The (Non-PBS) Student Visitor category is for students who are 17 years or older who wish to study in the UK for 6 months or less. Students who enter as a student visitor may not work (including internships, work-placement or work-study) and may not switch their status or extend their stay whilst in the UK. If you plan to undertake any type of employment or internship in the UK during your studies, or if there is any chance you may wish to extend your period of study, please apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa.

Nationals who DO require a visa before arriving in the UK as a student visitor must obtain their visa BEFORE travelling to the UK. All others can obtain their Student Visitor visa at immigration when entering the UK, however, you must be prepared to supply the Immigration Officer with the correct documentation (see below).  

Steps to entering the UK as a (Non-PBS) Student Visitor:

• As a short-term student entering the UK, you may be able to enter without a visa, depending on your nationality. However, you must be prepared to show the Immigration Officer at the airport (or other port of entry) that you have been accepted on a course of study by:
a) An Accredited Educational Institution
b) An institution that holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence, or
c) An Institution of Higher Education which is delivering only part of its program in the UK and holds its own national accreditation and awards degrees equivalent to those in the UK (eg study abroad programmes).

You will do this by showing an original letter from that institution which provides details about you, that you will be enrolled in classes for 15+ hours per week and will include details regarding the start and end date of the course.

• You will be asked to show the Immigration Officer that you will have the necessary funds to pay for your course fees and support yourself for the entire period you intend to stay in the UK. This can be in the form of scholarship, grant or other financial aid award letters as well as bank statements in your name which are dated no more than one calendar month before you arrive in the UK.

• You will demonstrate your willingness to leave the UK once your course of study is complete by showing return tickets or an itinerary with your name and information on them.
• You must present a valid passport that will not expire while you are in the UK.
• You will receive a stamp in your passport when you present your documents.
• If you travel outside the UK during your course of study, show the Immigration Officer your Student Visitor stamp (code 5N) and the institution letter when re-entering the UK.

Full details of the Student Visitor visa at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/applying-inside-uk/