Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, which are not answered within this section please complete the contact us form.

1. Where is the school?
We are located in the city centre of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. We are a short walk away from Glasgow's main train, subway and bus stations. There are also many shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and entertainment spots nearby.

Back to top

2. How long has the school been teaching English?
We started in 1997 and have helped thousands of international students achieve their goals.

Back to top

3. Are you a quality school?
We are both British Council accredited and ISO9001 certified. We are sure you will improve your English and enjoy your stay with us.

Back to top

4. How can I pay?
You can pay online with a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you can pay by bank transfer. You can also pay in cash or by credit card in person at the school.

Back to top

5. When should I pay?
You must pay the full fee before you start your course. You can pay a deposit at the time of booking and pay the remaining fee when you arrive at the school.

Back to top

6. How many students are in each class?
The maximum class size for group lessons is 16. The average last year was 10 student per class.

Back to top

7. What qualifications do the teachers have?
All teachers are qualified to British Council standards. They hold University degrees and specialist TEFL qualifiactions.

Back to top

8. Does the school organise any trips?
Yes, we organise a trip every two weeks or more. Trips to local sightseeing spots are usually free but you might have to pay about £2 for bus or train fares. Also, 3 times a year we organise a long distance sightseeing trip for FREE! Last year we visited the Highlands, a whiskey distillery, and the Edinburgh Festival.

Back to top

9. What is the minimum age?
The mimimum age range for all courses based at Glasgow School of English is from 16. We also run Young Learner courses for groups of students aged from 11 to 17 in July and August.

Back to top

10. Do you have courses for children or teenagers?
Yes, please see the info on our Young Learner programmes.

Back to top

11. What is the average age of students?
Most students are in their 20s but we have had students of all ages, up to 75.

Back to top

12. Do you offer evening or weekend courses?
We now run evening classes through the week. See the course information for more details. We have no weekend classes at the moment.

Back to top

13. What nationalities are the students who attend the school?
Last year the students came from over 50 different countries. The top countries were:
1. Spain
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Libya
4. Italy
5. China
6. Turkey
7. Korea
8. Jordan
9. Japan
10. Poland
11. Iran
12. Brazil
13. Taiwan
14. France
15. Thailand

Back to top

14. Can I extend my course after I start?
Yes, students can extend their course as long as there are spaces available. You cannot, however, shorten your course after you have paid.

Back to top

15. How can I get a Student Visa?
There are now 2 types of Student Visa: a General Student Visa (GSV) and a Student Visitor Visa (SVV).

With a GSV you can study any number of weeks but you must study a full time course (minimum 15 hr/wk). You cannot be a beginner level student. You can work or volunteer up to 10 hours per week. You can also extend your stay in the UK.

With an SVV you can only study up to 6 months but there is no minimum level of English or minimum hours/week. You cannot work or volunteer and you cannot extend your stay in the UK.

You must get the right visa to allow you to study in the UK. Please note you will not be able to study with a Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa).

If you are a visa national you must apply for either visa before you leave your country. If you are a non-visa national, you must apply for a General Student Visa before you leave your country but you can receive a Student Visitor Visa upon arrival in the UK.

To apply for a General Student Visa you must receive a special application number called a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) which the school will give you. The CAS costs an extra £10. We will supply you with a Confirmation letter showing this CAS number.

To apply for a Student Visitor Visa you will need a letter showing all the details of your course. We will supply you with a Confirmation letter with all the details.

Please read the UKBA website for more details:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

Back to top

16. Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, all students must pay a deposit of £150 or the full fee (whichever is lower) to guarantee a place on a course.

If you need a General Student Visa (see above) you must pay £400 deposit plus £10 for a CAS.

If you need accommodation you must pay £150 accommodation deposit.

Back to top

17. If I pay a deposit and I don't get my General Student Visa, do I get a refund?
Yes, if you notify us of a visa rejection at least 3 weeks before your start date, we will keep an £80 administration fee and return the rest of the money you have paid.

If you do not have your visa yet and it is less than 3 weeks before your start date, please contact the school and let us know.

If your visa application is successful, we must report you to immigration if you do not come to the school.

Back to top

18. What happens if I cancel my course?
If you cancel more than 3 weeks before the start of your course we will return the money you have paid unless you applied for a student visa. If you received a CAS or a Confirmation letter to apply for a visa, you can only cancel if you are refused a visa.

If you cancel less than 3 weeks before the start of your course we will keep the deposit and the accommodation booking fee,if appropriate.

Back to top

19. Do I need to buy a textbook?
Yes, you will need to buy a set of coursebooks for any full time course (15 hr/wk or more). The cost is about £30 every 12 weeks.

Back to top

20. Do I get a certificate when I complete my course?
Yes, all students can receive a certificate upon completing their studies.

Back to top