I-Migrator
For Individuals

Study as a Visitor (Up to 30 Days)

Take a short course of study for up to 30 days during your visit to the UK under the Standard Visitor rules. The study must be incidental to your main purpose of visit. No work permitted.

Validity

  • Up to 6 months as a Standard Visitor
  • Study element limited to 30 days

Key facts

  • Study must be incidental to the visit
  • For longer study use Student or Short-term Study routes
  • £127 application fee; no healthcare surcharge

About the visa

As a Standard Visitor, you may undertake a short course of study for up to 30 days as a permitted activity, provided it is incidental to the main purpose of your visit. This covers recreational courses, hobby classes, and short educational activities. It does not cover the longer study provisions under V 9.1–9.5 (up to 6 months at an accredited institution) or the separate Short-term Student visa route (English language courses up to 11 months).

Eligibility & key rules

To study for up to 30 days as a visitor you must:

  • Be a genuine visitor—intending to leave at the end of your visit
  • Have sufficient funds for your stay without working or accessing public funds
  • The study must be incidental to your visit—not the main reason for travel
  • The course must last no more than 30 days

For longer study: If you need to study for more than 30 days, you must either meet the study visitor requirements (V 9.1–9.5, up to 6 months at an accredited institution) or apply under the Student or Short-term Student routes.

What you can / cannot do

Permitted

  • Short recreational or hobby courses (up to 30 days)
  • Language taster courses
  • Tourism and other visitor activities

Not permitted

  • Work or employment of any kind
  • Study beyond 30 days without meeting V 9.1–9.5
  • Study at a state-funded school or academy
  • Access public funds

Fees, documents & process

Costs

  • Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £127
  • No healthcare surcharge for visits under 6 months

Key documents

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Course details or booking confirmation
  • Evidence of funds and accommodation
  • Return or onward travel plans

Application process

  1. Apply online via GOV.UK (if a visa is required)
  2. Attend a biometric appointment
  3. Carry course details when travelling
  4. Decision typically within 3 weeks
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