To study English in the UK for six months or less:
• EEA, Swiss nationals and other nationalities on the non-visa national list do not need a visa
• Other international students need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

You need a Standard Visitor visa if:
• you plan to study English in the UK for less than six months
• you need a visa to visit the UK - check if you need a visa
• EEA, Swiss nationals and other nationalities on the non-visa national list will not need a visa if their course is six months or less

Key facts about Standard Visitor visas:

• Visitors can study as much as they like on this visa. It is possible to take different courses with different providers, as long as the courses have an approved accreditation.
• Application cost: £95
• When to apply: up to three months in advance
• in your application you will need to show that you have enough money to pay for your course fees, accommodation and living costs
• Apply online for a Standard Visitor visa.

If you want to study English in the UK for between six and eleven months, you should apply for a Short-term study visa before you travel (for other course types you need a Student visa).

Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss national? From 2021, you need a visa to study for longer than six months.

Key facts about Short-term study visas:
• You must be at least 16 years old
• Visa length: 11 months maximum
• Suitable for beginners - there is no minimum level of English required
• Before applying, you need to choose a course and have a letter of confirmation from your institution
• You are only allowed to study at an institution with an approved accreditation
• You cannot study with any other institution other than the one named on the application form
• In your application you will need to show that you have enough money to pay for your course fees, accommodation and living costs
• You will not be able to work in the UK
• Application cost: £186, plus £470 fee for the immigration health surcharge which gives access to national health services in the UK
• When to apply: up to three months in advance
• Apply online for a Short term study visa.

If you want to study English in the UK for more than 11 months you need a Student visa.

Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss national? From 2021, you need a visa to study for more than 6 months. If you arrived in 2020 and want to study and work in the UK after June 2021, you can do so by applying for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Key facts about Student visas:
• Your course must include at least 15 hours of study per week
• You must already have an intermediate level of English - you will need to prove your English level by taking a Secure English language Test (IELTS or Trinity College London) at a government-approved testing centre 
• You must have an unconditional course offer to study at an institution that has a Student sponsor licence
• For your visa application, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number from your institution
• In your application you will need to show that you have enough money to pay for your course fees, accommodation and living costs (find out more about providing evidence)
• Some students studying English language courses with a Student visa are able to work for 10 hours per week
• Application cost: £348, plus the immigration health surcharge for visas that are longer than six months. The cost depends on the length of the visa, starting at £470.
• When to apply: up to six months in advance