Our English schools attract students from around the world and all students need form of immigration permission to holiday or study in the UK . Staff in all of our English schools are well-informed about current UK visa regulations and necessary documentation. Four of our English schools in the UK are Student Visa Sponsors. Please note that you are not normally allowed to change your visa type once you are in the UK. Visa information and processes may change, so please check with us at the time of booking.

Standard Visitor Visa

A standard visitor visa to the UK allows study of up to 6 months on any course at any of our UK schools. Many nationalities do not have to apply for this visa before travel and will receive this permission on arrival. Some nationalities will have to apply in advance, however, so please ask for advice. You should travel with a document confirming your EF course.

This visa type cannot be extended in the UK and students cannot apply for any other type of visa while in the UK. You also cannot do an internship or work placement with a standard visitor visa.

Short-term Study Visa (6 to 11 months)

The UK short term study visa valid for six to eleven months is available only for adults (aged 18 and over) enrolled on English language courses in the UK. Students must prove that they are enrolled in a course lasting more than 6 months to apply for this visa.

These student visas cannot be extended in the UK and students cannot apply for any other type of visa while in the UK. You also cannot do an internship or work placement on a short-term study visa.

If you are currently studying in UK with a short term study visa, you are not allowed to change your studies to a different school as your visa is tied to the specific school which you applied to study at.

Student Visa

A UK Student Visa is available for students aged 16 and above enrolled on either English language or academic courses of any duration. In order to apply for a Student Visa, you must provide evidence that your English level is B1 or above by taking one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) approved by UKVI. These include Trinity College and IELTS exams. Your visa application needs to be sponsored by a school with a UK Visas & Immigration sponsor licence. EF has a licence and can sponsor you if you meet all the requirements.

If you are already studying in the UK with a Student Visa, you may be allowed to transfer to an EF course during the validity of your visa. Please contact us to discuss your specific case.

UK student visa references

The following websites provide useful information and guidance on visa types and processes.

Check what UK visa you need: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/

Information about UK Standard Visitor Visas: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa

Information about Short-term UK Study Visas: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/

Information about UK Student Visas: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa