The Short-term study visa route is for only those students who are coming to study an English language courses in the UK having a duration between 6 and 11 months. No other subject area can be studied on the Short-term study visa route. 

If you are visiting the UK for a short period to re-sit an exam, attend your PhD viva voce exam or undertake a short period of research, you should now enter on a Standard Visitor visa.

Restrictions on the Short-term Study visa

This visa holders cannot:

Documents you will need

How to apply

Most students can apply online up to 3 months before their travel to the UK. The usual decision processing time is 3 weeks.

TB test certificate

You will need to provide a Tuberculosis (TB) certificate if you are coming to the UK for over 6 months and have been present in one of these countries for more than 6 months immediately before applying for your visa.

Immigration Health Surcharge

You will also be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of your online visa application. This is your health insurance to use the National Health Services (NHS) UK for the duration of your visa. 

Related links

Home Office - Short-term study visa

UKCISA – Short-term study visa