Visa Information

Visa Information

**(Standard Visitor Visa for up to 6 months: Any visitor coming to the UK can study English for up to 6 months without any ‘ELC’ visa supporting documentation)**

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.

TLS or VFS? The UKVI Government UK visa application process Partners:
https://www.tlscontact.com/en/
https://www.vfsglobal.com/united-kingdom/

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.’

Gabriela

I have a great memory of all at ‘ELC’, excellent teachers, friendly staff and meeting lots of new friends.

Gabriela, Italy General English Course 5th March 2015

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Alison

‘ELC’ experience for me it has been an amazing experience because I'm confident person when I speak English with people. ‘ELC’ is a friendly school. I recommend ‘ELC’ because I hve learnt a lot, the teachers are very professional. Mr McBurney is a good man. I love ‘ELC’ school.

Alison, Spain General English Course 5th March 2015

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Adrien

I improved my English day after day. Thanks to ‘ELC’. Reading is a very nice town, great, lively and quiet. I chose ‘ELC’ as my best friend advised me.
I would recommend ‘ELC’ as it is interesting to meet people from different countries and there is nice, friendly atmosphere here.

Adrien, France General English Course 5th March 2015

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Alessandro

Thank you ‘ELC’ for the period I spent with you. It was one of the best experience of my life.
I would like to greet Mr McBurney and fantastic teachers when I return to Reading.

Alessandro, Italy General English Course 5th March 2015

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Busra

I have met some good friends at ‘ELC’ from other countries. I will always keep in touch with them. When I came to England my English was rubbish. I see, it’s better now.
Bianca and Mr McBurney are really good teachers. Especially, McBurney teaches very well. I will never forget his different stories and vocabularies. Thank you ‘ELC’.

Busra General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Beatriz

I have had a great experience at ‘ELC’ school not only about the professional teachers but also about the organisation in general. Olena and Mr McBurney, both are very helpful and kind people and they provide you with the best option to attend your classes and also the best home stay accommodation. I strongly recommend the college and the tutors to anyone to coming in UK to learning English.

Beatriz General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Doriana

I learnt a lot of valuable skills and information. The course content met my expectations. The teachers were very knowledgeable in the subject and presentation of lessons was easy to follow and understand. The teachers made course interesting and stimulating. Thanks ‘ELC’. I had a very good time.

Doriana General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Gonzalo

I arrived here by coincidence and I couldn’t be happier. I met a lot of great people and had fun in the classes and I learnt a lot of English too. I would recommend ‘ELC’ if you want to learn English it is the best way to do it, it’s not like learn in a job, because they can correct your mistakes. You meet a lot of people with more or less the same level of English as you and it makes it easier to go out and communicate with other people.

Gonzalo General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Husain Abdul Wahid

On my first day at ‘ELC’, I was afraid that I might not have what it takes to get the grade I needed, but as soon as I met the whole staff, teachers and the principal it all changed . I didn’t thought that they will be so friendly and helpful . When I started to study, teachers really helped me to work on my weak points and to improve what I am good at. Whenever I had a question they always make sure to give me that I need. I recommend ELC to any student who wants to learn English in an academic and a friendly environment. I am sure that all students will feel like home and if you are a student you will get excited to attend every class and every debate.

Husain Abdul Wahid General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Irina

‘ELC’ is a good combination of intensive, productive work and a friendly atmosphere. I improved my English and it makes me feeling more confident.

Above all, tutors and all staff of ‘ELC’ is very attentive to every student, every question and wish.

Reading is a small, nice and beautiful town, situated on the river, not far from London, Oxford and Windsor, so you can combine both studying and a good rest, going sightseeing. Life in Reading is calm and slow and people are polite and friendly, I like it very much.

At the same time you can find everything here – nice restaurants and pubs, shopping centres and concert halls. I’d strongly recommend ‘ELC’ because you feel at home here from the 1st day of classes. You get attention both as a student and a person. Personal of ‘ELC’ is high qualified. At the same time price is very reasonable. Location is also very good – in the centre of the town with its infrastructure. So, it’s the best school so far. If I have chance to come back to ‘ELC’ again, I’ll be happy! Thank you, ‘ELC’!

Irina General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Katharina

Ellie's class is perfect for me. I really like her and her teaching style and I learned a lot during my stay in 2012. Therefore, I am very happy to continue in Ellie's class. I haven't taken any of IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge exams yet, because my University here in Germany didn't accept any of them. The University has its one placement examination which one has to pass in order to study English. Would you recommend that I take one of them? And if yes, which one?

I really look forward to coming back.

Katharina General English Course 2nd April 2024

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Afraa

Dear Mr. Mc Burney,

I hope you are fine and in good health.
I am one of your students I had my best English course ever in 2011, you may not remember me but l'll never forget you. You just came across my mind and I can't stop smiling while remembering all that happy moments you let us feel. I really wish to study with you again and wish you all the best Mr. Mc Burney.

Afraa General English Course 2nd April 2024

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