International Student Short-term study visa
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Short-term study visa


The short-term visa is for anyone over 16 years old who wants to study English in the UK for between six and 11 months. This includes students from EU and EEA countries. All international students need to choose an accredited course provider before making a visa application. Winsor Education is accredited by Independent Schools of Inspectorate (ISI) and is an approved provider of English language courses. If a student wants to study a different subject for longer than six months they need a Student visa. This includes an academic year or foundation course, or any programme that is not 100% English language.

Key facts: Short-term study visa

  • No minimum level of English is required.
  • Students must be 16 years old or above when they arrive in the UK. ( Student need to be 18 years old in order to study with Winsor Education)
  • Students must have a plan to study at a UK institution with a government-approved accreditation.
  • The visa is only valid for study at the institution that is named on the application form.
  • Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
  • The application costs GBP200, plus GBP776 fee for the immigration health surcharge (see below).
  • Extensions: students can extend their original course booking up to the end of their visa validity period (maximum of 11 months).


Application process: Short-term study visa

  • Students can apply for a Short-term study visa up to three months before they travel.
  • The application form is online on GOV.UK.

 

Immigration health surcharge

All students who apply for a visa for longer than six months must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online visa application. They will then be able to access national health services in the UK during their stay. This includes free doctor's appointments and hospital services. For a visa that is valid for between six and 12 months, the cost is GBP776. The cost increases with the length of the visa. You can use the immigration health surcharge calculator.



 

Required documents

  • A current valid passport with a full blank page available for the visa.
  • A letter of confirmation from a UK government-approved accredited institution. This needs to include the course name, duration and cost, including accommodation. Students do not need to pay the full cost before making a visa application.
  • Details of where the student plans to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
  • Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs. Learn more about providing evidence. Students do not need to pay the full course fees, travel or accommodation costs before applying.
  • Certified translations are required for any documents that are not in English. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
  • Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK. Read the full GOV.UK application guidance before submitting the application form.

 

Attending a visa application centre

After submitting the application form and required documents, most students need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provider biometric data: their photo and fingerprints. EEA nationals do not need to attend an application centre if they have a biometric chip in their passport. Instead, they scan their passport through an app.

 

Check if local application centres are open

Most visa application centres are now open. Find a visa application centre to check. If local visa application centres are closed due to Covid-19, it is still possible to start the process online. See the UKCISA website for details.

 

Attending a visa application interview

Students may be required to attend an interview. Students should check their emails regularly, including the ‘junk’ folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their Sponsor institution for advice if they are preparing for an interview.


 

Response times

Students can usually expect a response within three weeks. Some visa application centres offer a priority service for an additional fee, though service times are not guaranteed. Students should apply for their visa at the earliest possible opportunity, up to three months before their planned travel date.

 
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