enrol in a non-English academic course, you must apply under the Student Visa route.

Duration limits

You can stay in the UK for no more than 11 months with this visa.

Your course must last:

• More than 6 months
• No longer than 11 months

This visa can’t be extended beyond its permitted period.

If you want to continue studying after your course ends, you have to leave the UK and apply for the right visa from outside the country.

Depending on your country of residence, you may need a Form TB Test Certificate for your application.

Check current requirements, including document rules and application steps, using UKVI’s official guidance before you apply.

You must pay the correct visa fee and any required supporting charges before UKVI will process your application.

Total cost depends on your circumstances and whether you need extra documents or certificates.

Application fees

The standard application fee for a UK short-term study visa is:

You pay this fee when you submit your online application to UKVI.

The payment confirms that UKVI will assess your eligibility under the short-term study route.

If you apply under the wrong route, such as the Graduate Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, or UK Ancestry Visa, you’ll pay a different fee.

Choose the correct category before submitting payment, as UKVI doesn’t process short-term study applications under other visa types.

Other fee components

In addition to the main application fee, you may need to pay other charges depending on your case.

You only pay these if they apply to you.

For example, if UKVI requires a specific certificate or official declaration, you must pay the charge before it’s issued.

If you need a Form TB Test Certificate, arrange and pay for the medical test separately.

The cost of the TB test isn’t included in the visa application fee and varies by provider.

Always check the total amount due in your UKVI account before final submission.

Processing and approval

UKVI handles all short-term study visa decisions.

processing times depend on where you apply and current caseloads.

UKVI doesn’t publish a fixed processing timeframe for every location.

You’ll need to check UKVI processing time guidance for your country before applying.

Your application moves through these stages:

1. Submit your online form and pay the fees.

2. Provide your biometric information if required.

3. Upload or submit supporting documents.

4. Wait for a decision from UKVI.

UK Border Force makes the final decision on entry when you arrive in the UK, even after visa approval.

Make sure your documents match the details in your approved application to avoid delays at the border.

You need approval from UKVI before you travel to the UK.

The process requires careful preparation, accurate completion of the official form, and submission of supporting evidence through UKVI.

Before you apply

Start by confirming the Short-term study visa is the right route for you.

This visa is different from longer-term options such as the Student Visa, Child Student Visa, Graduate Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, and UK Ancestry Visa.

Use the table below to keep the categories clear:

Download the current short-term study application form and guidance directly from UKVI.

Use the latest version.

Review the eligibility instructions that apply to your situation before completing the form.

Prepare all required supporting documents ahead of time.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include identity documents and, if needed, a Form TB Test Certificate.

Your application must be approved before you travel.

Completing the form

Fill out every required section of the short-term study application form.

Don’t leave mandatory fields blank.

Follow UKVI’s guidance notes carefully.

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport and supporting documents.

Provide accurate information about your study plans.

Make sure your answers stay consistent with the evidence you submit.

Before you submit:

• Check that all required sections are complete
• Confirm your information matches your documents
• Review the declaration carefully
• Sign the form where required

Errors or omissions can delay processing.

Take time to review your answers before final submission.

Submitting your application

Send your completed form to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as instructed in their official guidance. Stick to the submission process they outline.

Include all the required supporting documents. Missing evidence causes delays or refusal.

Pay the visa fee in GBP (£). For the current amount, refer to the UKVI fee guidance.

Don't travel to the United Kingdom until UKVI grants approval. UK Border Force will check your permission at the port of arrival, and you must have valid permission from UKVI before leaving your country.

Most refusals and delays happen when applicants submit the wrong evidence, leave out required documents, or assume approval is automatic. UKVI reviews each application on its own facts and will refuse it if you don't meet the requirements.

Missing or insufficient documents

UKVI expects documents that match short-term study rules. If you don't provide them, your application will likely be refused.

A common issue is not submitting confirmation of acceptance for an English language course that meets the required duration. The course details must show the provider and the length of study. If this is missing or unclear, UKVI can't confirm you qualify.

Follow all document instructions exactly. If UKVI requires a Form TB Test Certificate and you don't provide it, your application doesn't meet the requirements.

Use this checklist before submitting:

Documents for a Student Visa, Child Student Visa, Graduate Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, or UK Ancestry Visa don't automatically meet short-term study requirements. Each visa has its own rules.

Application doesn't guarantee approval

Submitting a short-term study application doesn't mean UKVI will grant it. Approval depends on meeting the specific requirements and providing the right evidence.

UKVI checks:

• Whether your course meets short-term study criteria
• Whether your documents support your travel purpose
• Whether your application is complete and consistent

Prior UK visas don't guarantee approval. Holding or having held a Student Visa or Graduate Visa doesn't secure success under the short-term route.

UKVI decides based only on the documents and information you provide. If something's missing or unclear, they may refuse the application instead of asking for corrections.

Common application mistakes

Most delays come from incomplete or incorrect information. Even small errors can cause problems.

Typical mistakes include:

1. Leaving sections of the form blank

2. Entering inconsistent dates

3. Uploading the wrong document type

4. Failing to include all required supporting evidence

These errors often lead to delays or refusal. Review every field carefully before you submit.

Use this pre-submission check:

Choosing the wrong category, such as confusing short-term study with a Student Visa or Child Student Visa, can invalidate your application. Double-check the route before you pay and submit.