Language Courses Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

Language Courses Studies in The United Kingdom

Language courses in the United Kingdom are, above all, English courses for people from other countries. They are short, flexible programmes without academic entry requirements: students choose the number of weeks, the intensity and the type of course, and are placed in a group at their own level. The sector is large. English UK, the national association for English language teaching, reports that 327,883 students took English courses at its 287 member centres in 2025, most of them full time, and that they came from over 100 countries.

SpainExchange lists 98 schools in the United Kingdom with language courses. London has 19, Brighton six, Bournemouth five, and Cambridge and Edinburgh four each.

Types of courses and providers

Three kinds of institution teach these courses: private language schools, university language centres and further education colleges. The usual course types are:

• General English, in standard or intensive form
• Exam preparation, for IELTS or the Cambridge English Qualifications
• Academic English and pre-sessional courses before a university degree
• Business and professional English, often in small groups or one-to-one
• Courses and summer camps for children and teenagers
• Teacher training, such as the CELTA

University centres focus on academic English. The English Language Centre for Overseas Students (ELCOS) at Bangor University provides English courses and study skills for the university's international students; its pre-sessional courses are for students with a conditional offer from Bangor and a level of IELTS 4.5 or above. The English Language Teaching Centre of The University of Sheffield offers academic, professional and general English courses.

Accreditation and exams

Language courses do not lead to a degree. Schools give a certificate of attendance or level, and students who need an official result sit an external exam. Cambridge offers qualifications from Pre A1 Starters to C2 Proficiency, the online Linguaskill test, which certifies levels from B1 to C2, and is co-owner of IELTS, a test used for higher education and migration.

Accreditation matters for two reasons: quality and visas. English UK represents accredited English language providers, and the UK government only allows visitors and Short-term study visa holders to study at an accredited institution. Before booking, check on the school's website which body accredits it. Anglo-Continental in Bournemouth, for example, describes itself as a British Council accredited school.

Visas and length of stay

The rules depend on the length of the course (GOV.UK, checked 8 October 2026):

• Up to 6 months: students can come as visitors and study English at an accredited institution. Most visitors need either an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which costs £20, or a visitor visa, depending on nationality
• Longer than 6 months and up to 11 months: the Short-term study visa, for English language courses only. Applicants must be 16 or older. It costs £228, plus a healthcare surcharge that is usually £776. Work of any kind, paid or unpaid, is not allowed, and the visa cannot be extended
• Longer than 11 months: a Student visa, which requires a place from a licensed student sponsor and, for courses below degree level, English at CEFR level B1

Where to study

London has the largest choice, but many students prefer smaller cities on the south coast, such as Brighton, Bournemouth, Eastbourne and Portsmouth, or university cities such as Cambridge, Edinburgh and Bristol. Some examples from the list:

• Anglo-Continental (Bournemouth): courses for adults from 16, business and aviation English, and programmes for young learners aged 10 to 17; homestay accommodation is part of all its programmes
• Studio Cambridge: English courses in Cambridge since 1954, including General English, exam preparation, one-to-one tuition and cultural courses for ages 40+, as well as summer camps for children and teenagers
• Basil Paterson (Edinburgh): a college founded in 1929 that includes the Edinburgh School of English and a test centre for IELTS and Cambridge exams

How to choose

Compare the accreditation, the number of lessons per week, the maximum class size, the minimum age, the accommodation on offer (homestay or residence) and what the price includes. Students who want an official certificate should confirm that the school prepares for the exam they need and where the exam is taken.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for an English course in the United Kingdom?

For courses of up to 6 months you can study as a visitor, with an ETA or a visitor visa depending on your nationality. Courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa, and longer courses a Student visa.

Can I work while I take a language course?

Not with a Short-term study visa: it does not allow paid or unpaid work, work experience or work placements.

Which certificate will I get?

The school's own certificate, which is not an official qualification. For an official result you can sit an external exam such as IELTS or a Cambridge English Qualification.

Is there a minimum age?

It depends on the school. Anglo-Continental, for example, runs adult courses from 16 and separate courses for ages 10 to 17. The Short-term study visa is for applicants aged 16 or older.