Short-term study visa (STS)
Short-term Study visa
From 1 December 2020, the Short-term study visa route is for only those students who are coming to study an English language courses in the UK having a duration between 6 and 11 months. No other subject area can be studied on the Short-term study visa route. This applies to international students as well as EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who do not secure Settled or Pre-Settled Status and enter the UK on or after 31 December 2020 (11pm).
If you are visiting the UK for a short period to re-sit an exam, attend your PhD viva voce exam or undertake a short period of research, you should now enter on a Standard Visitor visa.
Restrictions on the Short-term Study visa
This visa holders cannot:
- extend this visa
- study on a course other than an English language course or less than 11 months duration
- change course while in the UK
- undertake paid or unpaid work (including work placement or work experience), be self-employed or run a business
- study at a state-funded school
- bring family members (dependants)
- claim benefits or public funds
Documents you will need
- Visa letter – this will be issued by the International Office following a successful admission application.
- Your current passport.
- Financial documents – Unlike the Student visa, you are not required to show a fixed amount to cover maintenance or living cost in the UK. However, the Home Office does specify that you should submit financial evidence to show that you can pay your course fee and also support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months.
- Accommodation detail or where you intend to stay and your travel plans – please do not pay for accommodation or flights until you get your visa.
- Certified translation of any documents not in English language.
- Under 18 year old students must also provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
How to apply
Most students can apply online up to 3 months before their travel to the UK. The usual decision processing time is 3 weeks.
TB test certificate
You will need to provide a Tuberculosis (TB) certificate if you are coming to the UK for over 6 months and have been present in one of these countries for more than 6 months immediately before applying for your visa.
Immigration Health Surcharge
You will also be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of your online visa application. This is your health insurance to use the National Health Services (NHS) UK for the duration of your visa. It usually costs £470.
Police registration
Nationals of some countries on a Short-term study visa are also required to register with the police after arriving in the UK. For details, see our police registration page.
Related links
Home Office – Visa to study English