English courses in United Kingdom

Features of admission to UK language schools

To enroll in standard language courses in Britain, it is not necessary to know the language. When you arrive at the school, you take a test. You are assigned to an appropriate group depending on the result. However, before booking, you should take an online test yourself and determine your approximate level. This must be done because some programs only accept the B1 level and above — such as Business English, international exam preparation, and Pathway programs.

New groups at language schools usually start every Monday. That being said, start dates should be clarified on the official website of the selected school, as they may vary depending on the center and program.

To book a course, you need to:

• Fill out the online registration form
• Pay the registration fee or deposit*
• Receive a booking confirmation and a link to pay for the course
• Pay the course fee and additional expenses no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course
• Receive an invitation from the school

* Depending on the school, you need to either pay a registration fee (about 79 USD) or deposit (244-305 USD). The deposit amount is deducted from the base price of the course. If you decide to cancel your booking, the registration fee and deposit are non-refundable. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the contract, as the conditions for money returns are indicated there.

Pathway programs have stricter requirements: you need to complete 11 years of secondary education and pass the IELTS exam with a score of 4.0-5.5. In addition, the student must send a package of documents along with the registration form.

Required documents:

• Passport copy
• Copies of previous UK visas
• IELTS UKVI certificate
• Previous educational documents and transcripts translated into English

To increase the chances of admission, you can attach additional documents:

• Resume
• Motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• Certificates of completed courses in the UK

When choosing a school, it is also important to pay attention to accreditation. If the language center does not meet state standards, you will be denied a visa.

Learning process in English courses

The curriculum at UK schools is focused on maximum language immersion: in the classroom, even elementary-level students communicate solely in English. This is called the communicative teaching method — it allows you to master the spoken language much faster than you would if performing endless grammar exercises and memorizing words.

The schools also offer a variety of entertainment programs, which include visits to museums, local pubs, galleries, concerts, and neighboring cities. Thus, you study the history and culture of the country, which are closely related to the language.

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Visa for language courses in the UK

A visa is required for studying in language courses and Pathway programs. The visa type depends on the duration of the course:

• Standard Visitor Visa to study — up to 6 months
• Short-term Study Visa — from 6 to 11 months
• Student Visa — long-term courses from 11 months

Requirements for Standard Visitor Visa and Short-term Study Visa same:

• Application form
• International passport
• Proof of financial solvency
• Confirmation of accommodation payment for the entire period of study (hotel booking, rent contract, hostel payment receipt)
• Payment receipt for the course
• Invitation from an accredited school or university
• Round-trip flight booking confirmation
• Tuberculosis test results
• Written consent of a parent or guardian for the child's stay abroad
• Proof of kinship or adoption
• Notarized translation of documents into English

The cost for a visa is 244 USD.

To apply for a Student Visa, the following documents must be attached to the previous list:

• Confirmation Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Secure English Language Test (SELT) — B1-B2 level

The average registration cost is 426 USD.

In addition to the embassy consular fee, ​​you need to pay a medical fee. The cost is determined on a case-by-case basis. You can calculate it here. If you are applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, you do not have to pay a fee.

Learn more about UK Student Visa requirements

Most popular language schools in the UK

LSI

LSI is an extensive network of schools with 16 centers in seven countries. Five of them are in the UK: in London, Cambridge, and Brighton. There are courses for all age groups and learning purposes:

• Teenagers from 9 to 17 years old can spend 2 weeks of the summer at school.
• Older generations can combine language learning with a cultural program designed specifically for them as part of the Club 40+.
• If you are over 16 years old, you can take General and Intensive English.
• University applicants choose Exam Preparation, Academic, and Pathway courses.
• Business English is available for company employees.

The school provides accommodation for students of all programs: a room in a host family or a hostel. In addition, LSI offers a variety of activities: during the week, you can attend a tea ceremony, go on a trip along the Thames river, see a play at the West End theatre, and go to Paris or Amsterdam on the weekend. However, you need to pay for the room and excursions separately. Only courses for children and teenagers include meals, accommodation, and activities in the program price.

EC

EC English is a network of English language centers in the US, Canada, UK, Malta, Ireland, and South Africa. In the United Kingdom, there are schools in London, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, and Manchester. In addition to standard courses, they offer English in the City, English for Work, Business English and Academic Semester / Year. Cambridge also has a combined Fast Track and UniBridge program. The cost of the programs includes workshops, lectures, conversation clubs and British pronunciation lessons.

EC places its students in hostels and host families. Meals and accommodation must be paid for separately.

CES

Center of English Studies (CES) are English schools for children and adults in London, Oxford, Edinburgh, Leeds, Worthing, and Harrogate. Here, you can prepare for the IELTS and Cambridge exams or learn the language in General and Intensive Courses. Teenagers 12-17 years old can spend several weeks in a summer program. Students live in dormitories or host families. Students over 17 pay for accommodation and meals separately.

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