UK Short-Term Study Visa
The UK Short-Term Study Visa allows international students aged 16 and over to study English at an accredited UK institution for between six and eleven months. If your course is six months or less, you should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.
For professional assistance with your visa application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308.
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What Is the UK Short-Term Study Visa
The Short-Term Study Visa is a temporary immigration route designed specifically for English language learners. It permits study in the UK for up to eleven months but does not allow work, switching routes, or extension while in the UK. Applicants must apply from outside the UK and have an unconditional offer from an approved language school.
This visa is ideal for students seeking to improve their English proficiency before progressing to higher education or career opportunities.
To qualify for the Short-Term Study Visa, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old when applying.
- Have an unconditional offer for an English language course lasting between six and eleven months.
- Intend to study only English; mixed or qualification-based courses are not permitted.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for tuition and travel.
- Leave the UK within 30 days of completing your course or before your visa expiry date, whichever is sooner.
- Meet tuberculosis testing requirements (if applicable).
Financial Requirements
Applicants must show that they have maintained sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs for the full duration of their studies in the UK. The required amount must be held for a continuous 28-day period, and financial evidence such as recent bank statements will need to accompany the application.
The specific financial thresholds vary depending on where you will study and are updated periodically by the Home Office. Before applying, it is strongly recommended that you check the latest financial requirements with our team to ensure your application meets the current standard.
Visa Fees and Health Surcharge
Applicants must also pay a visa application fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to NHS healthcare services during their stay. The IHS is usually charged at the annual student rate, even for courses shorter than a year.
Because Home Office fees and surcharge amounts are subject to regular updates, we advise all applicants to confirm the current costs with Immigration Solicitors UK before submitting their application.
For the latest Home Office rates and tailored guidance on your financial evidence, contact our team at +44 2080 162308.
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From 25 February 2026, the “No Permission, No Travel” rule becomes fully operational. Airlines and transport providers must confirm a traveller’s valid immigration permission before boarding.
Carrier Verification:
When your passport is scanned, the airline will receive a digital “Go” signal from the Home Office through the UKVI API system. A physical passport alone will no longer be sufficient for travel.
Most students will now receive a digital eVisa, which can be managed through a UKVI account. Ensure your passport number exactly matches the one linked to your digital immigration record.
ETA for Non-Visa Nationals
Citizens of countries such as the EU, US, and Australia who wish to study short English courses (under six months) do not need a Short-Term Study Visa. They must instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
The Short-Term Study Visa remains necessary for courses lasting longer than six months and up to eleven months.
Conditions of Stay
While in the UK under a Short-Term Study Visa, you must:
- Study only the course specified in your visa.
- Leave the UK within 30 days of course completion or visa expiry, whichever is sooner.
- Not work, volunteer, or undertake work placements.
- Not apply for an extension or switch to another visa while in the UK.
- Not access public funds.
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- Prepare your documents, including your passport, acceptance letter, and financial evidence.
- Apply online for the Short-Term Study Visa via the UK government website.
- Pay the visa fee and IHS charge.
- Attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.
- Wait for a decision, which usually takes three weeks after biometrics submission.
If your application is approved, you will receive a digital eVisa rather than a physical vignette.
If Your Application Is Refused
If refused, you may:
- Request an administrative review within 28 days, or
- Reapply with corrected or additional evidence.
Refusals remain on your immigration record but can be explained in future applications if overturned or corrected.
Bringing Family Members
The Short-Term Study Visa does not allow dependants. Family members wishing to visit must apply separately under the Standard Visitor Visa. They can stay for up to six months and cannot work or study while in the UK.
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How Immigration Solicitors UK Can Help
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we specialise in UK education visas and stay fully up to date with the 2026 financial and digital border regulations. We provide:
- Eligibility assessments and compliance checks.
- Preparation of legally robust applications.
- Financial documentation guidance to meet the updated 2026 maintenance thresholds.
- Representation in administrative reviews.
- Advice on digital eVisa setup and airline verification.
For accurate, solicitor-led guidance on your Short-Term Study Visa application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308 or request a consultation online.
