Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa)
Documents you'll need
When you apply you must provide:
- a current passport (with a blank page for your visa) or other valid travel document
- evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
- details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you should not pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
- evidence that you’ve paid your course fees or have enough money to pay them
You also need to provide:
- your tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you’re from a country where you have to take the TB test
- contact details for at least one parent or guardian in your home country, if you’re under 18 years old
- a certified translation if any documents are not in English or Welsh
Documents about your course
You must provide written proof of the course you’re studying. For example, a letter of acceptance from the educational institution stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation).
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances, such as evidence of your:
- permission to be in the country you’re applying from (if you’re not a national)
- financial sponsor’s occupation, income, savings or funds that will support your studies
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you need to provide additional documents if:
- you’re travelling on your own
- you’re travelling with someone who is not your parent or guardian
Travelling on your own
You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone 18 or older).
You must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or your legal guardian. This must confirm they consent to:
- your visa application
- your living arrangements and care in the UK
- your travel to the UK
They also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:
- the name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with
- an address where you will be living
- details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you
- consent in writing so they can look after you during your stay in the UK
Your parent, guardian or school must tell the relevant local authority about your visit if either of the following are true:
- you’re under 18 and have a disability
- you’re going to be looked after for more than 28 days by someone who is not a close relative (called ‘private foster care’)
You should provide a reply from the local authority if you have one.
Travelling with an adult
If you travel to the UK with an adult (someone 18 or older), you need to identify them in your visa application.
Their name will appear on your visa, and you’ll be refused entry to the UK if you arrive in the UK without them.
You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application, and your visa will only be valid if you travel with at least one of them.
The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.