UK Visas for Summer Camps and Language Courses 2026

UK Visas for Language Study

Planning a summer camp or an English language course in the UK? The right visa depends mainly on how long the course lasts and whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national. For short courses, many students travel as visitors, while longer English language courses require a different visa route.

Standard Visitor visa for courses up to 6 months

For short summer programmes, including most language courses and summer camps, students usually come to the UK as Standard Visitors. This allows study in the UK for up to 6 months but even a short course must be provided by an accredited institution.

If you are a visa national, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel. From 8 April 2026, the fee for a short visit visa of up to 6 months is £135.

ETA for non-visa nationals

If you are a non-visa national, you usually do not need a visa for a course of up to 6 months. However, non-visa nationals now need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the UK, unless they are exempt. An ETA currently costs £20, is linked digitally to your passport and can be used for multiple journeys during its validity period.

Short-term study visa for English courses from 6 to 11 months

If you plan to study English language in the UK for more than 6 months and up to 11 months, you will need a Short-term study visa. This visa is only for English language courses, does not allow work, cannot be extended and you must leave the UK when your permission ends.

From 8 April 2026, a Short-term study visa costs £228. Students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £776.

Translation and under-18 requirements

All documents submitted with a visa application should be in English. If the originals are in another language, they should be accompanied by a full English translation prepared and certified in line with UK immigration requirements.

If the student is under 18, the application must be prepared especially carefully. UKVI usually expects written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and if the child is travelling alone or with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian, this must be clearly explained and supported with documents. Missing or unclear paperwork can cause delays or refusal.

If you are a non-visa national, make sure you check the official UK government ETA rules before you travel Apply for an ETA

UK visas for summer camps and language courses

UK Visas for Language Study

Standard Visitor visa for courses up to 6 months

ETA for non-visa nationals

Short-term study visa for English courses from 6 to 11 months

Translation and under-18 requirements

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