Language Course Visa Requirements 2025
Language course visas or short-term study permits allow international students to attend language schools for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months. Popular destinations include the UK, Australia, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, and Canada. Requirements are lighter than degree student visas and processing is usually faster. Some countries allow language study on a tourist visa for stays under 90 days.
Country Comparison: Language Course Visa
| Country | Tuition (USD/yr) | Visa Fee | Processing | Difficulty | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $15,000 - $55,000 | $185 | 30-90 days | Complex | View Guide |
| United Kingdom | $12,000 - $45,000 | $490 | 21-56 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Canada | $10,000 - $35,000 | $150 | 28-112 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Australia | $14,000 - $40,000 | $620 | 14-75 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Germany | $0 - $15,000 | $75 | 28-84 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| France | $200 - $20,000 | $99 | 21-60 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Netherlands | $9,000 - $22,000 | $192 | 28-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Sweden | $8,000 - $25,000 | $105 | 30-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Norway | $0 - $20,000 | $0 | 30-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Denmark | $8,000 - $20,000 | $192 | 30-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Finland | $4,000 - $18,000 | $192 | 30-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Switzerland | $1,000 - $30,000 | $80 | 28-84 days | Complex | View Guide |
| Austria | $800 - $12,000 | $120 | 30-90 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Ireland | $9,000 - $28,000 | $60 | 21-56 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| New Zealand | $13,000 - $32,000 | $210 | 28-70 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Singapore | $8,000 - $35,000 | $30 | 14-56 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Japan | $4,000 - $18,000 | $35 | 14-60 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| South Korea | $3,000 - $15,000 | $60 | 14-60 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| China | $2,000 - $12,000 | $140 | 7-30 days | Moderate | View Guide |
| Malaysia | $3,000 - $15,000 | $50 | 14-42 days | Easy | View Guide |
Language Course Visa - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 4-week English course abroad?
It depends on your nationality and destination. EU nationals studying in Ireland can stay 90 days visa-free. Non-EU nationals studying in the UK for over 6 months need a Student visa.
Can I extend a language course visa into a degree student visa?
Yes. In most countries you can apply onshore to upgrade to a full degree student visa if you receive a confirmed university offer while on a language course.
What is the maximum duration for a language course visa?
Typically 12 months. Australia allows up to 12 months on Subclass 500 for language courses. The UK Student visa allows language courses that form part of a longer program.
Can I work on a language course visa?
Work rights on short-term language course visas are limited or not permitted. Australia allows 48 hours per fortnight on any student visa. UK prohibits work on short-term study visas under 6 months.
Which country is easiest for a language course visa?
Malta, Ireland, and Cyprus are popular for ease of language course student visas within Europe. New Zealand and Australia have straightforward processes for non-European applicants.