Schools in The UK
Schools in The UK
The UK is also a fantastic country to explore while you study. With excellent train networks and short flights between cities, students often take the chance to travel across the country during weekends or school breaks. You can experience the fast pace and culture of London, the natural beauty and history of Scotland, the coastal charm of Wales, and the deep heritage of Belfast and Northern Ireland. The UK also provides a great base to travel to Europe.
Each part of the UK offers something different, and together they create a diverse and exciting study environment. Whether you are interested in literature, music, history, or just improving your day-to-day English, the UK is a place where learning continues outside the classroom.
It is a country that helps you grow in language, confidence, and independence.
Language schools in The UK
ES English London
The English Language Centre (ELC)
Wimbledon School of English
Twin English Centre Eastbourne
Frances King
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Twin English Centre UK
Types of visas
Types of Visas in the UK for All International Students
The UK student visa system is complex and has very strict rules based on the length of your course.
Table: Types of Visas in the UK for International Students
Visa Pathway | Length | Work Rights? | Application |
Standard Visitor | < 6 Months | NO | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) or entry at the border. |
Short-term Study Visa | 6 – 11 Months | NO | Must apply before travel. |
Youth Mobility Scheme | Up to 2 Years | YES | Must apply before travel. |
Short-Term Study (<6 Months): Standard Visitor Route
For short courses, citizens from Visa-Waiwer countries (like Japan, South Korea, and Italy) don’t need to apply for a full visa but they need to request an ETA (£10 Electronic Travel Authorization). You should also carry your school acceptance letter and proof of funds to show the Border Force officer upon arrival.
English Language Study (6-11 Months): Short-term Study Visa
For English courses between 6 and 11 months, you must apply for a Short-term Study Visa UK in advance. All nationalities (including Japan, South Korea, and Italy) must apply and pay for this visa from their home country before traveling. You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to a Short-term Study visa inside the UK. You must leave and re-apply.
Youth Mobility Scheme (T5 Visa)
The Youth Mobility Scheme UK is the UK Working Holiday Visa. This is an excellent option for citizens of Japan and South Korea (ages 18-30). It allows you to live and work in the UK for two years and also permits you to study. This is the best option for those who want to work.
Long-Term Academic Study: Student Visa
The main Student Visa in the UK is for long-term, degree-level study at universities. This is a different, points-based system. It requires a “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies” (CAS) from a licensed university and is not typically used for standalone language courses.
If you plan to go to a UK university but need to improve your English first, ask Go! Go! English for ‘Pre-sessional English’ courses. These are often eligible for the full Student Visa (with work rights) if combined with your main degree offer.
Always check the official rules at the GOV.UK website.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in the UK for International Students
The cost of studying in the UK is high, and the cost of living in the UK is one of the highest in the world, especially in London.
Estimated Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for language schools in the UK can vary, but the main cost factor is your choice of city. Below are estimated annual fees for international students. English language schools are typically billed weekly.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (GBP) | Estimated Tuition Fee (JPY) |
| English Language Schools | £250 – £600 per week | |
| Elementary Schools | £18,000 – £30,000 per year | |
| High Schools | £20,000 – £35,000 per year | |
| Universities | £18,000 – £30,000 per year | |
| Vocational Schools (College) | £12,000 – £20,000 per year |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution and program.
Estimated Cost of Living
The cost of living in the UK is highest in London, while cities like Manchester and Edinburgh are more affordable. Below is an estimated monthly budget for a single international student.
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) | Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
Accommodation (Shared) | £750 – £1,200 | |
Food & Groceries | £200 – £300 | |
Transport (Public) | £100 – £150 | |
Utilities & Phone | £150 – £200 | |
Total Estimated Monthly | £1,200 – £1,850 |
Full-time students are generally exempt from paying Council Tax (a local residential tax). However, if you live in a private flat with non-students, the household may still get a bill. Ensure you get a ‘student status letter’ from your school to prove your exemption.
Work rights
Working While Studying in the UK for International Students
For most English language students, working in the UK is strictly prohibited. Unlike in Australia or Ireland, the Standard Visitor and The UK Short-term Study Visa do not allow any work (paid or unpaid). If you are a Japanese or South Korean citizen (18-30), you can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme. This allows you to work full-time and study.
Visa / Student Type | Work Rights? | Study Limit |
Standard Visitor Visa (<6 mo) | No | Must be 3 months or less. |
Short-term Study Visa (6-11 mo) | No | Must be on a course > 3 months. |
Youth Mobility Scheme | Yes | Can study up to 6 months. |
The Post-Study Work Availability in the UK
The “Graduate Route” (post-study work visa) is available, but it is only for university graduates. This route is only for students who have successfully completed a full bachelor’s or master’s degree on a “Student Visa.” It does not apply to students on English-only courses.
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LIVE AND LEARN
Cities you can study in The UK
Your Path to Studying Abroad
How Go! Go! English Helps You Study Abroad
We’re with you from the first question to your first day abroad. Ready to start your own study abroad journey? Contact us today.
Go! Go! English
Go! Go! English Live and Study Abroad!
Go! Go! English was launched to help people from all over the world fulfill their dreams of living abroad. We do this by helping them choose and enroll in the right school, apply for their student visa, find accommodation, and any other services needed to settle into their lives abroad. We partner with different types of schools; English language schools, universities, Vocational Colleges and high schools.
