FAQs

To find out which course you should take, please visit our entry requirements, dates and fees page.

For instructions on how to apply, please visit our how to apply page. 

We also accept other language qualifications such at PTE (Pearson), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Cambridge Certificate.  

For a full list, view our English language requirements. 

Yes. However, some universities may require you to take an IELTS test after completing our pre-sessional English course. Please check with your university before applying. 

Yes.

We aim to process applications within three working days, however, at peak times, this can take longer.  

You need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate. Our entry requirements are based on IELTS scores as these help us to offer you the correct course. 

Due to recent UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) changes, if you need to apply for a UK visa, you’ll need to take the IELTS for the UKVI test. The standard academic test will not allow you to apply for a UK visa. 

Your current IELTS score will determine which pre-sessional English course you can take. To start a course, you must meet these entry requirements.

No. However, if you apply or pay for your course less than one month before the start date, we cannot guarantee your place. You also need to leave time to apply for your visa.  

You’ll receive details about how to pay in your offer letter. You shouldn’t pay any fees until you have an unconditional offer.  

Payment must be made in full to reserve your place on the course; we’re unable to accept deposits. 

You’ll receive details about how to pay in your offer letter. Your sponsor will need to provide a financial guarantee letter for you. We’ll request payment from your sponsor when you enrol. 

No. We’ll only issue a refund if your visa application is refused or if we cancel your course.   

If you improve your IELTS scores, and we have a space available, you can change to a shorter course. We’ll refund the difference in fees if the change is requested no later than 30 days before your original start date.  

If you improve your IELTS and wish to withdraw from the course, your course fees will not be refundable.  

No. You must be over 18 years old on the first day of your course.

For the 40, 30, and 20-week pre-sessional English courses, we recommend you apply for a Short-term student visa. In the meantime, once you’ve accepted your offer and paid for the course, we’ll send you a Short-term student visitor visa.  

For the 10 and five-week pre-sessional English courses it’s best to apply for a Tier 4 visa. 

Yes, you can use your Short-term student visa if it expires after the last day of your course. Please send a copy of your visa with your application form. 

We’ll help you to apply for a CAS number for your pre-sessional English course when: 

1. you’ve accepted our pre-sessional course offer
2. you’ve paid the full course fee

In some circumstances, we may be able to issue you with a combined CAS number covering both your pre-sessional English course and degree. We’ll advise you on this when we make you an offer. For more information, visit our CAS number information page.

No. If you meet the English entry requirements for your degree offer, you won’t need to take IELTS again. 

Yes. As an international student, you can use our Coaching for Academic English service. It’s free and includes: 

• English and academic skills classes 
• 1-2-1 writing consultations 
• self-study materials 

All our teachers have professional English language teaching qualifications that meet the requirements of British Council accreditation. 

They have many years of experience living and teaching abroad, including China, Oman, Thailand, Mozambique, Peru and many European countries. 

No, but we’ll assess you in all four skill areas:  

• listening 
• reading 
• writing 
• speaking  

You’ll be given a timetable on the first day of your course. 

All our pre-sessional English language courses are full-time and teaching usually takes place every morning, with some afternoon sessions and cultural trips.  

All books and course materials are included in the course fee. 

Yes, you’ll have regular homework to help you develop your English. It’ll be varied and include reading, writing and individual or group research tasks. 

There’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet British students, especially if you join one of the many University clubs or societies. 

Yes. We organise activities in and around Manchester as well as trips to other cities and areas in the north-west. These are optional, so you can choose which you’d like to do. 

To find out more about the activities we offer the activities we offer, visit our events and activities page.