UK Student Visa Routes
Explore UK student visas for children, parents, and adults, covering everything from short English courses to full university degrees.
Student Visas Options
Student visas are available for children attending independent schools, teenagers pursuing higher education, adults taking degree-level courses, and individuals enrolling in short English language courses. Each visa type comes with specific eligibility rules, stay durations, and conditions, depending on the student’s age, course type, and study plan.
Child Student Visa
Purpose:
For children aged 4–17 who have been offered a place at an independent UK school.
Who it’s for:
International students who do not hold British citizenship or settled/pre-settled status and who wish to attend an independent fee-paying school.
How it fits:
Supports long-term school education in the UK but does not lead directly to settlement. Applicants under 16 can stay up to 6 years; those aged 16–17 up to 3 years, with options to switch to a Student Visa later.
Parent of a Child Student Visa
Purpose:
For one parent to accompany a Child Student aged 4–11.
Who it’s for:
Parents who maintain their main home outside the UK but want to stay during their child’s early education.
How it fits:
Allows limited stay based on the child's schooling. The visa holder cannot work or study in the UK and must leave once the child turns 12 or their visa expires.
Student Visa
Purpose:
For individuals aged 16 and over pursuing full-time courses at licensed UK institutions.
Who it’s for:
Students entering further education, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs.
How it fits:
Supports full-time study and can lead to post-study work routes such as the Graduate Visa. Allows limited work rights and, in some cases, dependents to join.
Short-Term Student Visa
Purpose:
For short-term English language courses lasting 6–11 months.
Who it’s for:
Students aged 16 and over attending standalone English language courses at accredited UK institutions.
How it fits:
A temporary route intended solely for English language study. It does not lead to work rights, settlement, or visa switching.