As an international student, you’ll usually need to meet specific English language requirements to be accepted onto a university study programme. For those who need to quickly improve their language proficiency to meet these requirements, a pre-sessional English course is a common and effective pathway.
Pre-sessional English courses are designed to rapidly develop your academic English and study skills to a required level. Upon successful completion, you’ll typically meet the language entry requirements and progress directly into your main programme.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the details and benefits of a pre-sessional English course.
Table of contents:
- What is a pre-sessional English course?
- What do pre-sessional English courses cover?
- Where can you take a pre-sessional English course?
- How long do pre-sessional English courses last?
- How much do pre-sessional English courses cost?
- Do you need a student visa for a pre-sessional English course?
- What are the benefits of a pre-sessional English course?
- What to check before applying for a pre-sessional English course
What is a pre-sessional English course?
A pre-sessional English course is an intensive language programme designed to improve your English skills and academic comprehension. Completing one can equip you with the necessary language and study skills to manage the demands of your degree programme.
Many countries have minimum English language requirements for student visas. For example, to study at degree level in the UK, you typically need an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5) to meet student visa requirements. However, individual universities may set higher requirements depending on the course.
Pre-sessional English courses are commonly taken by international students who do not yet meet the language entry criteria for their chosen course or visa. These programmes help raise your English skills to the required level in a relatively short time.
Note: Some universities refer to pre-sessional English courses as part of their English for Academic Purposes (EAP) offerings. In Australia, similar courses are often called English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
What do pre-sessional English courses cover?
Students taking an academic pre-sessional English course will gain language skills across several areas relevant to degree-level study. Courses feature modules across all four core language skills, namely reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a strong emphasis on grammar, academic vocabulary, and effective communication in an academic context.
In addition to developing your English language skills, you will learn study skills to help prepare you for the rigorous expectations of university study. Common study skills taught include:
- Critical thinking
- Essay planning
- Note-taking
- Presentation skills
- Reading strategies
- Research skills
- Seminar participation
- Teamwork (through group projects)
Some courses may also introduce you to aspects of the local culture to help you adjust to your new environment.
The specific content of a pre-sessional course can vary depending on the course provider, level and length of study.
Assessment usually takes place through a combination of assignments and end-of-course examinations, covering all four core skills. Depending on the course, your assignments may include:
- Essays
- Individual or group presentations
- Group projects
- Speaking and listening tasks
Where can you take a pre-sessional English course?
Pre-sessional English courses are available in major English-speaking study destinations, including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Many universities offer their own pre-sessional English courses, allowing a seamless transition into your chosen degree programme.
For example, the University of Greenwich in the UK and Torrens University in Australia both offer pre-sessional English courses tailored to international students. These courses are designed to build the academic English skills required for university success.
Most courses are delivered in person, on campus, to give students a comprehensive learning experience and better prepare them for university life. However, some providers also offer online or hybrid formats.
You may also take a pre-sessional course through a private provider. If you choose this route, be sure to check that the course meets the requirements of your university and/or student visa.
How long do pre-sessional English courses last?
The length of a pre-sessional English course depends on your current level of English, the required level for your degree, and the specific entry conditions of your chosen university and/or course.
Each pre-sessional English programme has its own minimum entry requirements. The difference between your starting level and the required exit level will help determine the course length. A course with a lower entry requirement and a higher exit target will generally be longer than one where those levels are closer.
For example, if your university requires an IELTS score of 6.5 and your current score is 5.5, a four- to six-week full-time course may be enough. However, if your score is 4.5, a longer course, potentially 20 weeks or more, might be necessary.
Course duration also depends on the number of study hours expected each week. This varies by provider, but full-time pre-sessional courses typically require 18 to 30 classroom hours per week, plus 10 to 15 hours of independent study.
Pre-sessional English courses can start at various points throughout the year. However, they most commonly begin in late spring or early summer to align with degree programmes that start in September, allowing students to transition directly into their university studies.
How much do pre-sessional English courses cost?
The cost of pre-sessional English courses can vary significantly depending on the provider, course length, and study destination. In the table below, we’ve compiled estimated average costs for pre-sessional English courses across popular study destinations in 2025.
Average cost of pre-sessional English courses in top study destinations
| Study destination | Short course (4-10 weeks) | Long course (20-40 weeks) |
| UK | GBP 3,000 – 6,000 | GBP 10,000 – 20,000 |
| USA | USD 4,000 – 6,000 | USD 8,000 – 22,000 |
| Australia | AUD 3,000 – 6,000 | AUD 9,000 – 22,000 |
| Canada | CAD 2,000 – 5,000 | CAD 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Ireland | EUR 1,500 – 4,000 | EUR 8,000 – 14,000 |
| New Zealand | NZD 4,000 – 7,000 | NZD 8,000 – 25,000 |
As course costs can vary considerably, checking the exact tuition fees for your preferred pre-sessional English course before applying is advisable. If you're taking the course in person, remember to factor in additional costs for accommodation and living expenses.
Do you need a student visa for a pre-sessional English course?
If you choose to study a pre-sessional English course in person and on campus, you will usually need to obtain a visa beforehand. Visa requirements vary between countries and are subject to change.
Most countries require a minimum SELT (Secure English Language Test) score for a student visa. If you don’t meet the required level, you may need to apply for a different type of visa (such as the UK’s Standard Visitor visa) while completing your pre-sessional English course. You can then apply for a student visa once your course is complete.
Alternatively, some students opt to take pre-sessional English courses online.
The table below outlines some of the visa options available to international students enrolling in pre-sessional English courses in top study destinations in 2025:
Visa options for students enrolling in a pre-sessional academic English course (2025)
| Study destination | Visa options |
| UK | 1. Student Visa covering both the pre-sessional and degree programme 2. Standard Visitor visa covering the pre-sessional course only, followed by a Student Visa for the degree 3. Short-Term Study Visa (6–11 months), followed by a Student Visa |
| USA | 1. F-1 Student Visa for both the pre-sessional course and the degree programme 2. B1/B2 Visitor Visa for part-time English courses (less than 18 hours/week), followed by an F-1 Visa |
| Australia |
1. Student Visa (subclass 500) for both the pre-sessional and degree programme
2. Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for courses under 12 weeks
|
| Canada | 1. Study Permit for both pre-sessional and degree courses 2. Temporary Resident Visa for courses under 6 months |
| Ireland |
1. Long-Term Study Visa for both pre-sessional and degree courses
2. Short ‘C’ Visit (Study) Visa for courses under 3 months
3. No visa required for EU/EEA students
|
| New Zealand | The Fee-Paying Student Visa is the most common option and covers both the pre-sessional and degree programme, as the New Zealand government does not have a minimum English language requirement for international students |
Note: Since visa regulations are stringent and can vary, it is always advisable to speak to a university or education counsellor to understand the exact visa requirements for your chosen course and current level of English, prior to application.
What are the benefits of a pre-sessional English course?
A pre-sessional English course offers a range of benefits that help prepare you for university-level study and life abroad.
Improve your academic confidence and skills
Because pre-sessional English courses emphasise study skills as well as language development, many students begin their degree programmes with a better understanding of academic expectations.
Having practised skills such as essay writing, critical reading and seminar participation throughout the course, students often feel more confident in their academic knowledge, language comprehension and ability to contribute to class discussions from the very start of their degree.
Build your social network
Pre-sessional English courses also give students the opportunity to socialise with others, make new friends, and, for those studying on campus, become familiar with university life and local culture. They’re a great way to build your social network before the academic semester starts.
Get early access to university facilities
Many universities allow students on pre-sessional courses to access campus facilities and resources, such as libraries, sports centres and support services. This means you can start using academic and recreational spaces ahead of your main programme.
Set yourself up for future success
Ultimately, a pre-sessional English course offers more than just a pathway into your degree. Early mastery of language and study skills can improve your chances of academic success and employability after graduation.
What to check before applying for a pre-sessional English course
A pre-sessional English course can be invaluable for international students aiming to gain the language and study skills needed for success in an overseas degree programme.
To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, consider the following tips:
- Check the course length carefully to ensure you can complete the programme before your university start date.
- Review course fees and confirm that you meet the financial requirements.
- Make sure you meet the English language entry requirements for the course.
- Confirm that the course will help you reach the required English level for your chosen degree.
- If you study with an external provider, check that the university accepts the course result.
- Apply as early as possible to avoid missing out due to limited course places.
By planning ahead and choosing the right course for your goals and abilities, you’ll be well prepared to meet university entry requirements and start your degree journey with confidence.
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