Can I study on a visitor visa?

If you are looking to come to the UK to undertake short-term study, do a placement, undertake a short piece of research, or take an exam, you may need to apply for a study visitor visa.

If you are a non-visa national (i.e. from a country that does not require you to apply for a visa before travel), you will need to explain your reason for coming to the UK to the border officer when you enter the UK. You will still have to comply with all the relevant study visitor immigration rules.

Student visitor visa UK requirements

There are a number of requirements which you need to meet, such as being able to evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit, that you are able to financially support yourself while in the UK, and show that you do not intend to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits. In addition, depending on the type of study you chose to do in the UK, you will need to ensure you are meeting some specific requirements relevant to the reasons for the visit.

How long can you stay in the UK as a study visitor?

The study visitor route allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. Therefore, if you are looking to undertake a course, you need to ensure that it does not exceed this period unless it is a remote or online course. In this case, your course can last longer than 6 months, however, you can still only remain in the UK for up to 6 months.

You may want to attend a UK school or university for a longer term, which you can do by applying for a different visa. You can choose between a short-term study visa (which is for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months, up to 11 months), a Student visa (for attending school or university in the UK from the age of 16), or a Child Student visa (for attending school in the UK between the ages of 4 and 17).

How Gherson can help?

Gherson’s immigration team has extensive experience in all aspects of UK visas, and would be happy to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2022