Short-Term Study Visa

The Short-Term Study Visa is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short period to undertake a short course of study or an English language course. This visa is ideal for those who do not intend to stay in the UK for an extended period or transition to a longer-term visa.

Eligibility for a Short-Term Study Visa

To be eligible for a Short-Term Study Visa, you must:

Be aged 16 or over.
Have been accepted onto a short course of study in the UK, such as an English language course (lasting no longer than 11 months) or another eligible short course (up to 6 months).
Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without needing to work or seek public funds.
Intend to leave the UK at the end of your course.
Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK. This includes:

Adequate funds to cover the cost of accommodation and living expenses throughout the duration of your course.
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a financial sponsor’s evidence, showing that you can cover your stay without working or accessing public funds.

The required funds must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your application date.

How to Apply for a Short-Term Study Visa

To apply for a Short-Term Study Visa, follow these steps:

Complete and submit the online application form from outside the UK.
Pay the application fee of £97 for a 6-month visa or £186 for an 11-month visa.
Book and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) for identity verification, fingerprint scanning, and photo capture.
Upload the necessary documents to support your application, such as proof of acceptance onto a course, financial evidence, and accommodation details.

A decision is typically made within 3 weeks. It is important to wait for a positive decision on your visa application before traveling to the UK.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Short-Term Study Visa

As a holder of a Short-Term Study Visa, you can:

Study an eligible short course.
Participate in any cultural or recreational activities associated with the course.

However, you cannot:

Work (paid or unpaid), including work placements or internships.
Extend your stay in the UK or switch to another visa type.
Bring family members (dependents) with you.
Access public funds (e.g., benefits or State Pension).
Extending a Short-Term Study Visa

The Short-Term Study Visa cannot be extended. If you wish to continue studying in the UK after your visa expires, you must leave the UK and apply for an appropriate visa from your home country. If you aim to pursue a longer course, consider applying for a Student Visa (previously Tier 4) instead.

The Short-Term Study Visa is designed to provide flexibility for those who wish to study in the UK for a brief period. Ensure that you meet all the requirements and have all the necessary documentation before applying.