Studying in the UK as a visitor
Standard Visitor Visa
People from many countries can come to the UK to study a short course or English language course without needing a long student visa.
This page explains how the Standard Visitor route works.
⚠️ Important: Lexis London staff are not visa experts and cannot guarantee any visa outcome. We provide guidance based on UK government (GOV.UK) and English UK information to help you understand your options. The final decision is made by the UK government.
What is a Standard Visitor?
A Standard Visitor is a person who comes to the UK for a short visit, for example:
- To study a course
- To take a short English language course
- To take exams or attend induction weeks
- To visit friends or family or go on holiday
Under this route, you can study in the UK for up to 6 months. You must study at an institution that is officially recognised – for example, British Council accredited language schools.
🎓What You Cannot Do
As a Standard Visitor, you cannot:
❌ Work (paid or unpaid)
❌ Stay longer than 6 months at a time
❌ Extend your stay inside the UK
❌ Switch to a different visa once you are in the UK from this status
You also generally cannot bring family members with you on this visa type.
🧑🎓 Do You Need to Apply for a Visa?
Whether you need to apply before travel depends on your nationality:
📍 Some nationalities must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling.
📍 Many others can travel without a visa but may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel — similar to an ESTA for the USA.
Check if you need a UK visa or an ETA before you travel.
On the GOV.UK scroll down to Seafarers, where you can see the list of nationalities that do not require a visa.
Note that all visitors from the European Union need a passport to enter the UK.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVV) for visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Students from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates should apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVV) before travel, which allows study for up to six months. More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.
This is quicker and cheaper than applying for a visa. Apply between 3 months and 48 hours before travel. Cost is £30. Find out more.
📃 Tips Before You Travel
👉 Have your course confirmation and school contact details ready when you arrive.
👉 Be ready to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
👉 Bring proof of money for your course, accommodation and living costs.
Border officers may ask you about your plans at the airport.
- You can study in the UK for up to 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa.
- You can take short courses or English language courses.
- If you visit the UK often, you can apply for a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years), but each visit cannot exceed 6 months.
- You cannot work in the UK while on a Standard Visitor visa.
- You cannot extend your stay or switch to a different visa from inside the UK.
- Students under 18 have extra requirements (see below).
| |
Fee |
Maximum Length |
| Standard Visitor visa |
£127 |
6 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa |
£475 |
6 months per visit |
| 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa |
£848 |
6 months per visit |
| 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa |
£1059 |
6 months per visit |
Key points
- These are the official fees listed on GOV.UK (2025).
- Even if a long‑term visa lasts multiple years, you can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months on each visit.
- Some students may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a visa. Fees and requirements are on GOV.UK.
You can apply for the visa from anywhere in the world.
- You can apply up to 3 months before you travel.
- You may need to attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo).
- Processing usually takes about 3 weeks, but times vary depending on your country.
- Make sure you apply early to allow enough time before your course starts.
- Apply online via GOV.UK
Typical documents include:
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
- Letter confirming your course from Lexis London.
- Accommodation details (where you will stay in the UK).
- Proof of money for course fees, accommodation, and living costs.
- Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit (return flight, family ties, property, etc.).
- Any documents not in English must be officially translated. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
- Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK.
Tip: Border officers may ask for these documents when you arrive in the UK. Keep copies ready.
Students under 18 may need:
- Parental consent letters.
- A responsible adult in the UK if staying alone.
- Additional proof of accommodation and care arrangements.
- Make sure you read GOV.UK guidance for under‑18 students before applying. Find full details on GOV.UK.
1. Apply Online
2. Book a Biometric Appointment
3. Visa Interview (if required)
- Some applicants may be asked to attend a short interview.
- Check email carefully, including the junk/spam folder, for any invitations.
- You can contact your language centre for advice on preparing for an interview.
4. Wait for a Decision
- Most students receive a decision within three weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks.
- Some centres offer priority services for an extra fee, but times are not guaranteed.
- Apply as early as possible, up to 3 months before your travel date.
