
Do I need a visa to enter the UK?
It depends on your nationality. Some nationals must get a visa before any trip (“visa nationals”). Others are “non‑visa nationals” and can visit without a visa for short stays. Most non‑visa nationals must now get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Use the GOV.UK checker to confirm what you need.
Check if you need a UK visa: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): https://www.gov.uk/eta
Apply for an ETA (£16): https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
What is the difference between a visa national and a non-visa national?
Visa national: must apply for the relevant UK visa before travel, even for short visits.
Non‑visa national: can be granted visitor permission at the border for short visits (often via e‑gates), but typically must hold an ETA in advance. For courses over 6 months, everyone needs a visa before travel.
What documents do I need to bring for UK entry?
A full, valid passport. It’s strongly recommended you carry evidence of study (offer/enrolment letter), accommodation details, and funds in your hand luggage in case a Border Officer asks. If you’re studying under the visitor route, your course must be at an accredited institution.
Visit to study – rules: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study
Standard Visitor (for courses of 6 months or less)
What is a Standard Visitor for students?
It’s the correct status for all nationalities studying up to and including 6 months at an accredited institution (including English language courses).
What you can do – Visit to study: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study
How do non-visa nationals get this?
Apply for an ETA (£16) before travel, then enter as a visitor (often via e‑gates). There’s no separate visitor visa fee for non‑visa nationals. Apply for ETA: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
How do visa nationals get this?
You must apply online before travel for a Standard Visitor visa. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. The fee for a visit of up to 6 months is £127.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
Standard Visitor overview: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
What are the application requirements (visa nationals)?
You’ll provide your planned travel dates, where you’ll stay, estimated trip cost, home address, personal background, and proof of funds. Take supporting evidence (school letter, accommodation details) to your appointment.
What can I do in the UK on a Standard Visitor?
You can study (including multiple short courses) within your permitted stay. No work (paid, unpaid or voluntary).
Permitted activities – Visit to study: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study
Short-term Study: English language (more than 6 months, up to 11 months)
When do I need this?
When your English language course lasts over 6 months and up to 11 months. Everyone must apply before travel. Minimum age 16 (parental consent if 16–17).
Overview & eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english
Can I study any subject?
No. This route is for English language study only.
What documents are required?
Passport (with a blank page), proof of funds (e.g., recent bank statements), accommodation/travel plans (don’t pay until your visa is granted), evidence of fees paid or funds to pay them, and an offer letter from your school with course name, dates and cost. TB test is required if you’re coming for over 6 months and meet the country-of-residence criteria.
Apply for Short-term study: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/apply
TB test for a UK visa: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa
What is the cost?
Visa fee £214 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the student rate (typically £776) for NHS access during your stay. Fees (Short-term study 6–11 months): https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
IHS guidance: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
What are the rules on this visa?
Study only the course named in your application; no work; stay for the course length + 30 days, up to a maximum of 11 months; no extension. Border staff will refuse entry for 6–11‑month English courses if you arrive without this visa.
Visa Application Process
How do I apply for a UK visa?
Apply online on GOV.UK and book a visa application centre appointment to provide biometrics and documents.
Visas and immigration – start here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Apply – Standard Visitor: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
Apply – Short‑term study (English): https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/apply
When should I apply?
For a Standard Visitor visa, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. Apply as early as you can.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Usually around 3 weeks after biometrics for Visitor, Student, and Short‑term study applications made outside the UK. Priority/Super Priority services may be available for faster decisions (extra fee).
Visa processing times (outside the UK): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk