Short-Term Student Visa

What is the Short-Term Student Visa?

The Short-Term Student Visa is for individuals aiming to study English language courses in the UK. This visa allows students to stay for the duration of their course plus an additional 30 days as long as the total stay does not exceed 11 months. It is perfect for individuals seeking to enhance their English skills in a short period.

To apply, you must be outside the UK and demonstrate a genuine intention to study, which the Home Office will assess carefully. Understanding the immigration rules and specific requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Unlike other student visas, the Short-Term Student Visa does not require a sponsor. Instead, you need to show acceptance onto an accredited English language course and provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. This makes the visa more accessible for international students seeking short-term study opportunities in the UK.

If your English language course lasts longer than 11 months, you should apply for a Student Visa or Child Student Visa. For courses or research lasting less than 6 months, the UK also offers a 6-month Short-Term Student Visa. This shorter visa is also suitable for those needing to re-sit an exam, retake a module, or complete an oral examination for a PhD qualification.

Visa Pathway

Time spent in the UK on a Short-term Student visa does not count towards eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Dependents

Short-term students are not permitted to bring family members to the UK.

Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language), applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age and Location: Be aged 16 or over and currently outside the UK.
• Financial Capability: Have paid course fees or possess sufficient funds to cover these fees and living expenses.
• Intentions:
  • Plan to study courses for up to 11 months.
  • Avoid enrolling in an academy or state-funded school.
  • Not make the UK their primary residence or engage in business or professional activities.
  • Plan to leave the UK within 30 days of their course ending or by the end of 11 months, whichever comes first.
• Self-Support: Be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without public funds.
• Return Journey: Have enough funds to cover the cost of their return or onward journey from the UK.
• Parental Consent: Obtain consent from parents if they are 16 or 17 years old.

Course Acceptance

Applicants must provide written confirmation of acceptance onto an English language course that does not exceed 11 months. This confirmation typically comes as a letter from a UK government-approved accredited institution detailing the course name, duration, and cost.

Financial Capability

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover their course fees, accommodation, and living costs during their stay in the UK. Acceptable evidence includes personal and parents’ bank statements, scholarships, student loans, and pay slips. While total course fees do not need to be paid upfront, proof of funds is required to ensure students can support themselves without working or relying on public funds.

Accredited Institutions

Students must study at institutions accredited by a Home Office-approved inspection body. Accreditation ensures that the educational standards meet the required criteria, providing a quality learning environment. To maintain the integrity of the visa process, students must enrol in the specific course and institution stated in their visa application.

Genuine Student Rule

To qualify for a Short-Term Student Visa (English Language), you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration and be a genuine short-term student. This includes showing a true intention to study an English language course at an accredited institution, providing an accurate view of the duration of their stay, and not using consecutive study periods to live in the UK or bypass the requirements of other visa routes. Applicants must intend to leave the UK within 30 days after their course ends or before the visa expires, whichever is sooner.

Required Documentation

To apply for the Short-Term Student Visa, applicants need to provide the following:

• Valid Passport: A current passport with at least one blank page for the visa.
• Offer of Acceptance or Confirmation Letter: A letter from an accredited institution detailing the course name, duration, and cost.
• Accommodation Details:
  • If staying in university accommodation, a copy of the accommodation contract or application.
  • If not staying in university accommodation, documentation of reserved temporary accommodation.
• Financial Documents: Proof of the ability to cover tuition fees and living costs. This can include personal and parents’ bank statements or pay slips.

When applying, you must also provide:

• Course Fee Evidence: Proof that you’ve paid your course fees or have enough money to pay it.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results: If you’re from a country where you have to take the TB test.
• Parental Contact Details: Contact details for at least one parent or guardian in your home country if you’re under 18 years old.
• Certified Translation: A certified translation if any documents are not in English or Welsh.

Application Fees

The Short-term Study Visa costs £200.

As part of your online application, you'll need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £776, allowing you to use the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Processing Times

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK. You should receive a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment, which is booked when you apply.

Priority Service

You may have the option to pay an additional £220 for a decision within 5 working days or £956 for a decision within 24 hours, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Check if this service is available at your chosen visa application centre.

How to Apply for a Short-Term Student Visa

All applications for short-term student visas are made online via the government website. You should not travel to the UK or pay for your accommodation until you receive a decision on your visa application. If you are not applying from your home country, you must show immigration permission to be in the country where you are applying.

Steps to Apply:

1. Identify a Course and Obtain an Offer Letter:
   • Find a qualifying course at an accredited institution and obtain an offer letter.
2. Prepare Documentation and Evidence:
   • Gather all necessary documents, including proof of course acceptance, financial evidence, accommodation details, and other required paperwork.
3. Complete the Online Application:
   • Submit your application online through the government website. Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to submit your documents and verify your identity.
4. Attend Your Appointment:
   • Attend your appointment at the visa application centre. The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.
5. Wait for a Decision:
   • Once a decision has been made on your application, you will receive an email from the Home Office. This email will outline the next steps you need to take.

Post Approval Restrictions

As a Short-term Student in the UK, you cannot do the following:

• Study any other course or change your course.
• Undertake a course of study longer than 11 months.
• Study at an academy or state-funded school.
• Make the UK your main home.
• Work in the UK.
• Engage in any business or professional activities.
• Bring family members.

Refused Short-Term Student Visa

If your application for a Short-Term Student visa is refused, you have the right to request an administrative review or submit a new application.

• Administrative Review: You must apply for this review within 28 days of the refusal date, which costs £80.
• New Application: Address the reasons for the refusal and reapply with a fresh application.

After Receiving Your Visa

Upon receiving your visa and arriving in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This must be done either before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of your arrival, whichever is later. The BRP serves as proof of your right to stay, work, or study in the UK and contains your biographic details and visa conditions.

Switching Your Visa

Short-Term Student Visa holders cannot switch to other visa categories or extend their stay in the UK. Switching to the Short-Term Student (English Language) route from within the UK is impossible.

Extending Your Visa

The Short-Term Student (English Language) Visa cannot be extended. Furthermore, planning your stay appropriately is of great importance. This visa is intended for short-term study only and must be used accordingly.

Summary

The QC Immigration team regularly assists international students in coming to the UK to study. Since everyone’s circumstances differ, we advise you on the most suitable route.

Whether you prefer to meet our specialists in person or require a fully online service, we can help with all UK immigration concerns. As immigration rules are frequently updated, we recommend discussing your UK visa options with our team to ensure you are well-informed.

With our expertise, you can save time and reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete or non-compliant application, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and stress-free journey to obtaining a Short-term Study visa.