Short-term Study Visa vs Student Visa in the UK: a clear guide for English learners
Understand the difference between the UK Short-term Study Visa and the Student Visa, who each one is for, and which visa is needed for English courses in London.
1. Introduction
Choosing the right visa before booking your course can save you time, money, and stress. For English courses at private language schools in London, the visa you need usually depends on the length of your course. Most language schools accept students with a Visitor Visa or a Short-term Study Visa (STSV), depending on how long you plan to study.
At Speak Up London, we welcome thousands of international students every year. Many of them ask us which visa they should apply for before starting their English course. To make the process clearer, we’ve prepared this simple guide comparing the Short-term Study Visa and the Student Visa for anyone planning to study English in the UK.
2. When a visa is needed for English courses over six months
The Home Office requires immigration permission that matches the course plan. For English language study lasting more than six months and up to eleven months, the correct route is the Short-term Study Visa. This route is different from the Student Visa, which is intended for people who want to study in the UK on a long course at a college or university. Official guidance is linked at the end of this article.
3. The Short-term Study Visa in practice
This route exists for English language study only. It suits learners aged 16+ who plan to take an English course in the UK for a period longer than six months and not exceeding eleven months in total. Work is not permitted on this visa; this includes paid work, unpaid work, and work placements. The permission usually covers the course plus a short buffer of extra days, but the total stay cannot exceed eleven months. It cannot be extended from inside the UK, and bringing dependants on this route is not available. For many English learners at private language schools, this route is straightforward and matches the study goal: focus on improving English, not on employment during the stay.
4. The Student Visa in practice
This visa route is for courses offered by licensed Student Sponsors, usually universities or higher-education colleges. To apply, you need an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). A CAS is an electronic reference number issued by your school or university once they have accepted you. It confirms that you have been offered a place on an approved course. (It is not the same as a visa letter — you can only get a CAS after the school has officially confirmed your enrolment.)
You will also need to show proof of funds and, in some cases, evidence of your English level. Depending on the type of course and provider, you might be allowed to work part-time during term time, but there are strict limits. Some students may also bring dependants or switch to other visa routes later.
This visa is mainly for degree programmes or longer academic courses run by institutions that hold a Student Sponsor Licence. Private English language schools cannot issue a CAS, so you cannot get a Student Visa for their short English courses.
5. Short-term Study Visa (STSV) vs Student Visa
| Category | Short-term Study Visa (STSV) | Student Visa |
| Type of Course | English language courses only, for more than 6 months and up to 11 months. | Courses at licensed Student Sponsors (universities, colleges, or other approved providers) with a CAS. |
| Work Allowed | No permission to work. | Limited work may be allowed, depending on the course and provider. The visa will show the conditions. |
| Length of Stay | Up to 11 months. | Length depends on the course. Extra time may be given before and after the course. |
| Extension / Switching | You cannot extend your stay or switch to another visa from inside the UK. | You may be able to extend or change to another visa, depending on your course and personal situation. |
| Dependants (Family) | Dependants cannot come with you. | Dependants may be allowed, depending on the course level and provider. |
| Where to Study | Private language schools and English centres. | Universities, colleges, and other licensed Student Sponsors. |
6. Who issues the paperwork
For a Short-term Study Visa (STSV), the school provides a Course Confirmation Letter, along with proof of enrolment or payment. You submit your visa application personally using these documents, along with other items listed on GOV.UK.
For a Student Visa, a licensed Student Sponsor (usually a university or college) issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Without a CAS, a Student Visa application cannot be made.
7. Which visa is needed for English at Speak Up London
For English courses at Speak Up London lasting six months or less, a different visa may be required depending on your nationality — usually an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Visitor Visa. If your course lasts more than six months and up to eleven months, the correct visa is the Short-term Study Visa (STSV). The Student Visa is intended for longer academic programmes at licensed sponsors that can issue a CAS, so it does not apply to private English schools.
8. Practical steps before applying
- Check your course length and provider type.
- Prepare your documents early: passport, enrolment confirmation, proof of payment, proof of funds, accommodation details, and any other requirements on GOV.UK.
- Book your visa appointment as soon as possible — centres can be busy.
Applying for a visa can be tricky, and small mistakes can lead to refusals. For this reason, Speak Up London recommends using an immigration adviser. Our recommended advisors offer preferential rates and can guide you through the STSV application, helping ensure your documents are complete and your application is submitted correctly. This service is especially useful for courses six months or longer.
