How can I study in London?

You can study in London at an English language school, a professional training school, or a university.

  1. Decide what you’d like to study and identify schools that offer that course.
  2. Apply to the school where you’d like to study. Application processing can take time, so plan ahead.
  3. Once you’ve been accepted, you can proceed with organizing the logistics of your stay (visa, accommodation, flights, etc.)

Depending on your nationality, you may need Tier 4 visa sponsorship to study in London. If you need a student visa, verify that your target school offers that sponsorship. Not all schools are eligible, and the course you plan to take also impacts eligibility. A quick call or e-mail to the school can give you the information you need.

London is an expensive city, but there are lots of different accommodation options for students. Some schools and many universities have student residences either on-site or nearby. Many students do a flat share, with each person paying a portion of the rent. English schools will usually offer to find you a host family in London so you can get a taste for how true Londoners live. And for short courses, you always have the option of staying in a furnished apartment or a hotel, assuming you can afford it.

Studying English in London is an easy way to realize your dream of studying in the UK’s capital city. Admission procedures for English schools are simple and you’ll have flexibility in terms of when you start your course and how long you study. Some English language schools in London also offer university preparation or university placement programs, if you aspire to earn your degree in London. Almost all English schools offer exam preparation courses so you can improve your score on the IELTS or Cambridge exams, which are required for application to UK universities. Taking an English course in London can be a good first step on the road to studying in London long term.