Immigration & Visas

Which visa do you need for an English language course in the UK? Visitor up to 6 months, Short-term study 6 to 11 months, Student beyond

Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read

Short answer

The course length decides the visa: up to 6 months as a Standard Visitor, over 6 and up to 11 months the Short-term study visa (£228, no work, no extension), and longer courses at B2 or above need a Student visa. You cannot switch from the Short-term study visa to another visa inside the UK.

In short

  • This post is general information; it does not assess anyone's own situation. It is based on GOV.UK pages as they were on 17 October 2026.
  • Language courses up to 6 months: as a Standard Visitor. Turkish citizens need a visit visa for this.
  • Over 6 months and up to 11 months: the Short-term study visa (English language courses only). The fee is £228; you cannot work, extend or bring family.
  • Longer than 11 months, or at level B2 or above at a licensed provider: a Student visa.
  • You cannot switch from the short visas to a Student or Skilled Worker visa inside the UK; people continuing to university usually make a new application from outside the UK.

The rest is for members

Sign up for free to read the whole post.

Sign up and keep reading

Already a member? Log in

Official sources

This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.

  • GOV.UK: Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa)
  • GOV.UK: Short-term study visa, who can apply
  • GOV.UK: Short-term study visa, your course
  • GOV.UK: Standard Visitor, visit to study
  • GOV.UK: Student visa, your course

Source links are for members. Sign up for free

Share on WhatsApp

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More questions on this topic

All questions