Visa Requirements

Which visa will my child need?

Children attending a residential summer school in the UK will have to apply for the appropriate visa. Once a place has been accepted on a course, and the deposit paid, this process should be straightforward but it is important to allow plenty of time to avoid a last-minute panic! Most short summer courses (up to 6 months) use the Standard Visitor visa (or an ETA where eligible).

If your child is planning to go straight on to a boarding school following the summer course they will almost certainly need to have a Child Student visa.

Always confirm with the course provider or contact us for advice if you are unsure.

Quick decision table

Situation	Likely route
Short course ≤ 6 months (university or private summer school)	Standard Visitor visa / ETA
Course > 6 months or independent fee‑paying school	Child Student visa (school must be a licensed sponsor)
16+ planning full-time longer study	Student visa (check course eligibility)

Core documents that you will need to prepare

Valid passport covering whole stay
Official acceptance / visa support letter from the summer school
Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsor letter)
Return / onward travel details
Accommodation details and contact for guardian/host. This will probably be the summer school if it is a residential programme
Parental consent letter (if under 18) - the summer school will normally provide a template for this
Birth certificate (to prove parent/child relationship)

Visitor visa specifics

Online application, biometric appointment, supporting docs to upload. Visitor route usually permits study of short courses up to 6 months but not work or bringing dependants.

Child Student visa specifics

Requires a CAS from a licensed independent school, proof of funds, guardian arrangements, and parental consent. Apply up to 6 months before travel if applying from abroad.

Recommended timeline

3–6 months before travel: choose course and confirm which visa type will be required
2–3 months before travel: submit visa / ETA application and book biometrics
4–6 weeks before travel: target to have visa decision back
1–2 weeks before travel: print all documents & pack them with the child

Common pitfalls

Assuming a tourist entry is fine without checking the course requirements
Missing parental consent or guardian details for under‑18s
Applying too late during the summer peak season
Incomplete financial evidence (provide clear, dated statements)