Two Visa Routes: Short Term Student & Tier 4
Important: The information contained below is for guidance only. Although every effort is made to ensure its accuracy, we strongly recommend you visit the UKVI website for up-to-date information.
There are two main routes for students who wish to study in the UK:
Short-term studyThis visa is available to those who wish to do a short course of study in the UK (for example an English Language course). This consists of the following sub-categories:
Tier 4Under the Points-Based System (PBS), this visa type is broadly speaking for those who wish to study for more than 6 months. However, Tier 4 visa can be for full-time courses of any length, for example 3 months Pre-sessional English language course. There are 2 sub-categories under Tier 4 route:
There are two main routes for students who wish to study in the UK:
Short-term studyThis visa is available to those who wish to do a short course of study in the UK (for example an English Language course). This consists of the following sub-categories:
- Short-term Study (6 months) – for students aged 16 years or above (course duration - 6 months or less). This is formerly known as Student Visitor Visa.
- Short-term Study (11 months) – for students aged 16 years or above (only for pure English Language courses that last up to 11 months in length). This is formerly known as Extended Student Visitor Visa.
- Short-term Study (Child) – for students aged under 16 years old (course duration - 6 months or less). This is formerly known as Child Visitor Visa route for short-term studies.
Tier 4Under the Points-Based System (PBS), this visa type is broadly speaking for those who wish to study for more than 6 months. However, Tier 4 visa can be for full-time courses of any length, for example 3 months Pre-sessional English language course. There are 2 sub-categories under Tier 4 route:
- Tier 4 General Student
- Tier 4 Child Student
