The short-term study visa UK allows international students aged 16 and over to study English language courses for 6 to 11 months at accredited UK institutions. Unlike the standard Student visa, this route does not require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or IELTS score, making it an accessible option for English language learners seeking short-term study in the UK.
Understanding the Short-Term Study Visa UK in 2026
The UK short-term study visa is designed specifically for those who want to study English language courses at accredited institutions without the complexity of a full Student visa application. Governed by Appendix Short-term Student (English Language) of the Immigration Rules, this visa offers a streamlined pathway for language learners from around the world.
What is the Short-Term Study Visa UK?
What is the length of the short-term study visa?
The short-term study visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your English language course plus an additional 30 days, with a maximum total stay of 11 months. Courses must be between 6 and 11 months long. For courses under 6 months, you would apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
The short-term study visa is distinct from the standard UK Student visa in several important ways. It is specifically designed for English language study only—you cannot take mixed courses or study other subjects. The visa offers a simpler application process with no IELTS requirement and no need for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Short-Term Study Visa vs Student Visa: Key Differences
Short-Term Study Visa UK Requirements 2026
What are the eligibility requirements for a UK short-term study visa?
To qualify for a short-term study visa UK, you must be aged 16 or over, have acceptance on an English language course at an accredited institution lasting 6-11 months, demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay and return travel, and apply from outside the UK. You must also meet suitability requirements under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
The short-term study visa UK requirements are set out in Appendix Short-term Student (English Language) of the Immigration Rules. Applicants must satisfy validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements.
- Aged 16 or over at time of application
- Valid passport or travel document
- Acceptance letter from accredited English language institution
- Course duration 6-11 months (English language only)
- Proof of sufficient funds for stay and return journey
- TB test certificate (if from listed country)
- Parental consent (if aged 16-17)
- Application submitted from outside the UK
Course Provider Requirements
Your chosen English language course must be provided by an accredited institution. The course must focus exclusively on English language study—mixed courses combining English with other subjects are not permitted under this visa route. The institution should provide written confirmation including the course name, duration, start and end dates, total cost (including accommodation if applicable), and hours of study per week.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they can support themselves financially without relying on public funds or employment in the UK. You must show you have enough funds to cover your course fees, living expenses throughout your stay, and your return or onward journey. Bank statements covering the previous six months are typically required.
For detailed guidance on proving your finances, see our comprehensive guide to UK student visa financial requirements.
Parental Consent for Applicants Aged 16-17
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide written consent from your parents or legal guardian. The consent letter should confirm support for your visa application, your living and care arrangements in the UK, and travel and reception arrangements. Both parents must sign the letter unless one parent has sole legal responsibility, in which case proof of this must be provided.
Short-Term Study Visa UK Fees and Costs 2026
How much does a short-term study visa UK cost?
The short-term study visa UK costs £214 for the application fee plus £776 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), bringing the total government fees to £990. Additional costs may include course fees (typically £150-200 per week), accommodation, and travel expenses. Budget approximately £7,000-£15,000 total for a 6-11 month course.
The Immigration Health Surcharge provides access to NHS services during your stay, including GP appointments, hospital treatment, and emergency care. For the latest fee information, check our guide to UK visa fees.
How to Apply for a Short-Term Study Visa UK
What is the application process for a UK short-term study visa?
Apply online through the GOV.UK website from outside the UK. Complete the application form, pay the £214 fee and £776 IHS, then attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks. You'll receive an eVisa decision through your UKVI online account.
The short-term study visa application must be submitted from outside the UK—you cannot apply or switch to this visa while already in the country. Applications are made online through the GOV.UK website.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Must remain valid throughout your intended stay
- Course Acceptance Letter: From accredited institution with course details, dates, and costs
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements covering 6 months showing sufficient funds
- Accommodation Proof: Where you will stay during your course
- TB Test Certificate: Required if applying from a listed country
- Parental Consent: If aged 16-17, with travel and care arrangements
- Passport Photos: Two recent color photographs meeting UK visa standards
Processing Time
Standard processing for short-term study visa applications takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date you provide your biometrics. Processing times can vary depending on your location and time of year. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended course start date.
UK Short-Term Study Visa Success Rate
What is the success rate for short-term study visa applications?
The UK short-term study visa success rate is approximately 85-90% based on Home Office statistics. The grant rate varies by nationality and individual circumstances. Strong applications with complete documentation, clear study intentions, sufficient finances, and genuine intention to return home have the highest approval rates.
Success rates can vary significantly depending on your country of origin, with some nationalities experiencing higher refusal rates. For the latest statistics on visa outcomes, see our guide to UK visa statistics.
Common Refusal Reasons
Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid common pitfalls. The most frequent reasons for short-term study visa refusals include:
- Insufficient Funds: Inadequate evidence of financial support for the full stay
- Questionable Intent: Doubts about genuine intention to study and return home
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect supporting documents
- Non-Accredited Course: Course provider not properly accredited
- Immigration History: Previous visa refusals or overstays
- Weak Home Ties: Insufficient evidence of reasons to return to home country
For guidance on handling refusals, see our detailed guides on UK visa refusal reasons and general grounds for refusal.
- Total cost: £990 (£214 visa fee + £776 IHS)
- Duration: 6-11 months for English language courses only
- No IELTS or CAS required—simpler than Student visa
- Cannot work, extend, switch visa, or bring dependents
- Must apply from outside the UK at accredited institution
- Processing time approximately 3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Short-Term Study Visa UK: FAQs
What is the short-term study visa UK and who is it for?
The short-term study visa UK is for international students aged 16 or over who want to study English language courses at accredited UK institutions for 6-11 months. It's designed specifically for English language learning and does not require a CAS or IELTS score, making it more accessible than the standard Student visa.
How much does the short-term study visa UK cost in 2026?
The short-term study visa costs £214 for the application fee plus £776 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), totalling £990 in government fees. You'll also need to budget for course fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs.
Can I work on a short-term study visa in the UK?
No, employment is strictly prohibited on a short-term study visa. This includes paid work, unpaid work, work placements, and work experience. Volunteering is permitted, but you cannot do voluntary work that would normally be paid. Breaching this condition can result in visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Can I extend my short-term study visa or switch to another visa?
No, the short-term study visa cannot be extended, and you cannot switch to any other visa category while in the UK. You must leave before your visa expires or by the end of your course plus 30 days, whichever is sooner. If you wish to continue studying, you must return home and apply for a Student visa.
Does a short-term study visa require an IELTS score?
No, the short-term study visa does not require an IELTS score or any other formal English language test. This is one of its main advantages over the standard Student visa. However, basic English proficiency may strengthen your application and help you during your credibility interview if requested.
Can I bring my family on a short-term study visa?
No, the short-term study visa does not permit you to bring dependents. Each family member would need to apply for their own visa (such as a Standard Visitor visa) if they wish to visit you in the UK. They would not be able to stay for the full duration of your course on a visitor visa.
How long does short-term study visa processing take?
Short-term study visa applications are typically processed within 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date you provide your biometrics. Processing times may vary by location. It's advisable to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays.
Can I apply for a short-term study visa from inside the UK?
No, you cannot apply for a short-term study visa while in the UK. All applications must be made from outside the UK through the GOV.UK website. If you're already in the UK on another visa, you cannot switch to a short-term study visa—you would need to leave and apply from abroad.
For detailed information on UK visa eligibility, application fees, and document requirements, visit the official Short-term study visa page on GOV.UK.