Short-Term Study Visa (for English language courses)
Last updated: 12/06/2026 14:34
If you're coming to Cardiff to study English for more than 6 months (and up to 11 months), you’ll need to apply for a Short-Term Study Visa.
This visa is specifically for English language courses and has different rules from the Student Route visa, so it’s important to understand what it allows and what it doesn’t.
What you need to know
- this visa is only for English language study
- it’s valid for courses longer than 6 months and up to 11 months
- you must exit the UK within 30 days of your course end date, and before your visa expiry date
- you can’t work (paid or unpaid), extend your stay, or bring family members with you on this visa
How to apply
To apply, you’ll need a Short-term Study visa support letter from our Student Visa Compliance team confirming your course details.
You can find full guidance on the application process from UKCISA and the Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa) UK Government page.
Help with English language courses
For information about English language programmes at Cardiff University, contact our English language programme team.
Contact us
Our offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.