International

South Essex College is on the list of Register of Licensed Student Sponsors recognised by the UK Visas and Immigration, with Sponsor License No: FC029TA96.

Our international students have the opportunity to achieve fully recognised qualifications in a range of subjects. Our courses are delivered and assessed by highly qualified, experienced staff who are committed to your success.

We have established strong partnerships with education institutions in China, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. These institutions can help you further your academic development and attain your career goals by completing local and UK higher education programmes both in these countries and in the UK.

We offer full support with accommodation, UK Visa application and student advice to ensure you are given the maximum opportunity to succeed on your programme.

How to apply

International applications for the following courses should be made through the International Application page.


Secure English Language Testing

For all adult students studying on a Further Education or Higher Education course under the new Points Based System, Secure English Language testing is now mandatory (excluding those on Short-term Study Visas). Please visit the UKVI website for further guidance.


English language requirements

All students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. If English is not your first language you will be required to have met the English language requirement.

The following standards (IELTS (Academic) for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT in a single sitting of the exam) are required:

  • For entry onto Level 3 Access to Higher Education programmes:

    Overall IELTS 5.0/PTE 53/LanguageCert B1 45/50 High Pass (all 4 components on/above IELTS 4.5/PTE 48/LanguageCert B1 39/50 High Pass)

  • For entry onto Level 3 Foundation programmes:

    Overall IELTS 5.0/PTE 53/LanguageCert B1 45/50 High Pass (all 4 components on/above IELTS 4.5/PTE 48/LanguageCert B1 39/50 High Pass)

  • For entry onto Level 4 Foundation programmes:

    Overall IELTS 5.5/PTE 59/LanguageCert B2 33/50 Pass (all 4 components on/above IELTS 5.0/PTE 53/LanguageCert B1 45/50 High Pass)

  • For first year entry onto Undergraduate programmes:

    Overall IELTS 6.0/PTE 64/LanguageCert B2 39/50 High Pass (all 4 components on/above IELTS 5.5/PTE 59/LanguageCert B2 33/50 Pass)

  • For second year entry onto Undergraduate programmes:

    Overall IELTS 6.5/PTE 70/LanguageCert B2 45/50 High Pass (all 4 components on/above IELTS 5.5/PTE 59/LanguageCert B2 33/50 Pass)