This is a restrictive type of visitor visa which allows part time study and is a pathway for individuals willing to visit the UK for a short term course. It allows applicants to come to the UK for up to 6 months to study a short course or for up to 11 months to study an English Language course, or if an applicant is enrolled in a course overseas that is equivalent to a UK bachelor degree, he can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do a research or to take tuitions in the UK on how to conduct a research.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met by an applicant to obtain a short term study visa:
• Must be able to prove that he has been offered a course in the UK at an acceptable place of study.
• Must have enough money to support himself in the UK without working or taking help from public funds.
• The course he opts for must be for not more than 6 months (except for an English Language course)
• Must prove that he can pay for his return or onward journey.
• If an applicant is below 18 years of age, he also must have permission from his parents or guardian to live and study in the UK.
CASES WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL MAY CONSIDER COMING TO THE UK AS A SHORT TERM STUDENT
Studying on a distance learning programme and occasionally needs to visit the UK for classes or revision sessions. The course might be for longer than 6 months but each period of study is less than 6 months.
Studying full time or part time on a short course of less than 6 months.
For undertaking research as a part of your study (bachelors degree or above ) at an overseas institution.
VISITING THE UK AS A PART OF AN OVERSEA COURSE
An individual who is at least 18 years of age and is studying at an overseas higher education institution and has a part of his course in the UK, can apply for this visa. His overseas institution must:
• offer programmes that are equivalent to a UK degree.
• hold its own national accreditation.
• offer only part of his course in the UK.
LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
A student who is at least 18 years of age can apply for a short term study visa for up to 11 months if he has been accepted for a course to learn English as a foreign language. However this visa does not allow individuals enrolled for a mixed course which has a minor part of studying English.
FOR A SHORT TERM RESEARCH IN THE UK3
If an individual is already enrolled in an overseas degree course he can visit the UK for a short period of research. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
• He must be at least 18 years old.
• His course must be equivalent to a UK degree.
• He must be carrying out the research at a UK recognised body.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
• A current passport or other valid travel identification.
• A passport sized coloured photograph.
• Evidence of funds for maintenance in the UK.
• Details about one's accommodation and travel plans
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if an applicant is from the country where taking this test is necessary.
• If an applicant is under 18 years old then he must provide contact details of at least one parent or guardian in his home country.
• Documents about the course of study including all the details about the course, for example a letter of acceptance from the educational institution on official headed paper, including the name of the course, duration, cost inclusive of accommodation etc.
FEES
The cost is as follows:
£89 for a 6 month visa.
£170 for an 11 month visa.
DOs and DON'Ts
A student can:
• do a short term course of study in the UK.
• do a short period or research as a part of a degree course if his is studying abroad.
A student can't:
• work or carry out any business.
• get public funds.
• study at a state school.
• extend his visa.
• bring dependants or family members with himself.
