If you are studying an English Language course which is 6 to 11 months in duration, you will be required to apply for a short term study visa.
You will need a letter from the University of Birmingham called a 'Short-term Study Visa letter', you will need to request this from Admissions if you haven't received this already.
Please see the Short Term Study website for detailed information on how to apply and the documents required.
When to apply
The earliest you can submit your application is 3 months before your date of your intended travel to the UK. Your visa will be valid for a period of 6 months to allow you to study a short course (or valid for 11 months if studying an English language course). Check the guide to processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you are applying from.
How to apply
Both visa and non-visa nationals will be required to make a short term study visa application from outside of the UK by completing an online application form.
Documents that you must provide:
- Your current passport as well as any previous passports you have used to travel to the UK
- Evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, eg bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months. This should include evidence of money to pay for: course fees, accommodation, daily subsistence (meals, etc), onward or return flights.
- A ‘Short-Term Study Visa letter’ from the University of Birmingham which can be requested from the University's Admissions Department or your unconditional offer letter
- TB certificate if applicable
- Translations of any documents that are not in English
If you have applied for a Short-term Study Visa to study an English language course for up to 11 months, you may be given an entry clearance visa for 30 days, and you will be required to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card within 10 days of arrival into the UK. Please read the instructions on how to have your BRP card sent to the University of Birmingham.