EP Visa

Student Visa Abroad process

To study English at our international destinations, you may need to obtain a student visa abroad. We understand that the process of getting a visa can be quite confusing and intimidating, especially if you are not familiar with the student visa abroad application requirements and procedures. That's why we have simplified the process into a few simple and easy-to-follow steps. 

Step 1

After all course entry requirements are met and all documents have been submitted, you will get your acceptance letter from English Path. 

Step 2

After receiving the acceptance letter, contact the destination country's embassy or consulate in your home country to learn about the process for a student visa abroad. 

Step 3

Prepare and organise all the necessary documents as requested by the destination country's embassy to apply for a student visa abroad.

Step 4

When applying for a student visa abroad, embassies may ask for an in-person interview to gather information about you before processing your application. 

Step 5

When you apply for a student visa abroad, remember it can take 2-3 months to receive confirmation, depending on your home country. 

Step 6

You will finally receive your student visa and can travel to our English Path campus to start your English language learning journey.

Visa Information

What do I need for entry to the UK?
This depends on whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national.
EEA & Swiss students are non-visa nationals
Check your visa status here
 
For Courses of 6 Months or Less – Visitor Visa or Visa on Arrival
 
All nationalities
•    You will enter the UK as a Visitor
•    There are no limits on the number of courses you can study but they must be completed within the time of the permission granted
•    You must have sufficient funds to cover your time in the UK
•    Work (paid & unpaid), including voluntary work, is not permitted
•    Any visitor who has come in on business or as a tourist can choose to then take an English language course while in the UK
•    You must have a full passport to enter the UK
 
Non visa nationals
•    You do not need to apply for a visa in advance
•    There are no fees to enter the UK
•    You may use the e-gates at the UK border.  However, in the unlikely event that you are questioned, you should carry evidence demonstrating that you meet the entry requirements.  Please have your immigration and enrolment letters from the school with you.  If the school has not arranged your accommodation, please have your accommodation address confirmation ready to show.
 
Visa nationals
•    Visa nationals need pre-entry clearance for a standard visit visa, so if you are a visa national you must apply for a Visitor Visa before you come to the UK
•    A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. 
 
You’ll need to provide the following information:
•    The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
•    Details of where you’ll be staying during your visit
•    How much you think your trip will cost
•    Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
•    Your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
•    How much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
•    Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
•    You may also be required to supply further details depending on your case.
 
Your intentions will be assessed to check you are a genuine visitor.
You’ll be told what other documents and information to provide when you apply.
 
For more information visit this link
Click here to apply now for a Visitor Visa: Select your language
 
For Courses of 7-11 Months: Short Term Study Visa 
 
•    All visa and non visa nationals (including EEA & Swiss nationals) applying to study for longer than 6 months will need to make an application before travelling
•    You will need to apply for a Short Term Study Visa English Language
•    This route is for English language study only
•    You must be 16 or older
•    If you are aged 16 or 17 then parental consent is required
•    You must have an offer letter (6-11 months duration) from English Path
•    You can only study on the course for which permission has been granted
•    Your course must be between 6 and 11 months long.
•    You must have sufficient funds to cover your time in the UK
•    Work (paid & unpaid), including voluntary work, is not permitted
•    You must leave the UK within 30 days of the end of the course or at the end of 11 months, whichever is earlier
•    You are not able to extend your visa
 
You’ll need to provide the following information:
•    a current passport (with a blank page for your visa) or other valid travel document
•    evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
•    details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you should not pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
•    evidence that you’ve paid your course fees or have enough money to pay them
•    You may also be required to provide further information.
 
Documents about your course and accommodation
•    You must provide written proof of the course you’re studying. For example, a letter of acceptance from English Path stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation if you booked with EP)
•    Check here for more information
 
Short Term Study Visa English Language Fees:
•    Visa fee £200
•    Health surcharge £776 (this charge gives you access to the National Health Service in case you have any medical needs whilst in the UK)
 
For more information on the Short Term Study Visa English language click here

 
Apply
You must apply online before you come to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK.
As part of your online application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your documents and prove your identity.
Allow time to attend your appointment.
The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.
 
How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
 
Apply online
You must apply online. Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now
 

 

Contact us

If you plan on studying English in Malta, you may be required to apply for a student visa. Let's find out if you need a visa and what steps you need to take.

Malta visa process

For further information, you can contact our English Path team for advice.

Contact us

Study English in Ireland for 12 weeks or less 

To study English in Ireland for 12 weeks or less: 

How to apply for a short stay ‘C’ visit visa 

You need a short stay ‘C’ visit visa if: 

  • You plan to studying English in Ireland for less than 12 weeks 

  • EEA, Swiss, and British nationals do not need a visa 

Key facts about short stay ‘C’ visit visas: 

Study English in Ireland for 13-25 weeks 

To study English in Ireland for 13-25 weeks: 

  • EEA, Swiss, and British nationals do not need a visa 

  • You need a ‘Stamp 2’ or ‘Work & Study’ visa 

  • Students from certain countries can arrive in Ireland visa free (link: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/visit-ireland-travel-path/)  

  • Students from any other country must purchase a single entry short stay ‘C’ visit visa upon arrival in Ireland 

  • Upon arrival at English Path Dublin you will be shown how to order your Stamp 2 visa. This can only be ordered within Ireland. 

Contact us

Visa on Arrival – This option allows citizens of specific nationalities to enter Dubai free of charge for a specified number of days.  

For example - European Union member states (excluding Ireland) can enter visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. 

Tourist Visa – A prearranged visa for citizens who are not eligible for visa on arrival. There are two options available: a 30-day or 60-day validity. 

For example – Citizens of Turkey, Thailand, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc. need to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Dubai. 

Link to find out if your passport is eligible for visa on arrival or not: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates  

Education Visa – English Path can sponsor an education visa for students who book a minimum of 12 weeks for a 3-month validity, or a minimum of 16 weeks up to 24 weeks for a 6-month validity.

Student Visa – English Path can sponsor a student visa valid for 1 year if the student registers for our Work and Study Program (English course + GBS Diploma course). 

General Requirements to apply for Tourist, Education or Student Visa:  

  • Passport copy front page  

  • Passport copy last page  

  • Passport size photo with white background (high resolution) 

  • Student undertaking letter and Student visa process document signed. 

  • Address in home country 

  • Father’s name 

  • Mother’s name 

  • Mobile number in the home country 

  • Full Payment  

Other Types of Visas: 

Employment/Working Visa – Any person who secures a full-time job in the UAE will typically be sponsored a working visa by their employer, which is valid for 2 years. 

For further information please check the website Visa and Emirates ID | The Official Portal of the UAE Government or contact our English Path team for advice.

Contact us

6 Months or More

If you wish to study in Canada for more than 6 months, you will need a study permit.
You will need to meet certain requirements to apply for a study permit. 
Check the Canadian Government’s website for more details.  Study permit: Who can apply - Canada.ca
The Study Permit does not give a student the right to enter or exit Canada. 
A Study Permit always needs to be accompanied by a valid TRV (visitor visa/ETA ).
 
6 Months of Less

You do not need a study permit if you are coming to Canada for a program that lasts 6 months or less. 
In that case, depending on which country you are from, you will need a visitor visa or an ETA. 
A visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), is an official document citizens from visa-required countries need to obtain to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for less than 6 months.

Find out more

What do I need to enter Germany?

Your requirements for entering Germany depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Below are the details on different visa options based on your study duration.
For Courses of 6 Months or Less – Schengen Visa or Visa-Free Entry

Overview of visa requirements or exemption from visa requirements for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany - Federal Foreign Office


EU/EEA & Swiss Students
● You do not need a visa to enter or study in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Non-EU/EEA Students
● Visa-Free Nationals: Many non-EEA nationals do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Please check if your country is included in this category.
● Visa Nationals: If your country is not on the visa-free list, you will need a Schengen visa before arriving in Germany.


General Entry Requirements for Short Stays (Up to 90 Days)
All students staying up to 90 days:
● You must have a valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond your stay.
● You should have proof of financial means to cover your stay in Germany.
● Work (paid or unpaid, including volunteering) is not permitted.
● You may take a German language course while in Germany if it aligns with your visa or visa-free status.
● School course acceptance letter


Non-Visa Nationals:
● If you are eligible for visa-free entry, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance.
● You may be required to provide proof of accommodation, travel plans, and financial support at the German border.
● School course acceptance letter
Visa Nationals:
● You must apply for a Schengen visa before entering Germany.
● The Schengen visa fee is typically €80 for stays of up to 90 days, and you may apply up to three months before your intended travel.
You’ll need to provide the following information for a Schengen visa application:
● Dates of your planned stay in Germany.
● Details of accommodation during your visit.
● Estimated cost of your trip and evidence of financial means (e.g., recent bank statements).
● Confirmation of enrollment or acceptance letter from English Path (or your course provider).
● Additional information on your personal background (home address, parents’ details if applicable, etc.).

For Courses of 7-11 Months – National (Long-Term) Study Visa
If you plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a National (Long-Term) Study Visa before you travel. Here are the key details:
● This visa applies to both visa-free and visa-required students if the study duration is over 90 days.
● You must have a confirmed acceptance letter from English Path or your German language school.
● You must be able to financially support yourself for the duration of your stay.
● You are not allowed to work with a study visa.
● You must leave Germany within 30 days of completing your course or at the end of the visa validity, whichever comes first.
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
● A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
● Evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement or proof of a blocked account.
● Proof of accommodation and travel plans (though avoid booking before your visa is approved).
● Evidence of health insurance coverage for your stay in Germany.

National Study Visa Fees and Additional Information
● Visa Fee: €75
● Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance is required for the visa application and may incur additional costs. If you qualify for public health insurance, it can be arranged once you arrive.

Apply for Your National Study Visa
You should apply online or through a German consulate up to three months before your intended arrival. Once your online application is completed, schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit documents and verify your identity. Processing times may vary, but a decision typically takes 6-12 weeks. Faster processing may be available at an additional fee.

 

Visa information

UK

What do I need for entry to the UK?
This depends on whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national.
EEA & Swiss students are non-visa nationals
Check your visa status here
 
For Courses of 6 Months or Less – Visitor Visa or Visa on Arrival
 
All nationalities
•    You will enter the UK as a Visitor
•    There are no limits on the number of courses you can study but they must be completed within the time of the permission granted
•    You must have sufficient funds to cover your time in the UK
•    Work (paid & unpaid), including voluntary work, is not permitted
•    Any visitor who has come in on business or as a tourist can choose to then take an English language course while in the UK
•    You must have a full passport to enter the UK
 
Non visa nationals
•    You do not need to apply for a visa in advance
•    There are no fees to enter the UK
•    You may use the e-gates at the UK border.  However, in the unlikely event that you are questioned, you should carry evidence demonstrating that you meet the entry requirements.  Please have your immigration and enrolment letters from the school with you.  If the school has not arranged your accommodation, please have your accommodation address confirmation ready to show.
 
Visa nationals
•    Visa nationals need pre-entry clearance for a standard visit visa, so if you are a visa national you must apply for a Visitor Visa before you come to the UK
•    A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. 
 
You’ll need to provide the following information:
•    The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
•    Details of where you’ll be staying during your visit
•    How much you think your trip will cost
•    Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
•    Your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
•    How much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
•    Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
•    You may also be required to supply further details depending on your case.
 
Your intentions will be assessed to check you are a genuine visitor.
You’ll be told what other documents and information to provide when you apply.
 
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
Click here to apply now for a Visitor Visa: Select your language
 
For Courses of 7-11 Months: Short Term Study Visa 
 
•    All visa and non visa nationals (including EEA & Swiss nationals) applying to study for longer than 6 months will need to make an application before travelling
•    You will need to apply for a Short Term Study Visa English Language
•    This route is for English language study only
•    You must be 16 or older
•    If you are aged 16 or 17 then parental consent is required
•    You must have an offer letter (6-11 months duration) from English Path
•    You can only study on the course for which permission has been granted
•    Your course must be between 6 and 11 months long.
•    You must have sufficient funds to cover your time in the UK
•    Work (paid & unpaid), including voluntary work, is not permitted
•    You must leave the UK within 30 days of the end of the course or at the end of 11 months, whichever is earlier
•    You are not able to extend your visa
 
You’ll need to provide the following information:
•    a current passport (with a blank page for your visa) or other valid travel document
•    evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
•    details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you should not pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
•    evidence that you’ve paid your course fees or have enough money to pay them
•    You may also be required to provide further information.
 
Documents about your course and accommodation
•    You must provide written proof of the course you’re studying. For example, a letter of acceptance from English Path stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation if you booked with EP)
•    Check here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/documents-you-must-provide
 
Short Term Study Visa English Language Fees:
•    Visa fee £200
•    Health surcharge £776 (this charge gives you access to the National Health Service in case you have any medical needs whilst in the UK)
 
For more information on the Short Term Study Visa English language see:
https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english
 
Apply
You must apply online before you come to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK.
As part of your online application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your documents and prove your identity.
Allow time to attend your appointment.
The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.
 
How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
 
Apply online
You must apply online. Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now
 

 

Contact us

If you plan on studying English in Malta, you may be required to apply for a student visa. Let's find out if you need a visa and what steps you need to take.

Malta visa process

For further information, you can contact our English Path team for advice.

Contact us

If you want to study English in Dublin, Ireland, you may be required to apply for a student visa. Let's find out if you need a visa and what steps you need to take.

Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss national?

  • If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national and want to study in Ireland for less than 90 days, you typically don't need a visa. You can travel to Ireland with a valid passport or identity card.
  • If your study period in Ireland is more than 90 days, you may need to register with the Irish immigration authorities but generally won't require a visa.
  • If you are a non-visa national, you may not require a visa to study for up to 90 days if you possess a suitable passport for short stays in Ireland.

For further information, you can contact our English Path team for advice.

Contact us

Visa on Arrival – This option allows citizens of specific nationalities to enter Dubai free of charge for a specified number of days.  

For example - European Union member states (excluding Ireland) can enter visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. 

Tourist Visa – A prearranged visa for citizens who are not eligible for visa on arrival. There are two options available: a 30-day or 60-day validity. 

For example – Citizens of Turkey, Thailand, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc. need to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Dubai. 

Link to find out if your passport is eligible for visa on arrival or not: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates  

Education Visa – English Path can sponsor an education visa for students who book a minimum of 12 weeks for a 3-month validity, or a minimum of 16 weeks up to 24 weeks for a 6-month validity.

Student Visa – English Path can sponsor a student visa valid for 1 year if the student registers for our Work and Study Program (English course + GBS Diploma course). 

General Requirements to apply for Tourist, Education or Student Visa:  

  • Passport copy front page  

  • Passport copy last page  

  • Passport size photo with white background (high resolution) 

  • Student undertaking letter and Student visa process document signed. 

  • Address in home country 

  • Father’s name 

  • Mother’s name 

  • Mobile number in the home country 

  • Full Payment  

Other Types of Visas: 

Employment/Working Visa – Any person who secures a full-time job in the UAE will typically be sponsored a working visa by their employer, which is valid for 2 years. 

For further information please check the website Visa and Emirates ID | The Official Portal of the UAE Government or contact our English Path team for advice.

Contact us

If you wish to study in Canada for more than 6 months, you will need a study permit. 

You will need to meet certain requirements to apply for a study permit. Check the Canadian Government’s website for more details.  Study permit: Who can apply - Canada.ca

The Study Permit doesn’t give a student the right to enter or exit.  A Study Permit always needs to be accompanied by a valid TRV (tourist visa/ETA ).

You don’t need a study permit if you’re coming to Canada for a program that lasts 6 months or less. In that case, depending on which country you are from, you will need a visitor visa or an ETA.

Check the Canadian government’s website for more details:
Study permit: Who can apply - Canada.ca

Find out more

Accreditation and nominations

At EP, we take pride in being accredited by the prestigious British Council in the UK, ELT Council in Malta and Languages Canada in Toronto, assuring the highest standards of language education.