Standard Visitor visa

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

Depending on your nationality, you can request permission to enter on arrival or you must apply for this visa before entering the UK. 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. If the website states that you can apply for either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor visa this means that you can request your visa on arrival in the UK but must apply for the ETA prior to travelling.

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 travelling to the UK. You do not need to apply for an ETA.

Non-visa nationals requesting a Standard Visitor visa at the UK Border will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This is not a visa: an ETA functions as a pre-screening process that grants digital permission to travel to the UK. When you arrive at Border Control, you will then obtain your Standard Visitor visa automatically by using eGates (if eligible) or via a Border Force Officer who will expect to see documentation about why you are coming to the UK and evidence you can financially support yourself whilst in the UK.

Find out about the ETA and when you make your application. Please ensure to use the official website or app as we are aware of websites which attempt to mislead applicants into applying for the ETA through unofficial sites or apps, often charging more than the current £16 application fee. UK Visas and Immigration do not normally contact applicants by text so be wary of messages sent via these channels and ensure to check the email address of anyone claiming to be contacting you from UKVI or the Home Office.

Read our guidance document Applying for a Standard Visitor visa for study.

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