FAQs
Lists of common questions and their answers on our courses, activities, accommodation, student support, enrolment and finance however please do not hesitate to contact any questions you might find by phone +44(0) 186520238 or email enquiries@cie-oxford.com
Courses and activities
We offer a range of English language courses tailored to different proficiency levels. Whether you are starting out or looking to improve your fluency, we provide classes that fit your needs, from general English to exam preparation.
Classes are designed to foster an interactive learning atmosphere. Our small class sizes allow for individual attention from our qualified teachers, focusing on practical language skills and engaging activities to enhance your learning experience.
We prioritize your success both academically and personally. Our dedicated pastoral care team is available to assist you throughout your studies, helping you adapt to life in Oxford and ensuring a supportive environment.
Applying is straightforward. Just complete our online application form and submit any required documents. Our team will guide you through every step to ensure your enrolment is smooth and hassle-free.
We welcome prospective students and their families to visit our school. This gives you a chance to see our facilities, meet our teachers, and get a feel for the school environment. Contact us to arrange your visit!
All our courses are accredited by the British Council and British Accreditation Council therefore all students will be given a certificate as long as the minimum attendance percentage is met. The minimum attendance percentage is 90%.
Unfortunately, we don’t accept a student who is a beginner and no experience of studying English in the past. We can access your level of English if you aren’t sure about level so please do not hesitate to contact us.
Accommodation and student support
Regarding accommodation, we primarily offer homestay options throughout the year. For groups interested in staying together with their group leader, residence accommodation may be available during the summer months. Please contact us directly to discuss residence availability for groups.
We take student support very seriously. All students have access to our 24-hour emergency telephone line to discuss any concerns they may have. Our welfare team is always available to help students address any worries or problems. Additionally, we provide regular tutorials to ensure students feel safe and happy during their stay in Oxford.
Enrolment and finance
Our minimum age is 15 in the academic year at our senior campus and 14 in the summer at our junior campus. We may be able to arrange private lessons for younger learners subject to availability, so please get in touch to find out more.
All students are asked to complete an online enrolment form and online placement test to apply for a course. In addition, parent consent form is required for students who are under 18 years old.
A deposit is required to apply for a course. Non-residential course: £200, Residence course: £300, Visa letter: £500 *Please check our term and conditions for further details.
A full fee is required to be paid 4 weeks before starting your course
Short stay students may need Electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows you to travel to the UK to visit for up to 6 months. Whether you can apply depends on:
- The date you travel
- Your nationality shown on your passport
Please use this link to apply as we can not do this for you
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#who-can-get-an-eta
Please see the link here regarding ETA information from the .gov website for all you need to know before your journey:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#who-can-get-an-eta
All our courses are accredited by the British Council and British Accreditation Council therefore all students will be given a certificate as long as the minimum attendance percentage is met. The minimum attendance percentage is 90%.
Unfortunately, we don’t accept a student who is a beginner and no experience of studying English in the past. We can access your level of English if you aren’t sure about level so please do not hesitate to contact us.
Visas
At CIE we provide short language courses up to 11 months.
Under 6 months
The following students do not need a visa to study for up to six months: EU, EEA or Swiss nationals and nationalities on the non-visa national list. (However, the non-visa nationals still require ETA before arriving in the UK). Check if you need a UK visa here . Please visit the English UK website for more information about changes affecting EU students post Brexit.
Other international students will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
From December 2020, international students are only allowed to study English at institutions with an approved accreditation.
Application cost: £127 (as of October 2025)
When to apply: up to three months in advance
Financial requirements: the applicant will need to show that they have enough money to pay for their trip, including accommodation and living costs
For students who are under 18, there are additional requirements
International students must choose an accredited course provider.
From 2021, international students are only allowed to study English at institutions that are accredited by a government-recognised body. Bookings with CIE Oxford can be made with confidence. We are accredited by the British Council’s government-recognised quality assurance scheme, Accreditation UK and British Accreditation Council (BAC).
6 – 11 months
Short-term study visa – for English language courses between six and eleven months
- Minimum age: 16
- Visa length: 6 to 11 months
- Course type: English language course. To study other subjects for longer than six months a Student visa is required
- Level of English: Beginner to Advanced
- Funds: Applicants need to show they have enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs
Requirements: Before applying, applicants must have a letter of confirmation from an institution with an approved accreditation
Application cost: £214 (as of October 2025)
When to apply: up to three months in advance
Apply online for a Short term study visa
Restrictions: Students with this visa cannot work in the UK
For more information please visit the government website: Short-term study visa
What is your refund policy?
Do I get a refund if my visa was refused?
CIE will refund the full amount of the programme fee paid, except £100 as admin fee, in the case where a student’s visa has been refused (subject to confirmation of the original visa refusal letter by the UK Embassy). Students must apply for a refund within 4 weeks of refusal date.