UK Visa Regulations for English Language Students

UK visa requirements for students are based on three factors: the student's nationality, the duration of the course and the type of course.

Which visa is required to study in the UK?

Everyone is allowed to study in the UK for up to six months as a visitor.

For courses longer than six months, all international students need to apply for a visa before travel. There are two visas available to students: the Short-term study visa, and the Student visa.

The Short-term study visa allows students to study an English language course for between six and eleven months.

If the study programme includes other subjects or if the student plans to study for longer than 11 months, a Student visa is required.

1. Study in the UK for up to six months: Standard Visitor visa

International students can study for up to six months as visitors.

Students coming to the UK for up to six months need to apply either for a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

Students who are from countries on the ETA national list need to apply for permission to travel to the UK.

All other nationalities need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before they travel.

See who needs an ETA and who needs a visa.

Key facts: Standard Visitor visa

Visitors with a Standard Visitor visa are allowed to study in the UK flexibly during the validity of the visa, which is usually six months.
Students can study at any UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
Students can change course or change provider.
No minimum level of English required.
Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
Visitors cannot normally extend their stay beyond 6 months from within the UK or switch into another visa route while in the UK.
The application cost is £135 (as of 8 April 2026).

How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

When and where to apply:

Students can apply for a Standard Visitor visa up to three months before they travel.
They can apply for the visa from anywhere in the world.
The application form is on GOV.UK.
Read the GOV.UK visit guidance before applying.

Required documents:

A current valid passport
If the visitor plans to study in the UK during their visit, they should include a letter of confirmation from an approved accredited institution to show evidence of their plans. Students do not need to pay the full course fees before applying for a visa.
Details of where they plan to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs.
Certified translations are required for any documents that are not in English. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK.

Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:

Students who are under 18 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
If the student is travelling on their own they must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or their legal guardian. Ask the language centre for a template letter to ensure this meets the requirements.
If the student is travelling with an adult over 18 years old who is not their parent or guardian, they need to name the adult on the visa application. This name will appear on the student's visa. Two adults can be named on the application and the student must arrive with at least one of them.
Find full details on GOV.UK.

Attending a visa application centre

After submitting the application form and required documents, visitors need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provide biometric data: their photo and fingerprints.

Attending a visa application interview

Students applying for a Standard Visitor visa may be required to attend an interview. They should check their emails regularly, including the 'junk' folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their language centre for advice to help them prepare for an interview.

Response times

Students can usually expect a response within three weeks. Some visa application centres offer a priority service for an additional fee, though service times are not guaranteed. Students should apply for their visa at the earliest possible opportunity, up to three months before their planned travel date.

Key facts: ETA

An ETA is not a visa
An ETA is linked to the applicant's passport
An ETA is normally valid for two years; less if the passport expires in less than two years
Students will obtain a Standard Visitor visa when going through immigration control
The application cost is £20 (as of 8 April 2026)

How to apply for an ETA

When and where to apply:

ETA application form
ETA app if the smart phone can support the software
At least three working days before departure

Required documents:

The student's passport or a photo of the passport if applying online
A photo of the student (if applying online or the student is not present)
An email address
Payment card

2. English language courses longer than 6 months and up to 11 months: Short-term study visa

The Short-term study visa is specifically for students over 16 years old who want to study an English language course in the UK that lasts longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months. All students need to choose an accredited course provider before making a visa application. All centres with British Council accreditation are suitable.

Students granted this visa can stay for the length of the course plus an additional 30 days, provided the total stay does not exceed 11 months. The visa cannot be extended from within the UK.

Key facts: Short-term study visa

No minimum level of English is required.
Students must be 16 years old or above when they arrive in the UK.
Students must intend to study at a UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
The visa is only valid for study at the institution that is named on the application form. Students cannot study with a different institution.
Students can extend their original course booking up to the end of their visa validity period (maximum of 11 months) but must continue to study with the same school.
Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
The application costs £228, plus £776 fee for the immigration health surcharge (see below).

How to apply for a Short-term study visa

When and where to apply:

Students can apply for a Short-term study visa up to three months before they travel.
The application form is online on GOV.UK.
Read the UKVI guidance before applying

Immigration health surcharge:

All students who apply for a visa for longer than six months must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online visa application. They will then be able to access national health services in the UK during their stay. This includes free doctors appointments and hospital services.

For a visa that is valid for between six and 12 months, the cost is £776. The cost increases with the length of the visa. You can use the immigration health surcharge calculator.

Required documents:

A current valid passport.
A letter of confirmation from a UK government-approved accredited institution. This needs to include the course name, duration and cost, including accommodation.
Details of where the student plans to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs. Learn more about providing evidence. Students do not need to pay the full course fees, travel or accommodation costs before applying.
Certified translations of documents that are not in English.
Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening.
Read the full GOV.UK application guidance before submitting the application form.

Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:

Students who are 16 & 17 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.

If they are travelling on their own, they must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or their legal guardian. Ask the language centre for a template letter to ensure this meets the requirements.

Attending a visa application centre:

After submitting the application form and required documents, most students need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provider biometric data: their photo and fingerprints. EEA nationals do not need to attend an application centre if they have a biometric chip in their passport. Instead, they scan their passport through an app.

Attending a visa application interview:

Students may be required to attend an interview. Students should check their emails regularly, including the 'junk' folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their language centre for advice if they are preparing for an interview.

Response times:

3. Courses longer than 11 months: Student visa

If the English language course or wider programme of study lasts longer than 11 months, the student will usually need to consider the Student visa route. This route has different requirements, including sponsorship by a licensed student sponsor and, in most cases, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

For more information about applying for a student visa, visit UKCISA.