Short-term study visas
Short-term
study visas were known as Student Visitor Visas until April 2015.
A Short-term
study visa may be appropriate for the following programmes:
- part-time or
full-time study abroad for a period of six months or less than six months
- English language 11
month programme (11 month visa)
- distance learners
needing to attend periods of study at the Edinburgh Napier campus
- other short
programmes (e.g. study abroad or exchange)
- students who are at
the end of their programme of study and may need to complete an exam, a
final module or a viva
UKCISA website
gives more detail on the conditions related to students' visas.
Rules and restrictions
Students on a
Short-term study visa:
- can't work at all
(paid or unpaid)
- can't apply for the
Short-term study visa while in the UK
- can't extend the
Short-term study visa
- must return home
after the Short-term study visa expires
This visa does
not require sponsorship and is not attached to an institution, so there is
currently no requirement to monitor these students.
The visa lasts
for six months, or 11 months for English language courses only.
Visa nationals and non-visa nationals
Visa nationals
and non-visa nationals both need immigration permission to be here (either
Short-term study visa or Tier 4 visa).
Non-visa
nationals (like US or Canadian students) need permission. They must apply in
advance for a Tier 4 visa, but can obtain a Short-term study visa at port of
entry. It is important to have proof of acceptance onto a course of study and
finances.
Standard visitor visas
The Standard
Visitor visa only allows for 30 days of study, however, this study must not be
the main purpose of the visit. This can be used to return to attend graduation
if a student's Tier 4 visa has expired.
Read more
detailed guidance from the Home Office website
Before students arrive at the University
The process
for applicants
Admissions will
issue letters to support the visa application process to:
- unconditional firm students who are starting a
programme of study of less than six months, and choosing to study on a
Short-term study visa
- unconditional firm students who are starting a
part-time programme
When students arrive at the University
The new applicants
arrives at ENU and attends a document checking session with their original
documents.