Student Visa vs Visitor Visa: Which One Do I Need to Study in the UK?
Categories: Important Updates, London Living, Programmes
IMMIGRATION GUIDANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The UK remains one of the most popular study destinations in the world. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there were 685,565 international students enrolled at UK higher education providers in 2024/25. With its high-quality education system, cultural diversity and rich history, the UK (and especially London) offers an exciting and rewarding place to study.
If you're planning to study in Great Britain, you'll need to secure the right type of visa. This guide is designed to make your UK visa decision much simpler.
- We break down what a student visa is, why not every student needs one, and what it allows you to do (and not do) during your time in the UK.
- We also explain the visitor visa, and make it easy to compare both options so you can confidently choose the right one based on your needs.
- Lastly, we share UK visa preparation tips, including documents, timelines, and how to avoid a visa refusal.
Understanding Different Types of UK Visas
If you’re planning to study in the UK, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is: which visa do I need?
The difference between a student visa and a visitor visa can be confusing, especially as the rules vary depending on your nationality (EU or non-EU), course length and future plans. For example, EU/EAA and Swiss nationals no longer have automatic freedom of movement following Brexit and will have to apply for a visa to work, study or live in the UK. Moreover, if you're under the age of 17 and studying full-time, you may need a specific Child Student Visa to study in the UK - keep reading to understand the rules.
A quick way to determine your most appropriate visa type
- If your course lasts less than six months, you can apply for a Visitor Visa.
- If you’re planning to enrol on an SCL International College English language course for more than six months but less than 11 months, then you may be eligible for a Short-Term Student Visa.
- If you're studying in the UK for longer than 11 months then you’ll need to apply for a Student Visa.
The Importance of UK Student Visas
Choosing the right visa is essential, not only for entering the UK but for ensuring your studies run smoothly. It’s equally important to study at a trusted, fully accredited institution, such as SCL International College.
In recent years, the UK government has introduced stricter compliance measures through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This includes a “traffic light” system that monitors institutions based on certain factors such as visa refusal rates and student compliance. For example, a school’s visa refusal rate must be less than 10%. This means colleges and universities are held accountable for maintaining high standards and ensuring they recruit genuine students who are committed to studying in the UK.
Students can rest assured with SCL International College, as we are fully compliant with UKVI regulations and are committed to welcoming learners from around the globe. Since 2013, we have taught more than 20,000 students from 68 nationalities.
What is a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa is typically required for international students who wish to study in the UK. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements set by UKVI, including having an offer from a licensed sponsor.
We’re proud to say that SCL International College is a licensed student sponsor.
In order to apply for a UK Student Visa, you must be age 16 or over and hold an offer from a government-approved institution. In the offer letter, there will be a CAS number, which is a combination of letters and numbers unique to every international student. Without this, you can not apply for a student visa.
When Can You Apply for a UK Student Visa?
Most international students apply from outside the UK six months before travelling.
In some cases, it may be possible to apply from within the UK if you already hold an eligible visa that allows you to switch to a Student Visa. You cannot apply for a Student Visa from within the UK if you are in the country as a visitor.
How Long Can You Stay In The UK with a Student Visa?
This is dependent on the length of your course.
- International students over the age of 18 studying at a degree level can usually stay in the UK for up to five years.
- If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to two years.
- If you are on a Short-Term Student Visa, then you can stay in the UK for the length of your course plus an extra 30 days, provided your stay is less than 11 months.
Some examples of SCL's courses that you would likely need a UK Student Visa for include:
- International Foundation Programme for Higher Education
- ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business, Information & Digital Technologies, or Law
What Restrictions Does The UK Student Visa Have?
Although you can work part-time in the UK on a Student Visa, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, you cannot be self-employed or claim benefits.
Can You Travel outside the UK with the Student Visa?
The CAS you are issued to apply for a student visa will show your course start and end dates. During this time, you are expected to be based in the UK and actively attend your studies. Short travel outside the UK is generally permitted during official holiday periods or scheduled breaks in your academic calendar.
However, you must ensure you remain compliant with your visa conditions, continue to meet attendance requirements, and be able to re-enter the UK before your course resumes.
Check the UK government website to find full details of your travel conditions and responsibilities as a student visa holder.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
You must apply online. At the time of writing, it costs £558 to apply for a UK Student Visa and £228 for a Short-Term Study Visa. You will need:
- Your passport to prove your identity
- A CAS letter from your course provider
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
- If you’re under 18, you’ll need proof of consent from both parents or legal guardians and proof of your relationship to them; you might be able to apply for a UK Child Student Visa instead
- Academic transcripts
- English language test results
Travel tip: Remember to put all of these documents in your hand luggage (not checked baggage) so you can show them at the UK border upon arrival.
Who needs a Child Student Visa for studying in the UK?
The Child Student Visa is available for students aged 4 to 17 who are coming to study full-time at an independent school. This visa is designed for school-level education in the UK and does not typically apply to the courses offered at SCL International College.
How long can you stay in the UK on a Child Student Visa?
- If you’re under 16 on the Child Student Visa, you can study in the UK for the entire course length (up to six years) plus four months afterwards.
- If you’re between the ages of 16 and 17, you can study in the UK for the entire course length (up to three years) plus four months afterwards.
How to apply for the Child Student Visa
The earliest you can apply for this visa is six months before the start of the course, and you’ll usually get a decision within three weeks. The length of stay depends on the child's age on the date you apply and the length of the course. To apply you must:
- Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course
- Have a safe place for the child to live in the UK
- Be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support your child in the UK and pay for their course
Visa options for students aged 16-17
There are a few possible visa routes for students in this age range, and the right one depends on the course taken.
- For short courses that last up to 6 months, the Visitor Visa is the most suitable option.
- Those looking to study full-time at an independent school can opt for a Child Student Visa.
- Individuals who are studying academic or higher education courses delivered by a licensed sponsor such as SCL International College or at a college or university level, can choose the Student Visa.
All students under 18 must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK.
What is a UK Visitor Visa?
A UK Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows international students to come to the UK for a brief period of study.
For example, German professionals who want to study English in London under Bildungsurlaub would need a visitor visa.
With this visa, you can stay in the UK for up to six months. In some cases, you may be able to extend up to 11 months under certain circumstances, such as medical treatment. Additional courses that you would likely need a visitor visa for include:
- General English
- Family English
- Fast Track Foundation Programme
- Junior Discover London
- IELTS and Cambridge Exam Preparation
What Restrictions Does The UK Visitor Visa Have?
Unlike the student visa, if you enter the UK on a visitor visa, you cannot undertake work of any kind (paid or unpaid). In addition, you cannot work as a self-employed person while visiting the UK on a visitor visa.
How to Apply for the UK Visitor Visa
You must apply for a standard visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. At the time of writing, a standard visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months. You will need:
- The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
- Where you will be staying
- Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available
- Your current home address
- Your parents’ names and dates of birth
- A passport or travel document to prove your identity at your appointment at a visa application centre
- Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
Which Visa Should You Choose to Study In the UK?
Review our quick chart below for a convenient comparison between the Student and Visitor UK Visa.
| Category | UK Visitor Visa | UK Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 6 months | Valid for the full programme duration |
| Work Rights | Not allowed to work | Part-time work permitted |
| Ability to Extend | Limited extension options | Can often be extended if studies continue |
| Eligibility Requirements | Proof of funds, travel purpose, and intention to leave | CAS, proof of finances, and English language ability |
| Cost | £135 | £558 |
UK Visa Preparation Tips for International Students and Visitors
1. Check Tuberculosis Test Requirements
This is a visa requirement that catches students by surprise. Students from countries such as Morocco, Nigeria, and Ukraine must provide a TB (tuberculosis) test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic before applying for a UK student visa.
2. Apply Early and Double-Check Financial Evidence
UK visa applications can take several weeks. By applying early, you allow yourself more time to select the correct visa, collate concrete financial proof, and prepare for the student visa interview.
3. Practice for the UK Student Visa Interview
As part of your UK Student Visa application, you may need to attend an interview with a UKVI caseworker. During your interview, you will be asked a series of questions such as:
- What programme are you studying on?
- Why do you want to come to the UK?
- Where are you planning to live?
- How will you finance your studies?
Here are some tips on how you can ensure you’re prepared for your UK Student Visa interview:
- Practice with a friend or family member and record yourself. By doing this, you can become more comfortable speaking English and even go over footage to see which areas in your speech you can work on.
- Dress intentionally. First impressions matter and can signal seriousness.
- Know your course and school. Ensure you completely understand what you plan to study, why it matters to you, and provide specific reasons instead of generic answers.
UK Visas Are Doorways, Not Barriers
We hope this guide provided you with enough information to help you decide which visa to apply for in order to study in the UK. At SCL International College, we will be with you every step of the way, so if you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out by emailing info@sclinternationalcollege.com or by filling out our form to request a callback.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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