Short-term study visa: 6 - 11 months
⚠️ Important: Lexis London staff are not visa experts and cannot guarantee visa decisions. We provide advice based on official UK government and English UK information to help you understand your visa options. The UK government makes the final decision on all applications.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for students who:
- Want to study English in the UK for more than 6 months
- Plan to stay for 6 to 11 months
- Do not need to work while studying
- Will return to their home country after their course
If you want to study for less than 6 months, you may need a Standard Visitor visa instead.
- No minimum level of English is required.
- Students must be 16 years old or above when they arrive in the UK.
- You must have an offer from a UK institution with government-approved accreditation.
(All British Council-accredited language centres are suitable.)
- The visa is valid only for the school named on your application form.
- Students cannot work on this visa, but they may volunteer.
- The visa cannot be extended
- How long can you stay? You can stay for the length of your course plus up to 30 extra days, as long as your total stay is no more than 11 months.
With this visa, you cannot:
- Study at a different school or change your course in the UK
- study at a state-funded school
- Work (paid or unpaid), including work experience
- Run a business
- Extend this visa
- Bring family members (‘dependants’) with you on this visa
- Apply for public benefits or the State Pension
| Item |
Amount |
Notes |
| Visa application fee |
£200 |
Paid online when you apply. Check GOV.UK for the latest fee. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
£776 |
Gives you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your visa. |
| Other costs |
Varies |
Optional: travel, accommodation, course materials, and personal spending. Not included in visa fees. |
Important notes for students:
- Fees can change — always check the official GOV.UK website before applying.
- You must pay the visa fee and IHS before your application can be processed.
- This visa does not allow working, so all living and study costs must be planned in advance.
- Apply online
- Apply from outside the UK (if required)
- Apply up to 3 months before your course start date. Do not apply earlier.
- Biometrics appointment
- Approximate decision time
Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
- Letter confirming your course from Lexis London.
- Accommodation details (where you will stay in the UK).
- Proof of money for course fees, accommodation, and living costs.
- Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit (return flight, family ties, property, etc.).
- Any documents not in English must be officially translated. 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.
Tip: Border officers may ask for these documents when you arrive in the UK. Keep copies ready.
Students under 18 may need:
- Parental consent letters.
- A responsible adult in the UK if staying alone.
- Additional proof of accommodation and care arrangements.
- Make sure you read GOV.UK guidance for under‑18 students before applying. Find full details on GOV.UK.
1. Apply Online
2. Book a Biometric Appointment
3. Visa Interview (if required)
- Some applicants may be asked to attend a short interview.
- Check email carefully, including the junk/spam folder, for any invitations.
- You can contact your language centre for advice on preparing for an interview.
4. Wait for a Decision
- Most students receive a decision within three weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks.
- Some centres offer priority services for an extra fee, but times are not guaranteed.
- Apply as early as possible, up to 3 months before your travel date.
