Since 1 December 2020, Student Visitor Visa holders are only permitted to study on English language courses lasting between six and eleven months. For other courses lasting up to six months, it may be possible for non-visa nationals to come to the UK on the Standard Visitor Visa.
In addition, the Student Visitor Visa is alternatively called the Short-term Study Visa.
Who can apply for this visa?
To apply for this short-term student visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are aged over 16 years old.
- You have been accepted on an eligible English language course.
- The course is solely an English language course.
- The institute or course provider is accredited and registered.
- You have sufficient funds to support yourself without working.
- You can pay for your journey home.
If you are aged under 18 years old, you must also ensure that:
- Proof that you have organized a place to stay and made travel arrangements.
- Confirmation that your parents’ or guardians’ consent to your studying in the UK.
To be granted this visa, you must demonstrate that you intend to study exclusively on the course for which you were granted permission.
What are the course requirements?
To study in the UK on this visa, you must enroll in a course offered by an accredited UK institution or an eligible overseas course provider. Also, your institution must hold a valid student sponsor license or accreditation listed by one of the following bodies:
- Accreditation Service for International Colleges
- Accreditation UK
- British Accreditation Council
- Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland)
- Estyn (Wales)
- Education Scotland (Scotland)
- Independent Schools Inspectorate
- Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
- Office for Students
- Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (if studying in the UK as part of an international course).
Grounds of Student Visitor Visa refusal?
Some of the most common reasons for a Student Visitor Visa refusal include:
- The course is not on the approved list of providers.
- The course lasts for longer than eleven months.
- The course leads to a recognised qualification.
Since October 6, 2021, applicants can request an administrative review if their Student Visitor Visa application was refused.
Contact Us
For more information, please feel free to contact us.
