UK Short-term study visa for English language courses

The school must hold a student sponsor licence or a valid accreditation listed by a recognised body, such as Accreditation UK, the British Accreditation Council, the Accreditation Service for International Colleges, Ofsted, the Office for Students or the QAA. An overseas university can also qualify when part of its English programme takes place in the UK and it meets the stated conditions. State-funded schools are not allowed.

You must be 16 or over and accepted on an English language course of more than 6 and up to 11 months that includes no other subjects, at an accredited institution. You must be able to support and accommodate yourself, or be supported by relatives or friends, and pay for your return. Under-18s need travel and care arrangements and parental consent.

No fixed monthly amount is set; you show that you can pay course fees, accommodation and living costs, for example with 6 months of bank statements or payslips and proof that course fees are paid or affordable. The visa costs £228, and the health surcharge, usually £776, is paid with the application.

You cannot change course, study at a state school, work (including unpaid work and placements), extend the visa, switch to another visa in the UK or claim public funds. To continue with degree study afterwards you must return and apply for a Student visa from outside the UK.