Studying English in the UK is an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, experience British culture, and gain confidence in an international environment. Whether you want to improve your everyday English, prepare for IELTS, or develop your professional communication skills, the UK offers a wide range of English language courses for international students.
But how much does it cost to study English in the UK in 2027? Which cities offer affordable language courses? What are the application requirements, and how can you choose the right language school?
In this guide, HUB EDU explains UK English language course fees for 2027, accommodation costs, popular study destinations, application requirements, and the steps you should take before booking your course.
English language course fees in the UK in 2027 can range from approximately £320 to £720 per week at the schools featured in this guide, depending on the school, course intensity, and length of study. Accommodation, registration fees, flights, and personal expenses may increase your total budget.
For example, Regent’s University London’s 2027 price list advertises General English courses at £410 per week for stays of two to four weeks. International House London lists its 2027 Learn English 15 course at £396 per week for one to five weeks. At The London School of English, a 24-hour-per-week General English course costs £720 per week for one to four weeks in 2027.
These are examples from individual schools, not a fixed price range for every language school in the UK. Longer courses may have lower weekly rates, while intensive and specialist courses can cost more.
The following examples are based on published 2027 school price lists.
| Language school | Course type | Published 2027 price |
|---|---|---|
| Regent’s University London | General English | £410/week for 2–4 weeks |
| International House London | Learn English 15 | £396/week for 1–5 weeks |
| The London School of English | General English, 24 hours/week | £720/week for 1–4 weeks |
Sources: Regent’s University London, International House London, and The London School of English.
Your final course fee will depend on the school, course schedule, start date, duration, and any available promotions. Always request a current quotation before making a booking.
For a simple comparison, four weeks of tuition would cost approximately:
These calculations cover tuition only and use the published weekly rates above. Registration fees, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, and travel expenses are not included unless the school explicitly states otherwise.
If your budget is limited, compare the number of teaching hours, course content, location, and total cost rather than choosing a school based on its weekly fee alone.
The services included in your tuition fee vary from one school to another.
Depending on the programme, your course fee may include:
Accommodation, airport transfers, meals, registration, and social activities may be charged separately.
Before enrolling, ask the school for a detailed breakdown of the total cost. This helps you avoid unexpected expenses and compare different programmes accurately.
Your overall budget should include more than your English course fees. Accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses can make up a substantial part of your total study costs.
The cost of living depends on the city, your accommodation type, and your lifestyle. London is generally more expensive than many other UK destinations.
International students commonly choose between homestays, student residences, and shared accommodation.
Homestay accommodation allows you to live with a local host family and may include meals. This can be particularly useful if you want to practise English outside the classroom.
Student residences offer an independent student living environment, often with shared facilities and opportunities to meet other international students.
Shared accommodation may provide greater independence, although bills, deposits, and other costs need to be considered.
As an indicative 2027 planning range, published school-comparison information shows homestay accommodation in a single room with half-board meals at approximately £192–£300 per week outside London, while some outer London options start at around £255 per week. Actual rates vary by school, host family, location, season, and meal arrangements.
For a four-week stay, a £192–£300 weekly homestay budget would equal approximately £768–£1,200, before any additional fees. Confirm the exact accommodation price and what’s included with your chosen provider.
When planning your budget, remember to account for:
A useful way to plan is to request a combined quotation for tuition and accommodation, then add a separate allowance for travel and personal spending.
For further information about living costs and studying in the UK, consult the British Council’s Study UK resources.
Choosing the right city is an important part of your language learning experience. Consider your budget, preferred lifestyle, course availability, and opportunities to practise English outside the classroom.
London is a popular destination for international students who want to combine English language learning with life in a major global city.
The city offers a wide range of language schools, cultural attractions, museums, theatres, and international communities.
However, accommodation and daily living expenses can be higher than in many other UK cities. If you choose London, compare schools in different areas and consider how far you will need to travel to attend classes.
Brighton offers a coastal setting, a lively cultural scene, and access to language schools serving international students.
It may appeal to students who prefer a smaller city atmosphere while remaining within reach of London. Compare accommodation availability and seasonal prices, particularly if you plan to study during the summer.
Bournemouth is known for its seaside environment and offers options for students looking for a more relaxed setting.
It can be worth considering if you want to combine English lessons with outdoor activities and coastal life. Compare tuition and accommodation together to determine whether it fits your budget.
Manchester is a major city with a strong cultural scene, music venues, shopping, and a diverse international community.
Students who prefer an urban environment outside London may find it a suitable destination. Check the location of the school, available accommodation, and local transport options before booking.
Oxford is internationally recognised for its academic heritage and university environment.
It may appeal to students who enjoy an education-focused atmosphere. However, accommodation costs and course prices vary, so it is important to compare current offers before making a decision.
Which city is best for studying English in the UK? The answer depends on your priorities. London offers a major international environment, while cities such as Brighton, Bournemouth, Manchester, and Oxford provide different lifestyles and budget options.
UK language schools offer several types of English courses. Your ideal option depends on your current level, learning objectives, and the amount of time you can spend studying.
General English courses develop the four core language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
They are suitable for students who want to improve their everyday communication, expand their vocabulary, and become more confident using English in practical situations.
Intensive English courses typically involve more classroom hours per week than standard programmes.
They may suit students who want a more concentrated learning experience or have a limited period available for study. However, course intensity and weekly teaching hours vary by school.
IELTS preparation courses focus on the skills and strategies required for the IELTS examination.
Students may practise academic reading, listening, writing, and speaking while becoming familiar with the test format.
If you need IELTS for university admission or another purpose, check the score requirements of the institution or organisation you are applying to before choosing a course.
Business English courses focus on professional communication, workplace vocabulary, presentations, meetings, and other business-related situations.
They may be appropriate for professionals who want to communicate more confidently in international workplaces.
Some schools offer programmes designed for mature learners or students with similar professional and personal interests.
These courses may combine language lessons with cultural activities. Availability, age requirements, and course dates depend on the provider.
Entry requirements depend on the school and course you choose.
For many general English programmes, students do not need an IELTS certificate or a previous English qualification. Schools may assess your language level through a placement test before classes begin.
Typical application requirements may include:
Some specialist programmes, examination preparation courses, and academic English programmes may require a particular level of English.
Before applying, confirm the school’s minimum age, course dates, payment conditions, cancellation policy, and required documents.
Your visa requirements depend on your nationality, the duration of your course, and the type of study you intend to undertake.
For eligible short English language courses, some visitors may be able to study under the UK’s Standard Visitor route for up to six months, subject to the relevant conditions.
The UK also has a separate Short-term study visa for eligible English language courses lasting more than six months and up to 11 months. This route has specific requirements and is not suitable for every type of course.
If you plan to study a course that requires a Student visa, different eligibility rules apply.
Before booking your course, check the official UK government visa guidance and the Short-term study visa information.
Do not assume that a course booking automatically gives you permission to enter or study in the UK. Make sure your intended course and circumstances meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Applying to a UK language school is usually straightforward, but preparing in advance can help you choose the right programme and avoid delays.
Decide why you want to study English. You may want to improve your conversational skills, prepare for IELTS, develop your professional English, or gain confidence before starting further education.
Your goal will help determine the most suitable course type and duration.
Compare schools based on their location, course content, teaching hours, student support, accommodation options, and total cost.
You can use the British Council’s guide to studying English in the UK to explore course-finding resources and learn about its Accreditation UK scheme.
Accreditation is one useful factor to consider when assessing a school, alongside the course details, fees, and student support.
English courses may be available for a few weeks, several months, or longer periods.
A shorter course may suit students who want a focused learning experience, while a longer programme provides more time to practise and consolidate language skills.
Consider your goals, available time, and total budget before deciding.
Complete the school’s application form and provide the documents requested by the institution.
You may need to confirm your preferred start date, course schedule, accommodation requirements, and current English level.
Review your offer carefully before paying. Check the tuition fee, registration charges, accommodation costs, refund policy, and any additional expenses.
If you need a visa, ensure that the course and your intended travel arrangements are compatible with the relevant immigration rules.
Once your booking and travel arrangements are confirmed, plan how you will get from the airport to your accommodation, how you will travel to school, and what you need for your first week.
Preparing these details in advance can help you settle in more comfortably and focus on learning English.
The cheapest school is not always the best option for every student. The right choice should balance price, teaching quality, location, course content, and your personal goals.
Before making a decision, compare:
You can also ask whether the school offers seasonal promotions or reduced weekly rates for longer courses.
If you are unsure which option is suitable, an education consultant can help you compare available programmes and organise your application.
Published 2027 prices at selected schools range from approximately £320 to £720 per week for the examples discussed in this guide. Your final cost depends on the school, course intensity, duration, and any additional fees. Accommodation and living expenses should be budgeted separately unless included in your package.
Based on published rates from three schools, four weeks of tuition can cost approximately £1,584 at International House London, £1,640 at Regent’s University London, or £2,880 at The London School of English. These are tuition-only examples, not nationwide averages.
There is no single city that is always the cheapest. Tuition fees and accommodation prices vary between schools, seasons, and neighbourhoods. Compare the total cost of tuition, accommodation, transport, and daily expenses before choosing a destination.
Many general English language courses do not require an IELTS certificate. Schools may assess your level through a placement test instead. However, IELTS preparation courses and certain academic programmes have different requirements.
The ideal course duration depends on your current level, learning goals, and budget. A few weeks can provide a focused introduction, while a longer programme gives you more time to practise and build confidence. Your school may be able to recommend a suitable duration after assessing your level.
Permission to work depends on your immigration route and the conditions attached to it. Visitors and short-term English language students should not assume they have permission to work. Check the official UK government visa guidance before making any plans.
Not always. Some packages include accommodation, while others charge separately for homestays or student residences. Always confirm exactly what is included in your quotation.
Studying English in the UK can help you develop your language skills, experience a new culture, and gain confidence in an international environment.
The best programme for you will depend on your English level, learning objectives, preferred city, available study time, and budget. By comparing tuition fees, accommodation options, course intensity, and application requirements, you can make a more informed decision.
If you are planning to study English in the UK in 2027, HUB EDU can help you explore language school options, compare programmes, and understand the application process.
Contact HUB EDU to discuss your goals and find an English language course in the UK that suits your needs and budget.
