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:
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.
Further details on eligibility, required documents and application can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/overview
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: