The length of your course will determine which type of visa you need to apply for.
If you’re studying in the U.K. at an accredited institution for less than six months, you can do this as a visitor. Many students (including those from the European Union and other eligible countries) won’t need a visa for courses lasting less than six months. Students from some countries must apply for a standard visitor visa to do a short course in the U.K. If someone you know is coming to visit you on holiday to the U.K., they may need to apply for a visitor visa.
Short-term student visas are available to students who want to study English language courses that are between six and 11 months long.
If you're aged between 4 and 17 years old, you can apply for a child student visa to study at a school in the UK. Find out more about child study visas.
If you're aged between 18 and 30, or 18 and 35, depending on where you are from, you can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This visa is ideal for students who want to live and work in the UK whilst improving their English language skills.
You can apply for this visa if you:
You can apply for the visa if you’re aged 18 to 35 and from:
You can apply for the visa if you’re aged 18 to 30 and from:
You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa if you’re from:
You can also apply if you're aged 18 to 30 and you're a:
For more information see the following websites:
UKCISA - international student advice and guidance - Student immigration: the basics