Do you need a visa?
Whether you need a visa to study English in the UK depends on your nationality and how long your course lasts. The rules changed after Brexit, so EU citizens now need to check too.
There are two main visa routes for language students: the Short-term Study Visa (courses up to 11 months) and the Student Visa (longer, degree-level study). Many nationalities can also study visa-free for up to 6 months.
This guide covers the most common questions. For anything official, check the UK Government’s visa pages directly.
Common questions
Do I need a visa to study English in the UK?
It depends on your nationality and course length. Citizens from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most EU/EEA nations can enter as a Standard Visitor and study for up to 6 months without a visa. Courses longer than 6 months (up to 11 months) require a Short-term Study Visa. Anything longer than 11 months at degree level requires a Student Visa.
If you’re not sure where your nationality falls, use the UK visa checker.
What is the Short-term Study Visa?
This visa covers English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months. It costs £214. For courses of 6 months or shorter, you study as a Standard Visitor (visa fee £127 if your nationality requires one, or visa-free for many nationalities).
You have to apply from outside the UK. You can’t extend it, switch to another visa type while in the country, or do any paid or unpaid work.
What is the Student Visa?
The Student Visa replaced the old Tier 4 visa in 2020. It’s for longer courses at degree level or above, and you need a licensed Student Sponsor. Most standalone English language courses don’t qualify unless they’re a pre-sessional programme linked to a university degree.
It costs £524 from outside the UK. On top of that, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year) and need to prove you have enough money to cover your living costs.
Which English tests are accepted for visa purposes?
For a Student Visa, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. The approved tests are:
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) – the most commonly used
- Trinity College London ISE – accepted for most visa levels
- PTE Academic UKVI – Pearson’s computer-based option
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT – can be taken online
One thing that trips people up: standard IELTS (non-UKVI) is accepted by most universities directly, but for the visa application itself you need the “IELTS for UKVI” version taken at an approved test centre. They’re basically the same test, but the UKVI version has extra security measures.
How long can I study on each visa type?
As a Standard Visitor (no visa needed for eligible nationalities), you can study any accredited course for up to 6 months.
The Short-term Study Visa covers English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months. For courses of 6 months or less, eligible nationalities study as a Standard Visitor or visa-free.
The Student Visa lasts for the duration of your degree-level course, plus a short wind-down period after it ends.
Can I work while studying English in the UK?
On a Short-term Study Visa or as a Standard Visitor, no. No paid work, no unpaid work, no internships.
On a Student Visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. The exact allowance depends on your course level and sponsor.
What documents do I need to apply?
For a Short-term Study Visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of course enrolment (a confirmation letter from an accredited school)
- Proof you can pay for your course and support yourself in the UK
- Details of where you’ll stay
- Proof you’ll leave when your course ends (e.g. a return flight booking)
For a Student Visa, the list is longer:
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your licensed sponsor
- Proof of financial means (tuition fees plus living costs for up to 9 months)
- A valid SELT result at the required level
- Tuberculosis test results (required for some nationalities)
- ATAS certificate (for certain subjects, though unlikely for English language)
How much does a student visa cost?
The Short-term Study Visa is £214 (for courses longer than 6 months and up to 11 months). For courses of 6 months or less, you enter as a Standard Visitor (visa fee £127 if your nationality requires one).
The Student Visa is £524 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at £776 per year (this is the discounted student rate; the standard rate for non-students is £1,035 per year). Standard processing takes about 3 weeks. Priority processing costs extra.
Which nationalities can study visa-free?
Citizens from over 90 countries can enter the UK as Standard Visitors and study for up to 6 months without a visa. This includes most EU/EEA countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.
The full list changes occasionally. Check the visa checker for your nationality.
Where can I find official guidance?
The UK Government publishes the current rules here:
- Short-term Study Visa guidance
- Student Visa guidance
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Approved SELT providers
Visa rules do change. The fees and requirements on this page were verified in February 2026, but check the links above before making any decisions. Your chosen school can also help with the application process, and accredited schools deal with visa paperwork routinely.
Find a school
Every school on UK Study English is accredited by the British Council or equivalent and can provide the confirmation letters you need for a visa application. Browse courses or explore schools.
