Student Visitor Visa
What is a Student Visitor Visa?
The Student Visitor Visa, part of Standard Visit Visa, is targeted at international pupils who wish to do a short course of study in the UK. This includes English language courses or other training and vocational studies.
This visa can also be requested by students who wish to visit visa or to do a short period of research in the UK as a part of their degree course if they are studying abroad.
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Page Contents
- What is a Student Visitor Visa?
- Student Visitor Visa eligibility
- Short-Term Study Visa requirements
- Student Visitor Visa validity
- How to apply for a Short-Term Student Visa
- How to study in the UK as a part of an overseas course
- Requesting a visa for researching in the UK
- Short-Term Student Visa documents
- How much does the student visa cost?
- What is the Student Visitor Visa application process?
- Required additional documents
- FAQs
Student Visitor Visa eligibility
The Student Visitor Visa is available for those who:
- Are doing a short course of study in the UK
- Are from outside the EEA and Switzerland
- Meet all the necessary eligibility requirements
Academic visitors are not eligible for this permit, but they can apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Student Visitor Visa Requirements
To be eligible for this visa, you must prove that you:
- Have been offered a place on a course in the UK
- Have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working or seeking help from public funds
- Are willing to get back home at the end of your course or student visit visa, and you can pay for your return journey.
Student Visitor Visa validity
As a general rule, you are allowed to stay in the UK for the length of your course of study. However, you may be granted an additional 30-day stay if your visa validity is less than 6 months, or no more than 11 months if you are studying an English language course.
Depending on your home country, you may not need a visa to visit the UK. In this case, you can remain in the country to study for up to 6 months without applying for a permit. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to request a Short-term Study Visa, which will allow you to stay for 6 to 11 months in the UK.
How to apply for a Student Visitor Visa
You can apply for your student visitor visa online. However, you will still need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre before your request is valid.
You will get a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment. It currently costs £135 for a student visitor visa. If you are applying for short-term study visa to study English course for 6 to 11 months, it will cost £228. In addition you also need to pay immigration health surcharge if you are staying longer than 6 months in the UK.
How to study in the UK as a part of an overseas course
If you are at least 16 years old, and you are studying at an overseas higher education institution, you can apply for a Short-Term Visitor Visa to do a part of your course in the UK.
Before you can enter the UK, your education institution must:
- Acquire national accreditation
- Offer its pupils the opportunity to do part of dedicated educational programmes in the UK
- Offer courses that are equivalent to a UK degree
Requesting a visa for researching in the UK
The Visitor Student Visa can also be required by visa nationals and those who wish to come to the UK for a short period of research, provided that they are already enrolled on an overseas degree course.
Eligible applicants must:
- Do a course that is equivalent to a UK degree
- Carry out their research at the UK recognised body
- Be at least 16 years old
Student Visitor Visa documents
Along with your application forms, you must provide:
- Your passport or any other valid travel document
- Evidence that you hold enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK
- Details of your accommodation in the UK and your travel plans
- Your tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable
- Contact details of your parents or guardians in your home country (if you are under 18)
Any document which is not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
How much does the student visitor visa cost?
The Visitor Student visa costs:
- £135 , if you wish to stay for up to 6 months
- £228 for an 11-month visa
What is the Student Visitor Visa application process?
It usually takes 3 weeks for the Home Office to process your case and make a decision about your visa. This waiting time may be shorter if you are applying standard visit visa from within the UK.
If you are currently abroad, you can submit your application up to 3 months before your date of entering the country.
Required additional documents
To be eligible for this first visa category, you must hold an offer from an educational institution in the UK. Your application portfolio must include:
- A letter of acceptance from your course of study (on official headed paper)
- Details of your previous education, such as academic certificates and transcripts
- Your English language qualifications
- Permission to travel on your own if you are under 18
- Your financial sponsor’s details, if applicable
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on June 2nd, 2025 at 3:53 pm
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a Student Visitor Visa holder, you are cannot:
- Study at a state-funded school
- Work (including work placement)
- Apply for a visa extension
- Bring your dependants with you (although your relatives can apply separately)
- Get public funds.
Yes, you do not need to be 18 to be eligible for this visa. However, before you apply, you need to:
- Have permission from your parent or guardian to live and study in the UK
- Have made all the necessary arrangements for your travel and stay abroad
