If you are travelling to the UK from outside the ‘EU’ (European Union) to study as a student, you will need a visa.
‘ELC’ is accredited by the UKVI- recognised Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC). (For details of this type of accreditation see Home Office web link gov.uk/study-visit-visa/eligibility or gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/eligibility
Do I need a visa?
To find out whether you need a visa to study in the UK, check here on the UK Government website.
Standard Visitor Visa (study) for up to 6 months:
Any visitor coming to the UK can study English for up to 6 months without any visa supporting documentation.
If you wish ‘ELC’ to provide supporting visa documentation for study, complete the online application form under Apply Now, on our website homepage. We shall invoice you for the period booked.
NB: Non-EU students must register and pay for a minimum period of 12 weeks or more.
On receipt of payment, we shall provide a stamped and signed ‘letter of confirmation’ of studies to support your Standard Visitor Visa application for up to 6 months.
**We believe that the UKVI / HO and UK authorities look more favourably on study visa applications for 20 weeks study** No IELTS score nor proof of English level needed.
Short Term Study Visa for up to 11 months:
On completion of the online application form under Apply Now on our website homepage, ‘ELC’ will prepare the letter for your UKVI visa application. On receipt of fees for the minimum study period of 32 weeks or more (15 hours per week) we shall provide the signed and stamped ‘letter of confirmation’ of studies in support of your visa. Minimum study period of 32 weeks or more for the 11- month visa.
‘ELC’ Short-term study visa supported students must follow at least 15 hours per week.
**We believe that the UKVI / HO and UK authorities look more favourably on study visa applications for 40 weeks study** No IELTS score nor proof of English level needed.
(If a student is refused a visa, a full refund will be given, less a handling charge of £275.00 pounds sterling + bank and courier charges if used)
‘ELC’ is an ‘Accredited UK institution’ for study and visa purposes.
‘ELC’ English Courses (1973) is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). The Institution has earned Premier status with ASIC for its commendable areas of operation. ASIC accreditation helps students and parents make a more informed choice and will also help a school, college, university, training provider or distance education provider, demonstrate to the international student body that they are a high-quality institution.
Where can I apply for a visa?
To find a visa application centre in your country, click here.
‘ELC’ will provide a Short-term study visa letter in support of your visa application. Full payment in advance for the period booked will be required before the visa letter is issued.
If a student is refused a visa, a full refund will be given, less a handling charge of £275.00 pounds sterling + bank and courier charges if used.
(If you wish to withdraw from a course once you have received your visa or during a course there will be no refund. In exceptional cases we will hold your place open for a year from the date of your commencement.)
‘No refunds for visa students who miss classes – ‘time credit’ given for illness proven by doctor’s notice and / or holidays notified by email 2 weeks in advance.’ Most applications for visas are made online. Please go to: ukvisas.gov.uk
‘ELC’ Short-term study visa supported students must follow at least 15 hours per week.
‘Many students come to ‘ELC’ on a Short -Term Study Visa for 6 or 11 months to prepare for the IELTS test to enable them to enter Higher Education or University in the UK.
‘ELC’ does not provide CAS visas nor CAS numbers.
Students who need a UKVI CAS visa for Higher Education or University in the UK will need an IELTS score of 4.0 in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. The IELTS test must now be taken at an approved UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre in the UK or in your country – check: See PDF ..
The ‘ELC’ range of English language courses may lead to the following examinations – IELTS, Cambridge (KET, PET, FCE)
Those students wishing to follow a General English course including elements of IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation should have an Intermediate level of English equivalent to a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 / 4.5 – CEFR level B1 / B2.
This is particularly if they wish to join a University Pre-sessional English course (IELTS 4.0 +) or an International Foundation Programme (IFP) in the future which will normally require an entry score of (IELTS 5.5) or higher.
A University Masters (MSc) course will normally require an IELTS entry level score of 6.5. A doctorate (PhD) will require an IELTS entry score of minimum of 7.0 or higher.’
