Short-Term Study Visa

Excel English has been given Tier 4 Sponsor (formerly Highly Trusted Sponsor) status by the UK Border Agency. Our sponsorship number is AMVYA5Y78. We can provide information and the correct documentation to support your visa application to study at our school, but we are not licensed to give visa advice.

If you want to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a Short-Term Study Visa (valid up to 11 months for English Language courses). Here is some information about these visas which may be helpful to you.

Note: As of 24 April 2015 the Short-Term Student Visa has now replaced the Student Visitor Visas and Extended Student Visitor Visas.
Click here to read more about the changes and this type of visa.

Do I need a Short-Term Study Visa?

Are you aged over 18?
Do you want to study a course of up to 6 months or up to 11 months at an accredited institution?
Are you from a country outside the European Union / European Economic Area?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you will need a Short-Term Study Visa to study in the UK.

If you are aged under 18, please check our information on visas for students under 18 years
If you want to study for more than 11 months, please check our information on Tier 4 (General) Student Visas

How can I apply for a Short-Term Study Visa?

Visit the UK Border Agency website for information, or ask your local Educational Consultant for advice. The method for applying for a visa will depend on whether or not you are from a Visa National country

If you are a Visa National, you must apply for a visa to enter the UK before you travel. Click here to find out if you are from a Visa National Country. When you have paid your fees in full, Excel English will provide the documents you need as confirmation that you will study an English course while you are in the UK.

You must apply for your visa a minimum of 4 weeks in advance – allow more time during June – August.

If you are a non-visa national, you may be able to apply for your Short-Term Study Visa on arrival in the UK, but you must show proof of your intention to study in the UK, (i.e. your enrolment confirmation), which Excel English will send you when you have paid your fees in full.

When you arrive in the UK, you must ensure that the Immigration Officer puts the correct stamp in your passport with the handwritten letters ‘VST’ to signify that you are allowed to study during your stay in the UK.

Does a Short-Term Study Visa allow me to work in the UK?

No, short-term students are not allowed to work in the UK, either in a paid or unpaid job. They are not allowed to enrol on a course of study that includes a work placement or work experience.

I have a Standard Visitor Visa, can I study at Excel English?

The Standard Visitor Visa has replaced the General Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, and the Business Visitor Visa (among others) and is usually valid for up to six months.

If you hold this type of visa, you are now eligible to study at an accredited institution for up to 30 days as long as it is not the main reason for your visit.

Click here for more information about the Standard Visitor Visa.