The Short-term Student Visa (English Language) is a pathway for individuals aged 16 and older who wish to pursue an English language course in the United Kingdom for a period of 6 to 11 months without the presence of a student sponsor, provided that the institution is accredited.

If you intend to enrol in an English language course that exceeds 11 months, you should submit an application for a Student Visa or Child Student Visa.

The United Kingdom also provides a shorter 6-month Short-term Student Visa for those who desire to pursue a course or conduct research that will not exceed six months. Individuals who wish to repeat an examination, retake a module, or take an oral examination as part of their PhD qualification may also utilise this pathway. Additionally, there is a Short-term Student (Child) route that is accessible to individuals under the age of 16.

Short-term Student Visa (English Language) Requirements

To qualify for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language), you must meet the following criteria, as outlined by UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 16 or over;
• You are outside the UK;
• You have been accepted onto an English language course (that does not include any other subject) at an accredited institution that will last no longer than 11 months;
• You have paid your course fees or have enough funds to pay your course fees;
• You do not intend to undertake a course of study of longer than 11 months, study at an academy or state-funded school, make the UK your main home, work in the UK or engage in any business or professional activities in the UK;
• You intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your English language course, or at the end of 11 months, whichever is sooner;
• You can maintain and accommodate yourself adequately without receiving public funds;
• You have enough funds to meet the cost of your return or onward journey from the UK;
• You have the consent of your parents if you are 16 or 17 years old.

The specific requirements that must be met will vary based on your specific circumstances. For expert guidance, it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney.

Short-term Student Visa (English Language) Course Requirements

You will be required to submit written confirmation from your course provider that you have been accepted into an English language course that is exclusively English and will not exceed 11 months in duration.

The Short-term Student Visa (English Language) is an unsponsored route. Regrettably, aspirants are required to submit applications to institutions that are accredited.

An institution that has been independently evaluated by a Home Office-approved inspection body as meeting the necessary educational standards is referred to as an accredited institution.

Short-term Student Visa (English Language) Financial Requirement

You must have either paid your course fees or have sufficient funds to do so.

Additionally, you must be capable of demonstrating that you can adequately support and accommodate yourself without relying on public funds.

Additionally, you will be required to prove that you possess sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your return or subsequent journey from the United Kingdom.

English Language Requirement for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language)

For a Short-term Student Visa (English Language), there is no English language requirement.

Short-term Student Visa Study (English Language) Requirements

During your tenure as a Short-term Student (English Language) in the UK, you are prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities:

• undertake a course of study of 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 in the UK.

Rule of the Genuine Student

To be eligible for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language), you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration that you are a genuine short-term student.

You must demonstrate to the Home Office that you have a sincere intention to enrol in an English language course at an accredited institution that will be completed during your stay, that you have provided a genuine account of the duration of your intended stay in the UK, that you do not intend to study at a state-funded school or academy, that you do not intend to use frequent and successive periods of study as a means of evading the requirements of the Student or Child Student routes, and that you intend to depart the UK within 30 days of the conclusion of your declared period of study or before your visa expires, whichever is sooner.

Transitioning to the Short-term Student (English Language) Route

A Short-term Student (English Language) Visa application may only be submitted from outside the United Kingdom. It is not feasible to transition to the Short-term Student (English Language) route from within the United Kingdom.

Stay Duration for a Short-Term Student Visa (English Language)

If your application for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language) is approved, you will be issued a visa that is valid for 11 months. 

Conditions of Stay as a Short-term Student (English Language)

Temporary Student visa holders are not permitted to work or receive public funds. Additionally, they are permitted to enrol in courses for which they have been granted authorization.

Extension of Stay as a Short-term Student (English Language)

A Short-term Student (English Language) Visa cannot be extended.

Settlement in the UK as a Short-term Student (English Language)

It is not possible to reside through the Short-term Student (English Language) route.

Transitioning to the Student Visa Route

Holders of short-term student (English Language) visas are currently prohibited from transitioning to the student visa route from within the United Kingdom. One must submit a student visa application from outside the country in order to pursue a higher or further education course in the United Kingdom.

Dependent family members of Short-term Students

Temporary Students are ineligible to bring a dependent partner and/or dependent offspring to the United Kingdom.