What documents are needed for UK short-term study visas?

Whether you’re in the UK to study for six months, three years or more, the time you spend here is going to be filled with memories that last a lifetime. Before you can make those friends, experience a brand new culture and get a first-class education, you need the documents to apply for a UK short-term study visa. Here’s what you need to know.

• General documents you need to provide
• Documents about your course
• More short-term study visa information you need to know

Please note: Visa information is forever changing. Whilst this blog isn’t always updated, head here for our most current advice around all things student visas.

General documents you need to provide

Go over the list below and double check that you have everything in order so your visa application is more likely to succeed.

• Passport: you need to provide a current passport or another form of valid travel identification. Also, make sure there’s a blank page in your passport for your visa
• Financial support: you also need to show evidence that you can support yourself while you’re studying in the UK. Normally, financial evidence for the last 28 days is required for a Tier 4 visa
• Accommodation: you need to show details of where you plan to stay and your general travel plans in the UK. A useful tip here is to not pay for any accommodation or travel until you get your UK short-term study visa
• TB test results: if you’re coming from a country where you have to take a tuberculosis (TB) test and you’ll be in the UK for more than six months, then you’ll need to show your results
• Contact details: although it isn’t compulsory unless you’re under 18, you can provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in your home country if you choose
• Certified translations: any documents that you provide which aren’t in the English or Welsh language will need to be certified. Translations must be done by professional translators and should include: details of the translator's credentials, confirmation that the documents are accurate and dates, contact details and a signature

For more help on certifying any documents, not in the English or Welsh language, click here.

Documents about your course

Once you’ve finalised your general documents for your UK short-term study visa then great, we can move on to the next step. Now, it’s all about finalising all of the important documents about your course. Here’s what you’ll need.

• Visa letter: anybody that wants to come to the UK on a short-term study visa must be issued with a visa letter
• Proof of course: you need to provide proof of the course you’re studying. An example of this is a letter of acceptance from a university on official headed paper. On this letter, make sure the course name, duration and costs (including your accommodation) are included

In some cases, that’s all you could need. However, that can depend on your circumstances. To help your application, here are some additional documents and evidence you should always have readily available.

• Previous study: you need to show proof of previous study. This can include transcripts, references or academic certificates
• Language qualifications: you also need to provide evidence of English language qualifications. This can be certificates you’ve gained or recognised awards you’ve won
• Travel plans: when applying for a UK short-term study visa, you need to show your travel and accommodation plans. It’s to make sure you have a place to stay during your short visit here and that you can support yourself
• Permission: another important document to provide is your permission to be in the UK from the country you’re applying from
• Sponsor information: you also need to give information about the financial sponsor that’s going to support your studies. Make sure to include the financial sponsor’s occupation, their income and their savings or funds that will support your studies

When you apply for a short-term study visa in the UK, it’s known as an entry clearance option.

The examples we’ve mentioned above aren’t the only ones you should submit. Think about your individual circumstances and try to give as much detail and evidence of your need to study in the UK as possible.

The more documents and evidence you provide, the more likely it is that your short-term study visa will be approved.

More short-term study visa information you need to know

A short-term study visa can be needed for two different reasons. It can be for a short course of study in the UK, such as an English language course or another training course. Or, it can be a short period of research as part of your degree course if you’re studying abroad.

With a short-term study visa, you can stay in the UK for either six months for any short course or 11 months if you’re over 18 and are taking an English language course.

When it’s time to apply, you need to use the online application on the UK Government’s Home Office website. So remember to have your documents ready to submit.

Be prepared for life at a UK university with your helpful checklist

With all of the excitement that comes with moving to the UK to study at a university, there’s always a chance that you might forget something important. It can be anything from your camera to take pictures during your visit to the clothes you’ll wear and the documents you’ll need.

Don’t worry, we’ve gathered the essentials you’ll need to stay prepared from finance checks to electronic devices. Your very own preparation checklist will make sure you have everything you need for your exciting move to the UK, so get your free copy below.