How to apply for a UK Student Visa (ETA): complete guide
Travelling to the United Kingdom to study is an enriching experience both academically and personally. To fully enjoy your stay, it is important to prepare well in advance. At English Summer S.A., we offer a range of course options in the UK, including both family stays and residence programmes. You can also choose courses for the whole family, for adults, or for young people and children.
What is the ETA and when do you need a student visa?
Since Brexit, entry requirements have changed and it is essential to prepare your documentation properly before travelling. In this article, we explain how to apply for the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) and what you need to consider if you are planning to study in the UK.
It is important to distinguish between:
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation):
An electronic travel authorisation required for short stays (tourism, short courses, etc.). It is not a visa.
Student Visa:
Required if your course lasts more than 6 months or meets certain academic criteria.
With an ETA:
- Allows stays of up to 6 consecutive months
- Valid for multiple entries during its validity (usually 2 years or until passport expiry)
With a Student Visa (depending on course duration):
- Long courses: duration of the programme + additional time
- Academic programmes: may extend for several years
Application Costs
ETA
Approximate cost: £10 – £20. Payment online by card
Student Visa
Approximate cost Application: from £490
Healthcare surcharge (IHS): around £776/year
For over 40 years, English Summer S.A. has provided personalised support to families booking our courses abroad. We will assist you with all procedures and answer any questions you may have.
Below are the steps to apply for this travel authorisation.
How to apply for the ETA step by step
1. Prepare your documents
- The passport you will travel with (minimum 3 months validity)
- An email address
- A credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Basic travel information
2. Apply via the UK ETA app
You will need to use your phone camera to scan:
Your passport
Your face
You can download the UK ETA app on Google Play or the App Store. If you cannot download the app, you will need to apply online.
3. Apply through the online form
You must complete the application in one session; it cannot be saved.
If no action is taken for 20 minutes, the session will expire and you will need to start again.
- Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK
- Scan your face using your device (if it has a camera). Children under 9 are not required to do this
- Take or upload a photo of yourself
- Answer some personal questions
- Pay the application fee
Applying for someone else
You can apply for another person using the UK ETA app if they are with you at the time. If they are not with you, you must apply online.
You will need:
- A photo of their passport
- A photo of their face
After applying
You will receive a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within one day. It may take up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday), although it often arrives sooner.
The email will include your 16-digit ETA reference number.
You must wait to receive confirmation that your ETA has been approved before travelling to the UK.
If you have not received a response after 3 working days, check your spam/junk folder before contacting UKVI. If you applied for several people, responses may arrive at different times.
Your ETA will be linked to the passport used in your application. You will only need to present that passport when travelling to the UK.
Key tips to prepare your trip
Check your documentation in advance:
Passport valid for the entire stay
Course confirmation or acceptance letter
Health and travel insurance (highly recommended, even for short stays)
Keep digital copies of all documents
Have offline access to important addresses and contacts
Additionally, minors travelling alone outside Spain must have a specific authorisation. This document must be signed by parents or legal guardians and is usually processed at the National Police or Civil Guard. It must be presented along with the ID or passport at departure and ensures the minor’s safety during the trip. It is advisable to arrange this in advance and check updated requirements before travelling.
Final recommendations
- Start the process several weeks in advance
- Always verify information through official sources
- Contact us if you have any questions
- Make sure the type of authorisation matches the actual duration of your course
Preparing your documentation properly will not only help you avoid issues, but will also allow you to focus on what really matters: enjoying your academic experience in the UK with complete peace of mind.
