Do I need a UK visa to study English? ETA vs. study visa explained

Not everyone who comes to London to study English needs a visa. In many cases, you only need a simpler, cheaper travel permit called the ETA. In other cases, you do need a full study visa. The answer depends on two things: how long your course is, and your nationality. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly what applies to you before you book your course.

The two paths, in short

• Course under 6 months + your country does not normally need a UK visa → you only need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), not a visa.
• Course under 6 months + your country does need a UK visa → you need a Standard Visitor visa.
• Course of 6 to 11 months, any nationality → you need the Short-term Study Visa.

Do I only need the ETA, or do I need a visa?

This depends entirely on your nationality. The UK divides countries into two groups: those that can visit without a visa (they only need an ETA for stays up to 6 months), and those that must apply for a visa regardless of how short the trip is.

Common nationalities that only need the ETA for courses under 6 months: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, the United States, Canada, and all EU/EEA and Swiss nationals.

Common nationalities that need a Standard Visitor visa even for courses under 6 months: Colombia (a visa was reintroduced for Colombian nationals in December 2024), Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

This list can change, so always check your exact nationality on the official UK visa checker before booking your course.

What is the UK ETA, and how does it work?

The ETA is not a visa. It is a simple, digital travel permission that the UK introduced for nationalities that do not normally need a visa to visit. Since 25 February 2026, it has been fully required for all eligible travellers, including for short English courses.

Key facts about the ETA:

• Cost: £20 per person.
• Valid for: up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Allows: multiple trips to the UK during that time, for stays of up to 6 months each.
• How to apply: online, or through the official UK ETA app, before you travel.
• Processing time: usually within a few days, though it is best to apply well in advance of your trip.

If your course in London is under 6 months and your country is on the ETA list, this is all you need — you do not have to apply for a visa.

Courses of 6 to 11 months: the Short-term Study Visa

If your English course is longer than 6 months (up to a maximum of 11 months), you will need a Short-term Study Visa, regardless of your nationality. This applies even if your country is normally exempt from visas for shorter visits.

To qualify, your course must:

• Be focused only on English language study, with no other subject mixed in.
• Be provided by an accredited institution, such as Time4London.
• Be between 6 and 11 months long.

This visa does not allow you to work in the UK, and it cannot be extended or switched to another visa type from inside the country.

Quick reference table

How to apply, step by step

If you only need the ETA:

1. Apply online or via the UK ETA app, ideally at least a few days before you travel.
2. Provide your passport details and a photo.
3. Pay the £20 fee.
4. Once approved, it is linked digitally to your passport — there is nothing physical to print or carry.

If you need a Standard Visitor visa or Short-term Study Visa:

1. Get your official acceptance letter from your English school.
2. Apply online from outside the UK, through the official gov.uk visa service.
3. Pay the application fee and, where applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application centre.
5. Wait for your decision — this usually takes around 15 working days after your appointment, though it can vary.

Studying with Time4London

Whichever route applies to you, Time4London can help you get started with confidence. We are an accredited English language academy based in Whitechapel, London, and we provide the official acceptance letters needed for both the ETA and visa application processes, along with guidance on choosing the right course length for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ETA the same as a visa? No. The ETA is a lighter, digital travel permission for nationalities that do not normally need a visa. A visa is a separate, more detailed application required for other nationalities or for longer courses.

How much does the UK ETA cost? £20 per person, valid for up to 2 years and for multiple trips of up to 6 months each.

Do Colombian citizens need a visa to study English in London? Yes. Since December 2024, Colombian nationals need a Standard Visitor visa to enter the UK, even for short courses. They cannot use the ETA.

What if my course is exactly 6 months? Courses of 6 months or slightly longer usually fall into the Short-term Study Visa category rather than the ETA route. Always confirm your exact course dates with your school and check the official gov.uk guidance, since even a few days can change which route applies.

Start planning your English course in London

Once you know whether you need an ETA or a visa, the rest of your planning becomes much easier. Our team is happy to guide you through the right option for your course and nationality.