Student Visas/ Visas for English Language study

Visas for English language courses in the UK

Courses up to 6 months
Student Visitor Visa (SVV):
• You can study at an English language school for any time and for any period during the 6 months
• You don’t need to book a course in advance.
• All SVV holders need to apply online, in advance, for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This costs £20 after April 2026. To apply you can use this link: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Apply for an ETA - GOV.UK
• You are not obliged to study while in the UK

Courses of 6 to 11 months
Short Term Study Visa (STSV):
• Allow you to study from 6 to 11 months
• You must apply for the visa in advance of arrival in the UK and receive the vignette (sticker) type visa in your passport
• You must return home or leave the UK one month after the end of your course or before the visa expiry date – whichever is earliest.
• You can’t apply for a new visa while you are still in the UK.
Application form for Short Term Study/ Extended Short Term Study visa:
https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/apply

Student Visa
• For English Language courses and other courses (eg. University) longer than 11 months
• You must apply to a school or University who are Tier 4 sponsors
• They will give you a Confirmation for Acceptance for Study (CAS)
• IPC is not currently a Student Visa sponsor and we cannot offer this kind of visa or course

Tier 4 Dependent Visa
• For dependents of students taking long term courses who have a Student Visa
Please note: IPC will require proof of visa and entitlement to study in the UK. Please bring original documents with you on arrival.