United Kingdom•Europe1–21 days
Varies by processing route
£1,004–£2,004 GBP
Varies by filing options
11 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
For short courses or English language training up to 11 months.
The UK Short-term Study Visa allows students aged 16 and over to take English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months at an institution accredited by the British Council, Ofsted, or QAA. No minimum English proficiency is required to apply — the visa exists precisely to develop it.
Stay is limited to the course length plus 30 days, capped at 11 months. The visa cannot be extended from within the UK, carries no PR pathway, and prohibits all forms of work including unpaid placements. Costs are £228 application fee plus a £776 Immigration Health Surcharge; standard processing takes 3 weeks.
This visa is ideal for adults who want to study English in the UK for 6 to 11 months and do not need work rights or a route to permanent residence.
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| Standard | 2–3 weeks |
| Priority (5 working days) | 5 days |
| Super Priority (24 hours) | 1 day |
| Initial grant | 11 months |
Must be 16 or older
Accepted onto an English language course lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months
Course must be at an accredited institution (Ofsted, British Council, or QAA accreditation)
Sufficient funds to support yourself without working or using public funds
Ability to pay for return or onward travel
Under-18s: travel/stay arrangements made, written parental/guardian consent
Current passport or valid travel document
Bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
Letter from institution confirming course name, duration, and cost
Evidence that course fees have been paid or funds to pay them
Details of accommodation and travel arrangements
TB test results (if applying from a designated country)
Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh
Under-18: parent/guardian contact details and written consent covering visa, travel, and living arrangements
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