If your child is travelling to the UK for a summer school or a short pre-university programme, the visa question can feel confusing—especially when the student is under 18.
This guide explains, in plain English, how the Standard Visitor route is commonly used for short study (courses up to 6 months), what additional expectations apply when the applicant is under 18, and what documents parents should prepare.
This is general information, not legal advice. Always check the latest official guidance before applying.
Step 1: Confirm which visa route you need
Standard Visitor (most common for summer schools)
The UK Standard Visitor route can be used for tourism and other permitted activities, including study for courses up to 6 months.
If your child’s programme is a typical 2-week summer school, this is usually the route that applies (subject to nationality and eligibility).
Short-term study visa (English language courses 6–11 months)
If the course is English language only and lasts longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months, the UK has a Short-term study visa route.
Student visa (for longer or different study)
For courses beyond short study, families typically need to look at student routes instead. The official Short-term study visa overview explicitly distinguishes course length and the visitor route for 6 months or shorter.
Step 2: Understand the extra requirements for applicants under 18
Official UK guidance states that if you’re under 18, you may visit the UK if (among other points):
- suitable arrangements are made for travel and stay
- you have written consent from a parent/guardian (if travelling alone)
- you can pay for your return/onward journey
- you have enough money to support yourself (or a supporter who can)
This is why under-18 applications often succeed or fail based on how clearly parents document the travel plan and supervision arrangements.
Step 3: Build a clear “story” for the visa officer
Visitor visa decisions rely heavily on whether the application looks genuine, well-funded, and well-organised.
A strong application typically makes these points easy to understand:
- What the student is coming to do (short course + dates)
- Where they will stay (address + arrangements)
- Who will be responsible for them (if relevant)
- How it will be funded (tuition + travel + living costs)
- Why they will return home afterwards (school commitments, family ties, etc.)
Step 4: Documents checklist (under-18 friendly)
There is no single universal list for every case, but UK guidance on supporting documents includes child-specific items.
Identity + relationship
If the applicant is a child (under 18), supporting document guidance says you should show:
- a legal document showing relationship to at least one parent/guardian (e.g., birth certificate)
- a copy of the photo page of at least one parent/guardian passport (if the parent isn’t applying at the same time)
Study evidence
- a letter confirming the programme/course details (dates, what is included, location)
- proof of accommodation arrangements (programme boarding details or hotel booking)
- a simple itinerary (arrival/departure, key dates)
Financial evidence
- bank statements / sponsor evidence showing funds for fees + travel + living costs
- clarity on who pays (parent/guardian usually)
Parental consent + care arrangements
Under-18 visitor rules highlight written consent and suitable arrangements.
UKCISA also notes it’s advisable to travel with a written letter of consent when travelling unaccompanied.
Step 5: Know the key visitor restrictions (to avoid accidental issues)
As a visitor, you generally cannot work in the UK (with limited specific exceptions in business contexts).
This matters because families sometimes assume students can do internships or placements as part of a “course.” UKCISA explicitly lists work placements/internships as prohibited for Visitors.
If a programme advertises anything that looks like employment, check the details carefully and confirm the correct immigration route.
Step 6: Application and travel-day practical tips
Practical tips before submitting
- Ensure names, dates, and addresses are consistent across all documents
- Explain any unusual bank statement entries (avoid unexplained large deposits)
- Provide a simple, readable itinerary (one page is enough)
- If the child is travelling alone, make the “who meets them + who supervises them” plan extremely clear
What to carry when travelling
Even with a visa, border officers may ask questions. It’s sensible to carry:
- programme acceptance letter
- accommodation details
- parental consent letter
- proof of return ticket
- basic proof of funds/sponsorship
Common reasons under-18 visitor applications are refused
Refusals often happen when the application looks unclear or incomplete. Typical issues include:
- missing or vague parental consent/care plan
- insufficient or inconsistent financial evidence
- unclear accommodation details
- no convincing explanation of return plans (school commitments, family circumstances)
The fix is usually not “more documents”—it’s a clearer, more consistent story with the right supporting evidence.
FAQs
How long can a student stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor route?
Official guidance says you can usually stay up to 6 months.
If the course is 6 months or shorter, is a visitor visa the right route?
Official Short-term study visa guidance indicates that if the course lasts 6 months or shorter, you’ll need a Visitor visa rather than the 6–11 month Short-term study visa.
Can a visitor do an internship or work placement during a summer programme?
Visitor restrictions include not being permitted to work, and UKCISA explicitly lists internships/work placements as prohibited for Visitors.
What special things does the UK expect for under-18 travellers?
Under-18 rules highlight suitable travel/stay arrangements and written parental consent (especially if travelling alone).