Visa
UK Short-term study visa for English courses (6–11 months): 2026 rules
How the UK Short-term study visa works for English language courses longer than 6 months and up to 11 months: fees, IHS, accredited schools, and what you cannot do.
The short answer
The UK Short-term study visa is the English-language route for a course longer than 6 months and not more than 11 months. GOV.UK (2026) sets the visa fee at £228 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £776 at the student rate. You cannot work, extend this visa, change course, or bring dependants. Courses of 6 months or less use the Standard Visitor route instead.
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Which UK visa covers an 11-month English course
The UK Short-term study visa covers an English language course longer than 6 months and not more than 11 months. GOV.UK lets you stay for the course plus 30 days, capped at 11 months. A course of 6 months or shorter needs a Standard Visitor visa or visitor permission. A course longer than 11 months needs a Student visa with a licensed student sponsor.
What the Short-term study visa costs in 2026
GOV.UK lists the Short-term study visa fee at £228. Applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £776, so they can use the NHS. Home Office fee tables dated 8 April 2026 and 8 October 2026 keep that £228 study fee unchanged. Confirm the live total on GOV.UK before you pay, because healthcare surcharge rules can move.
What you cannot do on a Short-term study visa
GOV.UK states you cannot work, do unpaid work, take a work placement, change course, or study at a state-funded school. You cannot extend this visa or bring family members as dependants. Applications must be made from outside the UK. The Immigration Rules Appendix Short-term Student (English language) requires age 16 or over and an English-only course.
Documents to collect before you pay a UK school
Ask the language school for written acceptance onto an English-only course lasting more than 6 months and no more than 11 months. Confirm the provider is an accredited UK institution listed by GOV.UK, such as Accreditation UK or the British Accreditation Council. Prove funds for the course, housing, and travel home. Check tuberculosis screening if Appendix Tuberculosis applies to your nationality.
Cape Town as a cheaper 6–12 month alternative
A 6–12 month English stay in Cape Town usually costs less than London because tuition and homestay are priced in rand. EnglishHubSA's Cape Town cost guide puts living costs, excluding tuition, around USD 700–1,100 a month. South Africa requires a study visa for courses over 90 days, with police clearance and South African medical-scheme cover. Cape Town also needs neighbourhood-level safety habits and a long-haul flight from Europe or the Americas. A South African language-course study visa does not usually carry general work rights.
Questions families ask
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Short-term study visa for a 3-month English course?
No. GOV.UK sends courses of 6 months or shorter to the Standard Visitor route. The Short-term study visa starts only after 6 months and stops at 11 months.
Can I work on a UK Short-term study visa?
No. GOV.UK forbids paid work, unpaid work, work experience, and work placements on this visa.
Can I extend a Short-term study visa in the UK?
No. GOV.UK says you cannot extend this visa. Leave within 30 days of the course end, or at 11 months, whichever is sooner.
Where do I confirm the current UK rule?
Read GOV.UK 'Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa)' and Immigration Rules Appendix Short-term Student (English language) before you pay a deposit.
From research to shortlist
Compare Cape Town schools next
See course prices, class sizes, accommodation and visa support using the same criteria across every school.
Avenue English Cape Town
De Waterkant, Cape Town
Quality English accredited school with published weekly rates that drop the longer you stay, and regular Saudi and Gulf groups.
“Dear Vivi, I am writing to express all my gratitude and love that I will feel forever for this school. I wanted you to know that Avenue English easily became my favorite place (even with so many beautiful places here) because the school always was full of the kindest, most caring and loving people I've ever met. Thank you so much for the opportunity to develop so much and broaden my worldview. I'll always remember this months with all my soul. With love (and "saudade")”Bea Valente · Brazil
Confirmed partner school · Prices verified 28 Aug 2026
From $2,990 / 3 months
View school
Good Hope Studies
Newlands & City Centre, Cape Town
EAQUALS and IALC accredited school with two Cape Town campuses and published weekly rates that fall sharply after 12 weeks.
Rates from the school's own published price list. Not yet a partner school.
From $3,861 / 3 months
View school
International House Cape Town
Cape Town
Part of the 160-school International House network, with 15-hour weeks and rates that step down to €230 for long stays.
Rates from the school's own published price list. Not yet a partner school.
From $3,536 / 3 months
View schoolKeep researching
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