http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors/

This route can only be used if you are coming to the UK to enrol on a course which has a duration of less than 6 months unless you are coming to the UK to study and English Language Course exclusively, in which case you can use this route to come to UK for a maximum of 11 months.

This route prohibits you from
•    working (paid or unpaid)
•    extending your visa in any category from within the UK
•    bringing your dependents

Visa Nationals

If you are from a visa national country you will need to make your application to enter the UK as a Student Visitor through the British Embassy/Consulate/Diplomatic post in your home country.  Information on how to this can be found on the link below.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/VAF1D

Non-visa nationals

You have the choice of making your application at the British Embassy/Consulate/Diplomatic post in your home country or applying for Leave to Enter at the airport on arrival in the UK.

You should make sure that you carry your letter from the University that confirms your course details, tuition fees and accommodation fees in your hand luggage, along with bank statements demonstrating your ability to pay for your studies and details of your return travel.

Please make sure that you tell the immigration officer that you are coming to the UK to study and he will place a stamp your passport and write the letter ‘SV’ next to it, to indicate your student status.

Flights to UK via the Republic of Ireland

We would strongly recommend that you do not use the Republic of Ireland (Dublin or Shannon) to connect to the UK.  Immigration Control in the UK is not permitted to activate visas for travellers through this route, and if you are applying for Leave to Enter on arrival in the UK, you will not receive it.  You will be stamped into the Republic of Ireland as a General Visitor, this status does not give you permission to study and as sponsors the University will be unable to register you as a student.

Travelling whilst you are a Student Visitor

If you made an application as a student visitor in your home county you will have been issued with a multiple entry visa and you are free to leave and re-enter the UK as often as you like whilst your visa is valid.

If you applied for Leave to Enter at the airport you are simply issued with an entry stamp and it will be your responsibility to demonstrate each time you travel that you still meet the student rules by carrying up to date information (as above) with you in your hand luggage when you travel.  You should not take permission to re-enter for granted.

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