Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Which visa your course length needs
Gov.uk's Short-term study visa page splits English courses by length.
| Course length | Visa | English test in the visa rules |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months or shorter | Visitor visa | See the Visitor visa rules |
| Longer than 6 months, up to 11 months | Short-term study visa | None listed |
| Longer than 11 months | Student visa | Yes: B1 or B2 depending on course level |
The Short-term study visa
You must be 16 or older and accepted onto an English language course of more than 6 and up to 11 months that includes no other subjects, at an accredited institution. You also need enough money to support yourself and pay for your return journey. Under-18s need travel and living arrangements and parental consent.
The visa costs £228, plus a healthcare surcharge that usually costs £776. You cannot work, change course, extend the visa or bring dependants. You can stay for the course plus 30 days, up to 11 months in total.
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English courses on a Student visa
The Student visa course page says you can do an English language course at CEFR B2 or above. Appendix Student sets your own English at B1 for pre-sessional courses and courses below bachelor's level, and B2 at bachelor's level and above, so ask your sponsor which level your CAS will need. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the gov.uk Short-term study visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS for a 9-month English course in the UK?+
Not for the visa. A 9-month course uses the Short-term study visa, and gov.uk lists no English test for it.
Can I work on the Short-term study visa?+
No. Paid and unpaid work, work experience and work placements are all ruled out.
Can I extend a Short-term study visa into a degree?+
No. The visa cannot be extended, and you cannot change course in the UK.
What age do I need to be?+
16 or older. Under-18s also need parental consent and arrangements for travel and stay.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UK Student visa
- Pre-sessional English and the Student visa
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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