As one of the biggest colleges in the country, South and City College Birmingham is one of the world’s leading English language providers. Our English language programmes have been developed over 30 years with the emphasis on our students’ individual requirements:

• Short-term and long-term courses to meet every need, including internationally recognised examinations
• Diagnostic entry testing for accurate placement
• Friendly, qualified and experienced teachers with extensive teaching experience to help you with every aspect of your studies
• Tuition at all levels from beginner to advanced
• Special guidance and advice for academic study programme students and for university entry level

Courses in our English Language School are for international students only.  We have a course to suit all English language needs, whether you would like to gain a recognised language qualification, improve your IELTS score or you are simply looking to improve your English for leisure.  Our courses are accredited by the British Council.

Personal approach to learning English:

SCCB welcomes students from all over the world and from many different backgrounds. We believe that this is what makes the atmosphere special and perfect for learning. Over the years, we have welcomed over 90 different nationalities to study on our English language courses. Every student has individual needs, we understand this and will help you to achieve your personal goals.

Your tutors:

In addition to support from the International Office, every student at the College has a personal tutor. It is their job to help you with any support you may need whilst on your course.

Our teachers are all highly qualified teachers of English as a foreign language with many years of experience. Many have taught overseas and so understand the challenges of learning a new language and integrating into a new and different culture. They all take part in an ongoing programme of teacher development which means they are always learning the latest methods to ensure language-learning success. Our teachers know what it takes to help students to improve their language level, learn the skills they need to be successful in the world of education and work and develop the techniques required to pass key exams. They will be with you every step of the way during your course. 

Your progress:

You will have regular tutorials with your teacher to talk about your progress and set short-term goals. You will also have regular progress tests and assessments so you can see how much you have learned and the improvements you have made. The assessments will determine your general, functional and academic English skills and are mapped closely to IELTS band scores. 

Our mission is to help you advance from one level to the next in the shortest possible time. You and your teacher will discuss your progress and decide when you are ready to move to a higher level. At the end of your studies, you will receive a report that shows the progress you have made and a certificate that indicates the level that you have achieved.

Flexible start dates and duration:

You can study for any length of time, from 2 weeks up to a year or longer depending on your visa. Generally, students start on a Monday and finish on a Friday but you are free to book whatever programme you wish.

Our mission is to help you advance from one level to the next in the shortest possible time. With your teacher you will discuss your progress and decide when you are ready to move to a higher level.

At the end of your studies, you will receive a report that shows the progress you have made and a certificate that indicates the level that you have achieved.

Below are the three types of visas you will need to apply for English Language:

1. Standard Visitor Visa You can come to visit family, friends or as a tourist on a visitor visa and also study English or any other course for up to 6 months.
2. Student Visa Where you can study English for up to 6 months or 11 months.
3. Study Route Visa Where you can study English for more than 11 months and also bring dependants with you.

Visit our visa page to see more information and what documents are required:

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Fast Track is the ideal course for students who want to study general and academic English and who need to improve their English skills as quickly as possible.

Learn more

1. Application: Download the English International Application Form – Remember to attach everything on the checklist

English International Application Form

2. Passport: You will need a clear copy of your passport cover and personal details page
3. Personal statement if not a government scholarship student
4. Offer Letter: Once we have processed your application we will issue you with an offer if you meet the international admission and course entry criteria.
5. Payment of Fees: Once you have received the offer, either a full government scholarship letter will need to be provided or full payment of fees will need to be made to the college. Thereafter a visa letter will be provided. The preferred method is bank transfer. Our bank details will be supplied in our letter to you.

PLEASE NOTE: The first £450 of this fee is a non-refundable administration charge.  Our refund policy can be found below:

International Course Refund Policy

6. Enrolment: Once you have applied and received your visa you will need to come to college to complete your registration and enrolment. We will also do an initial assessment do determine your correct level.
7. Short-term study visa for English Language

Please check what you need to do before you can apply for a short-term study visa and what to do when you arrive in the UK: Apply for a Short-term study visa: step by step