Short-Term Courses in the UK for International Students: Top Programs & Universities

The UK is a popular destination for international students because of its top universities and well-structured courses. Over 750,000 students come to the country each year and some pick short-term courses to learn new skills and improve job prospects.

Short-term courses in the UK are a good way to gain expertise without spending too much time or money. They cover subjects like IT, business, and healthcare. These courses are shorter and cheaper than full-time degrees.  Many students also join short courses to get a feel for the UK’s education system before deciding on long-term studies.

What are short-term courses in the UK?

Short-term courses in the UK, as in any other country, help students learn new and practical skills quickly. These courses are flexible and last from a few days to a few months. They include weekend programs, online courses, certificate courses, summer schools and professional training.

Most courses are taught by university professors and do not include homework or exams. Some offer hybrid learning, where students can join in person or online.

International students can find short courses on university websites or platforms like the British Council that combine courses from multiple institutions in the UK. Other online platforms like EdX Coursera also offer short courses from top universities in the country. Oxford, Cambridge and other reputed universities offer short courses in the form of:

• Lecture Series: Weekly talks on a specific topic.
• Online Courses: Recorded modules with digital certificates.
• Day & Weekend Retreats: Short workshops to build skills in just a few days.
• Summer Schools: Intensive programs lasting a few weeks, often for international students.

Short-term courses are a great way to learn something new, improve your career or explore an interest.

Why choose short-term courses in the UK?

The UK has some of the best universities in the world with many ranked among the top 100 globally. Moreover, about 90% of international students studying in the country are satisfied with the quality of their education, according to the 2024 Study in UK report. Some even recommend it over other English-speaking countries.

Short-term courses are a flexible and valuable way to study at respected universities and institutions in the UK. You can take a short course before, during or after graduation. Here are some reasons to consider them:

• Short courses let you experience student life in the UK. You can learn from teachers in university classrooms like full-time students. This is a great route to decide if you want to stay in the country for a future bachelor’s or master’s degree. These courses can also help improve your skills and grades. Some even offer research opportunities and university application support.
• You can also pursue short-term courses while studying for a full-time degree in the UK to learn specific skills. For example, a business student might join a digital marketing course for hands-on experience to get ahead of joining the job market. Similarly, a fine arts student may join an anatomical portrait drawing course to practice new techniques. 
• Many of the short courses are available online and include recorded lectures from university professors. Some universities also offer short courses that count as credits toward a degree. While others are free for students enrolled in a full-time degree.
• Finally, short courses after a bachelor’s degree in the UK are also popular among international students because they can help increase their chances of landing a high-paying job.
• Short-term courses in the UK are a great choice for those seeking high-quality education. You can learn new skills, experience university life and explore the country without a long-term commitment. Additionally, there are thousands of short courses in various popular fields. 

Popular short-term courses for international students in the UK

The UK has thousands of short courses for international students. Some sought-after subjects include business, medicine, IT, finance, AI and creative writing. The UK also has some of the largest collections of English language short courses with over 2,500 options from 314 institutions.

Below are some popular short-term courses among international students in the UK, categorized by field.  

Business, Finance and Management

University	Course	Duration
Imperial College London	Green Leaders for a Sustainable Future (online)	6 weeks
Imperial College London	A Non-Technical Introduction to Data Science (in-person)	5 days
University College London	Business Strategy: Theories and Frameworks (online)	3 weeks
Oxford University	Effective Leadership through Emotional Intelligence (in-person)	1 day
Cambridge University	Certificate in Entrepreneurship: Venture Creation (online)	9 months

Medicine and Healthcare

University	Course	Duration
Oxford University	Nanotechnology and nanomedicine (in person)	5 days
Imperial College London	Food hypersensitivity (hybrid mode)	10 weeks
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine	Infectious Disease ‘Omics (in person)	4 days
University College London	Aesthetic Dentistry: Masterclass in Aesthetic Dentistry (in person)	5 days
University of Cambridge	Certificate of Higher Education in Pre-Medical Studies (hybrid mode)	11 months

Science, Engineering and Technology

University	Course	Duration
Oxford University	Artificial Intelligence Concepts: Practical Applications (online)	5 days
Imperial College London	Climate Change Risk Management(online)	2 or 4 days
Imperial College London	Systems Approach to Infrastructure (in person)	1.5 days
University College London	Applied Machine Learning Systems: an Introduction (in person)	8 weeks
City University of London	C/C++ Introduction to Programming using C (online)	8 weeks

Creative Writing and English Literature

University	Course	Duration
Oxford University	Trollope, Eliot, Dickens and Hardy: Reading Victorian Fiction (online)	Flexible
Oxford University	Dickens(in person)	2.5 months
University of Cambridge	Diploma in Creative Writing: Advanced Fiction and Writing for Performance (online)	9 months

Short courses in the UK cover several other fields and topics including social science, journalism, law, art, education, psychology, film and history. 

Picking the right short-term course from so many amazing options can be tricky. You’re probably wondering: Which program fits my goals? Will it boost my career? And how do I know if it’s worth the investment? That’s why finding the perfect course—one that aligns with your dreams and budget—can feel like a big challenge.

Luckily, GradRight’s university-search platform makes it super easy for you. It’s a free, AI-powered tool that helps you choose your Master’s or short-term program abroad smarter. Using 8 million data points across 40,000+ programs, it gives you personalized university matches, plus insights like placement rates and ROI. 

Why use GradRight?

• AI-powered shortlisting—Find courses that match your academic background, career goals, and financial situation.
• Data-driven insights—Compare programs based on value-added factors like ROI, placement rates, and alumni success.
• Match scores—See how well each course aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
• Fundable shortlist—Ensure the courses you pick qualify for education loans if needed.
• Exclusive perks—Get access to application fee waivers and scholarships.

With GradRight, you don’t just pick a course—you pick the right course for your future.

Now that you’ve got the tools to pick your course, let’s dive into the next step—understanding the entry requirements and application process.

Before applying to short-term courses in the UK, you must check the entry requirements. Some courses have age, education, or language requirements. You can apply on your own by filling out forms, submitting documents, arranging accommodation, and paying fees. 

Also Read: Duolingo-Accepting UK Universities: Comprehensive Guide

Eligibility and admission requirements for short-term courses in the UK 

Anyone can apply for a short-term course in the UK but certain courses have specific eligibility rules. For example:

• Some courses require you to be at least 16 or 18 years old.
• Some programs may ask for proof of previous education.
• You might also need to show English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL).

Students can enroll in short-term courses that last up to six months in the UK on a Tourist Visa. However, to study English language courses longer than 6 months and less than 11 months, you may need a Short-Term Study Visa. International students must have a Student Visa for a course longer than 11 months. Here is a table summarizing the visa requirements for short-term courses. 

Course Duration	Required Visa
Up to 6 months (any subject)	Visitor Visa
6-11 months (English course only)	Short-Term Study Visa
More than 11 months (any subject)	Student Visa

Short-term study visa

You must apply for a Short-Term Study Visa before traveling to the UK. The application process can be done online using the official visa application form that includes a fee of £200 (INR 21,887) and the Immigration Health Surcharge. You will need a valid passport, biometric details (fingerprints and photo) and other travel documents. Proof of enrollment from an accredited institution and money for tuition, accommodation, and return travel are also required.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you also need:

• A parent or guardian’s written consent.
• A plan for where you will live and how you will be cared for.

However, with a Short-Term Student (English Language) visa, you cannot work at a job, start a business, or earn money in the UK. Courses that include work experience or an internship are also prohibited.

This visa only allows volunteering to help a charity or public organization without a contract and payment (except for small expenses like travel). 

Cost of short-term courses in the UK

The cost of short-term courses in the UK depends on the course, university, and location. Tuition fees can cost as low as £30 to over £5,000.

One-day courses like the ‘Machine Learning with R’ by Oxford University cost £140 and the ‘Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) Day’ by UCL costs £95. Whereas, specialized programs cost between £1,000 and £3,000. A 9-month advanced diploma in ‘Research in the Arts/Sciences’ through the University of Cambridge carries a fee of £4,900.

While the concessions on short-term courses in the UK are limited, some universities do offer discounts to full-time students in the UK. For instance, the University of Oxford gives eligible international students a reduction of 50% of tuition fees on short courses. Moreover, the Imperial College London grants a Summer School Scholarship for biomedical science students. 

Another cost to consider is living expenses. In London, international students can spend £1,300 and £1,400 per month on rent, food, and other living expenses. Outside London, living costs are lower, usually between £900 and £1,300 per month. Some universities offer in-campus accommodation for short-term students. For instance, the University of Liverpool offers to reduce some of these living expenses with an extra accommodation fee of £530 for its International Summer School.

Also Read: Study Abroad Loan For UK

Top UK universities and institutes with short-term programs

Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and the University College London (UCL) are frequently ranked in the top 10 institutions in the UK. These and other universities in the country have short-term courses that international students can enroll in after the 12th standard. Postgraduate short courses are also accessible for those who want specialized knowledge in their field.

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge offers short-term courses in the UK through the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). These include a four-week International Summer Programme in addition to weekend courses and one-week postgraduate modules. 

The university also covers over 75 online courses on subjects like history, creative writing, management studies and biological sciences. They cost between £399 and £599.

University of Oxford

University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education offers over 100 short courses, from one or two-day in-person events to weekly classes lasting 5 to 10 weeks. Courses cover subjects like business, law, history, science, psychology, and more.

100% online and hybrid options are also available with costs starting from £30. 

UCL

UCL provides about 400 professional development courses and evening classes to summer schools. The areas of study include art, gene and cell therapy, systems engineering, project management, dentistry and more. It has over 200 online short courses. 

The fee for short courses ranges between £70 and £2,600. Some are also offered for free.  

Imperial College London

Imperial College London offers over 100 subjects in five types of short courses: 

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for working professionals to upskill and stay updated in their field.
• Pre-sessional course for students joining a full-time degree at Imperial.
• Summer and winter schools: are short programs during summer or winter where students can learn new subjects, meet people and experience university life
• Outreach courses for full-time students in STEM
• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Small Private Online Courses (SPOC)

The below table summarizes the types of short-term courses in the UK by respected universities with subjects offered.

University	Types of Short-Term Courses	Subjects Covered
University of Cambridge	International Summer Programme, weekend courses, one-week postgraduate modules, 75+ online courses	History, creative writing, management, biological sciences
University of Oxford	100+ short courses, in-person and online options, weekly classes (5-10 weeks)	Business, law, history, science, psychology
University College London (UCL)	400+ professional courses, evening classes, summer schools, 200+ online courses	Art, gene and cell therapy, engineering, project management, dentistry
Imperial College London	CPD courses, pre-sessional courses, summer and winter schools, outreach courses, MOOCs & SPOCs	Over 100 subjects including STEM and business

In addition to the above-mentioned short-term courses in the UK, Summer Schools are popular short programs available to international students.

Summer Schools

Summer Schools combine learning with fun activities and also include accommodation and social events. These short programs are ideal for international students who want to experience campus life and are considering studying long-term.

Here is a list of annual summer schools with part-time courses for international students after the 12th standard. 

University	Length	Fees	Subjects/ Courses
Arts University Bournemouth – Summer Courses (15 to 18 years)	2 weeks	£1,699 onwards	Business, History, Literature, Philosophy, Visual Arts, and Science
Oxford University Summer School for Adults	7 days	£2410 onwards	History and politics, creative writing, theology
University of Liverpool – International Summer School	3 to 6 weeks	£1,683 onwards for 3 weeks, £3,177 onwards for 6 weeks	History, business, art,
Glasgow Caledonian University – International Summer School (for university students only)	2 to 3 weeks	Free	Maths Summer School, Programmable Systems Pre-induction Programme
Imperial College London – Revolutions in Biomedicine	3 weeks	£3,895	Biomedicine
UCL	30 hours	£160	Ancient Philosophy Summer School
Lancaster University – Summer Schools (for university students only)	2 weeks	Free	Corpus linguistics for analysis of language, discourse, and society; Corpus linguistics for language testing and assessment

You can start your application process for short-term study in the UK by choosing a course that matches your interests and goals. Check the program details online and make sure to apply early, as most applications open between April and May, and seats fill up quickly. Accommodation is another factor to consider. Some courses provide housing, while others require you to book it separately. 

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