If you are coming to the United Kingdom as a visitor to study you must:

• genuinely be seeking entry as a student visitor for the limited period you tell us you require that does not exceed six months;
• have been accepted on a course of study that will be provided by an organisation included on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills' register of education and training providers;
• leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit you told us about;
• support and pay for accommodation for yourself and any dependants without help from public funds; or
• ensure that you and your dependants will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends and not take employment; and
• be able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey.

You must not:

• take employment in the United Kingdom;
• engage in business, produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including selling goods or services direct to members of the public;
• study at a government-funded school;
• be a child under the age of 18;
• undertake part-time (up to 20 hours), or full-time vacation employment;
• undertake a work placement or internship (paid or unpaid) as part of your course of study; or
• extend your stay in the United Kingdom.

Since 1 September 2007 all nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to study in the United Kingdom need prior entry clearance (permission to come here) as a student.

This does not apply if you wish to come here as a student visitor for a course of less than six months. Student visitors must meet the same entry clearance requirements as visitors.

Download visa application form.