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. From 8 April 2026, the application fee rose from £214 to £228, plus a £776 Immigration Health Surcharge — total Home Office charges of £1,004. This guide covers eligibility, application process, financial evidence, and the strict prohibitions on work and visa switching.
Source: Home Office Immigration Rules: Appendix Short-term Student (English Language) + Home Office fees schedule (8 April 2026)
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 worldwide.
If you intend to study any subject other than English, or your course is at a degree level, you'll need the standard UK Student visa instead. The Short-Term Study visa is exclusively for English language tuition.
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 visa cannot be extended under any circumstances.
The Short-Term Study visa is distinct from the standard 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
| Feature | Short-Term Study Visa | Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6-11 months | Up to 5 years |
| Course Type | English language only | Any accredited course |
| CAS Required | No | Yes |
| IELTS Required | No | Yes (B1/B2) |
| Application Fee (Apr 2026) | £228 | £558 |
| IHS Rate | £776/year | £776/year |
| Work Permitted | No | Yes (20 hrs/week) |
| Self-Employment | No | No |
| Can Extend | No | Yes |
| Can Switch In-Country | No | Yes (limited) |
| Dependants | No | PhD/research only |
| Graduate Route Eligible | No | Yes |
For English language requirement details that apply to the standard Student visa (not Short-Term Study), see our UK visa English requirements CEFR guide.
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, 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 course fees, living costs, and return travel, and apply from outside the UK. You must also meet suitability requirements under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
The requirements are set out in Appendix Short-term Student (English Language). Applicants must satisfy validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements — these are simpler than the full Student visa requirements but still strictly enforced.
- 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 course fees, stay, and return journey
- TB test certificate (if from listed country)
- Parental consent (if aged 16-17)
- Application submitted from outside the UK
- Not studying at an academy or state-funded school
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.
Importantly, you cannot study at a state-funded school or academy on this visa — only at private institutions or approved English language providers. Courses combining English with another subject (such as English + Business) are also excluded.
Financial Requirements: The "Adequate Funds" Test
Unlike the full Student visa which uses fixed monthly maintenance figures (£1,529 London / £1,171 outside London), the Short-Term Study visa uses an "adequate funds" test under Appendix Finance. You must demonstrate you have enough to:
- Pay your course fees: Whether already paid or to be paid (evidence required either way)
- Support yourself in the UK: At a level equivalent to UK Income Support after tax, NI, and housing costs
- Pay for your return or onward journey: Flight costs to home country or next destination
- Cover all costs without working: Since work is strictly prohibited on this visa
The "adequate" standard is intentionally lower than the full Student visa figures — UKVI assesses the realism of your stated budget against the duration of your course and accommodation arrangements. Bank statements covering the previous 6 months are typically required to demonstrate genuine availability of funds.
For comparison with the full Student visa's stricter financial requirements, see our UK Student visa financial requirements guide.
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 and travel to the UK
- Your living and care arrangements in the UK (host family, hostel, school accommodation)
- Travel and reception arrangements (who will meet you, where you will stay initially)
- Both parents' signatures (unless one parent has sole legal responsibility, with proof)
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 £228 for the application fee from 8 April 2026 (increased from £214) plus £776 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), bringing total Home Office charges to £1,004. Additional costs include course fees (typically £150-£250 per week), accommodation, and travel. Budget approximately £7,000-£15,000 total for a 6-11 month course depending on location and accommodation type.
| Fee Component | Cost (from 8 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £228 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £776 |
| Total Home Office Charges | £1,004 |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 |
| Super Priority service (optional) | +£1,000 |
The Short-Term Study visa qualifies for the discounted IHS rate of £776/year (student rate), not the £1,035 full adult rate. For complete fee structures across all UK visa categories, see our UK visa fees guide.
Total Cost Estimate (6-11 month course)
| Cost Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Home Office charges | £1,004 |
| Course fees (£150-£250/week) | £3,900 - £11,000 |
| Accommodation (homestay/hostel) | £3,500 - £8,000 |
| Living expenses (food, transport, leisure) | £2,500 - £5,500 |
| Return flights & transport | £500 - £1,500 |
| Total Estimated Range | £11,400 - £27,000 |
How to Apply for a Short-Term Study Visa UK
What is the application process?
Apply online through the GOV.UK website from outside the UK. Complete the application form, pay the £228 fee and £776 IHS, then attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks from biometrics. 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 fees
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements covering the previous 6 months
- Course Fee Receipt: If already paid (in full or in part)
- Accommodation Proof: Where you will stay during your course (homestay agreement, hostel booking, school accommodation)
- TB Test Certificate: Required if applying from a listed country
- Parental Consent: If aged 16-17, with travel and care arrangements
- Return/Onward Travel Evidence: Flight bookings or sufficient funds for return journey
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. Priority service (+£500) reduces processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (+£1,000) provides next-working-day decisions where available.
UK Short-Term Study Visa Success Rate
What is the success rate for Short-Term Study visa applications?
The UK Short-Term Study visa has a high success rate of approximately 85-90% based on Home Office statistics, though grant rates vary significantly by nationality. Strong applications with complete documentation, clear study intentions, sufficient finances, accredited course providers, and genuine intention to return home have the highest approval rates.
Common Refusal Reasons
The most frequent reasons for Short-Term Study visa refusals include:
- Insufficient Funds: Inadequate evidence of financial support for course fees, living costs, and return journey
- Questionable Intent: Doubts about genuine intention to study English and return home — UKVI watches for "language course as cover" patterns
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect supporting documents, especially course acceptance letters
- Non-Accredited Course: Course provider not on the approved list — verify accreditation before paying course fees
- Course Mix: Course includes non-English-language components
- Immigration History: Previous visa refusals, overstays, or breaches
- Weak Home Ties: Insufficient evidence of reasons to return to home country (job, family, property, ongoing studies)
- Bank Statement Issues: Sudden large unexplained deposits, or inconsistent evidence of financial means
For broader guidance on UK visa refusal grounds across categories, see our UK visa refusal reasons guide.
- Total Home Office cost: £1,004 (£228 fee + £776 IHS)
- Duration: 6-11 months for English language courses only
- No IELTS or CAS required — simpler than the full Student visa
- Cannot work, extend, switch, or bring dependants
- Must apply from outside the UK at an accredited institution
- Processing time: ~3 weeks (or 5 working days with +£500 priority)
- Cannot lead to Graduate Route — only full Student visa holders qualify for the Graduate Route
- Cannot run a business: Self-employment is prohibited — see our starting a business on UK Student visa guide for the alternative route
- No interview typically required but may be requested — see our Student visa credibility interview guide
- Not eligible for Student dependants: Even if eligible elsewhere — see our Student dependant visa guide for full Student visa dependant rules
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. Courses must be exclusively English-language focused — mixed-subject courses are not eligible.
How much does the Short-Term Study visa UK cost in 2026?
The Short-Term Study visa costs £228 for the application fee from 8 April 2026 (increased from £214) plus £776 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), totalling £1,004 in government fees. You'll also need to budget for course fees (£150-£250 per week), accommodation, living expenses, and return travel. Total realistic budget: £11,400-£27,000 for a 6-11 month course.
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, work experience, and self-employment. Volunteering for a registered charity is permitted, but you cannot do voluntary work that would normally be paid. This is more restrictive than the full Student visa which allows 20 hours/week — see our UK Student visa working hours guide. Breaching this condition can result in visa cancellation, removal, and re-entry bans of up to 10 years.
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 from there. This is a strict no-extension, no-switch route by design.
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, which requires CEFR B1 or B2. However, basic English proficiency may strengthen your application and help during any credibility interview if requested. The visa is designed for those learning English, after all.
Can I bring my family on a Short-Term Study visa?
No, the Short-Term Study visa does not permit you to bring dependants. 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. Even the full Student visa restricts dependants to PhD/research students only since January 2024.
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. Priority service (+£500) reduces this to 5 working days, and Super Priority (+£1,000) to 1 working day where available. 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. Conversely, you also cannot switch FROM a Short-Term Study visa to any other UK visa from inside the country.
Can I switch to a full Student visa after a Short-Term Study visa?
Yes, but only by leaving the UK and applying for a new Student visa from your home country. You cannot switch in-country. Many learners use the Short-Term Study visa to improve their English to the required B1/B2 CEFR level, then return home, secure a CAS from a licensed sponsor, and apply for the full Student visa from abroad. The two visas are entirely separate processes.
For detailed information on UK visa eligibility, application fees, and document requirements, visit the official Short-term study visa page on GOV.UK.