UK Short-Term Study Visa

UK Short-Term Study Visa: Study English in the UK

The UK Short-Term Study Visa is designed for individuals who wish to study an English language course in the UK for a period of 6 to 11 months. This visa is ideal for those looking to improve their English skills at an accredited institution but who do not intend to stay in the UK long-term, for which the UK Student Visa is likely to be a more suitable option.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, financial requirements, application process, and visa conditions of the UK Short Term Study visa.

Who Can Apply for a UK Short-Term Study Visa?

To qualify for a UK Short-Term Study Visa, you should meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements of the UK Short-Term Study Visa

You must be at least 16 years old.
You must be accepted onto an English language course at an accredited UK institution.
The course must last between 6 and 11 months and must only involve studying English as a foreign language.
You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working or claiming public funds.
You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your course.

Financial Requirement of the UK English Study Visa

There is no fixed minimum amount you must have, but you must prove you can cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and living costs
- Return travel to your home country

There is no requirement for a financial sponsor or a set bank balance threshold, but evidence of sufficient funds is crucial.

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

You can:

Study an English language course at an accredited institution for 6 to 11 months.
Travel in and out of the UK while your visa is valid.

You cannot:

Work in the UK (this includes paid, unpaid, and voluntary work).
Study any course other than English.
Apply for an extension or switch to another visa category within the UK.
Bring dependants (family members) – they must apply separately.

How to Apply for a UK Short-Term Study Visa

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

A valid passport or other travel document.
A letter of acceptance from an accredited UK English language institution confirming:
- The course name, duration, and cost.
- That it is an English language course only.
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
Proof of accommodation arrangements for your stay in the UK.
Return travel details (proof that you intend to leave the UK when your course ends).

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

Apply via the official UK government website.
Pay the visa application fee.
Upload supporting documents.

Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment

Provide fingerprints and photographs at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.

Step 4: Await a Decision

Standard processing time: 3 weeks (faster processing may be available in some countries for an additional fee).

Fees and Costs

Visa Application Fee: £200
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory for this visa if the duration is over sox months and provides access to NHS healthcare during your stay.

What Happens After the Visa Expires?

You must leave the UK when your visa expires.
Extensions are not allowed, so if you wish to continue studying, you must apply for a new visa from outside the UK, this would typically be a UK Student Visa.
If you want to take a longer course or a degree program, you may need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) instead.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Short-Term Study Visa requires careful preparation, especially when providing financial evidence and supporting documents. Immtell can assist you in ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and meets all Home Office requirements.

We can help with:

Verifying your eligibility and required documents.
Ensuring your course and institution meet visa requirements.
Guidance on financial proof and accommodation evidence.
Reviewing and submitting your application for the best chance of approval.

Start Your English Language UK Study Journey with Immtell

Get expert guidance on your UK Short-Term Study Visa application and ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

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UK Short-Term Study Visa