Standard visitor visa

Overview

This visa is generally for those who will be studying in the UK on a programme that's less than 6-months duration.

It is more limited than a Student visa but is less expensive and generally easier to obtain. You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa:

  • if your programme is 6-months or less in duration
  • if you need to enter the UK to take re-sits, resubmissions or a viva

The Standard Visitor visa has some limitations compared to the Student visa:

  • You cannot extend this visa or switch into another visa category in the UK.
  • You must leave the UK by the end date on your visa (or within 6 months of the date you entered the UK if traveling through an eGate).
  • You are not allowed to work or intern (part-time or full-time).
  • You are not covered by the NHS (National Health Service) so will require private medical insurance.

Do I need to apply before I enter the UK?

Depending on your nationality you may need to apply for this visa before entering the UK or you can request permission to enter on arrival. The UK separates nationals of countries into the following two categories: non-visa nationals and visa nationals. 

You can check whether you need to apply for a visa in advance or not using the UKVI visa check website.

Non-visa nationals 

You are a non-visa national if your nationality or passport is not listed on the visa national list. You do not need to apply for this visa before entering the UK however you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel to the UK. 

You need to request a Standard visitor visa stamp from a Border Force Officer when entering the UK or enter via an eGate (if your nationality is listed). It is advisable to have all the necessary documents required in case you need to show them upon arrival

Visa nationals

If you are a visa national, you must apply for this visa before entering the UK.

 

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Non-visa nationals requesting Standard Visitor at the UK Border will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

Apply now if you're a national of 

  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates

Arriving from 8 January 2025

From this date, non-European nationals will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. The ETA is not a visa and does not permit entry to the UK but will authorise you to travel to the UK.

Arriving from 2 April 2025

From this date, European nationals will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. The ETA is not a visa and does not permit entry to the UK but will authorise you to travel to the UK.

Find out about the ETA and when you make your application.

How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Please see our guidance document: Applying for a Standard Visitor visa for study (PDF).

Contact the Student Advice Service if you need help to apply for this visa.

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