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British Council

An estimated 600,000 people travel to the UK every year to study English. The UK offers more English courses than anywhere else in the world. Students will be able to find a course that suits them, no matter what age or level they are, even if they’re a complete beginner. Students might want to come to the UK to learn English for its own sake, or to gain the special language skills needed for study or work. Either way, students will be attracted to the high quality modern teaching methods and the huge choice of courses available.

Why study English in the UK? 

  • Choice of courses – the UK has the largest range of English language courses in the world, for careers and professions, for further learning and education, or for personal growth and fun. English can be studied on its own or with other subjects at the same time, 
  • Recognised qualifications – UK English language qualifications have international recognition and will be valued anywhere in the world,
  • Academic excellence – the UK has a reputation for excellence in teaching English as a foreign language. It has long led the world in language teaching methodology, which means that international students have the potential to achieve a high level of success in the UK,
  • British Council accreditation – there are over 500 British Council accredited schools, colleges and universities throughout the UK. Accreditation covers everything that affects the students’ stay – general and academic management, teachers’ qualifications, premises, academic resources, teaching, student welfare, accommodation and leisure,
  • European travel – the UK is well located for easy travel around Europe,
  • History and culture – students learning English while living in the UK will be immersed in the UK’s rich history, culture and mix of international cultures,
  • Great value – British Council accredited courses offer great value for money,
  • Multicultural life – students can practice their English while meeting people from all over the world and also surrounded by native speakers. Practising using the language in real-life situations means that language skills improve enormously in a short time,
  • Further study – there are great options for students to continue their studies at a high quality UK Further or Higher Education institution,
  • The home of English – students like to study English in the home of the language. Interestingly, a recent global survey found that the British accent is considered the world's most attractive
  • Teaching and learning methods - The UK has long been at the forefront of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and TEFL itself has pioneered many of the techniques now used for teaching other languages. The emphasis is on learning the language by using it rather than just studying it. Whatever the students’ level of English – from beginner to advanced – they will be encouraged to communicate from the moment they enter the classroom. Students may take part in a wide range of activities, including games, problem-solving, discussions and simulations, as well as practising specific language points. If they are studying English for Academic Purposes, the focus will be on developing the skills needed to follow an academic course, such as essay-writing, presenting, describing statistical data, listening to lectures, reading academic articles and taking part in seminars.  

Visa requirements for English language courses

Student immigration: the basics, is a very good resource from UKCISA to establish the appropriate types of visas available. These will depend on the student, place of study, length and type of course.

1. Tier 4 (General)

Students can study an English language course in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student if:

  • the course leads to an approved qualification,
  • involves at least 15 hours study in the day time per week,
  • the level the course leads to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR),
  • the institution has a Tier 4 (General) licence.

Students aged 16 or 17 are not allowed to study on a Tier 4 (Child) visa, they must apply for Tier 4 (General) student. 

2. Pre-sessional English courses

Students applying for a Tier 4 visa to take a pre-sessional English language course at a higher education institution may need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) before entering a course, at an approved testing centre as part of their visa application.

3. SELTs

Students do not need to take a SELT if:

  • they are from a majority English-speaking country,
  • they have completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree which was taught in English in a majority English-speaking country, 
  • they have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student which was: at least six months in length and ended within two years of the date the sponsor assigned the CAS.

In the UK, both IELTS and Trinity centres provide SELTs. Outside the UK, only IELTS test centres will provide SELTs. Find out more here.

4. Short term study visa

Students can apply for a short-term study visa if they:

If they are 18 years or older, and they can study:

  • for up to six months for a short course; or
  • for up to 11 months for an English language course

If they are under 18 years old they can use 'short-term student (child)' category to study for up to six months. 

Students cannot extend their stay in the UK, or switch into any other immigration category while still in the UK as a short-term student. Check the government website for detailed information and any updates on this study visit visa.

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