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English courses in Cambridge

Study English in Cambridge, one of the UK’s most historic cities — with a language organisation that has 30+ years’ experience.

English courses in Cambridge
Cambridge
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average Google rating for our advice and support services across all our offices

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years of experience supporting students around the world

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of our students recommend ESL as a partner for organising language travel 

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ESL offices across Europe

Study English in Cambridge, a city steeped in academic tradition

4.4
460 reviews

Centuries-old colleges meet cutting-edge learning environments in historic Cambridge. Enjoy a pint in a cosy pub or stroll (or punt!) along the River Cam. It’s all an opportunity to refine your English with native speakers. With over 25,000 students from around the world, Cambridge has an international atmosphere that maintains a quintessentially British feel. Beyond the classroom, you can explore world-renowned museums, visit the parts of the university open to the public and just absorb the intellectual energy.

  • Lots of student-friendly neighbourhoods, from the historic city centre to leafy Newnham or the vibrant Mill Road area

  • Courses span from 1-week to full-year academic programmes

  • Fully bespoke language courses: build a programme that suits you

Tourist boats on the River Cam with historic bridge and college building, Cambridge UK

Find your perfect English language school in Cambridge

All ages
Adults (Over 16)
Juniors (8 - 17)

Schools for all ages

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Kaplan International - Academic Year Abroad

Cambridge, England
4.1 Great (5 reviews)
Junior school

Cambridge College Programme (14-17)

Cambridge, England
4.2 Great (6 reviews)
Junior school

Cambridge Summer Programme (12-17)

Cambridge, England
4.1 Great (233 reviews)

Find your ideal English course, whatever your goals

Taking IELTS exams? Want to improve your business English? Want a vacation with a difference? You'll find an ESL course to suit you. 

General English

Whether you’re looking to build a foundation for your new language, improve your current skills, or just looking for a fun, educational holiday, our general programme is for you! Have lessons throughout the week and spend your weekends and evenings doing fun activities and excursions to get an appreciation of your new destination. 

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Intensive Courses

Our intensive course is based on the same model as the standard course, but at a faster pace and delivered with more depth to allow students to make faster progress.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Exam preparation

If you’re looking to transform your language skills into a marketable qualification, there’s no better option than a language certificate. Our exam preparation courses will give you dedicated lessons alongside tried and tested exam techniques to make sure you get the grade you need to get your dream job or get into your dream university.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Depends on chosen exam

  • Exams offered: IELTS, Cambridge Preparation

Business English

Learn to work and thrive in an international company through our Business English course. Get dedicated industry vocabulary, interview and CV making skills, Networking alongside international peers, and everything else you need to function in the globalised modern world.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 18

  • Class size: 6-10

  • Entry level: Intermediate - Advanced

Junior & Teen Programmes

Younger learners soak up knowledge like a sponge when you combine learning with fun activities and excursions. Our summer camps offer children engaging language lessons in the morning, alongside fun activities in the afternoon and at weekends. Each of our camps also has accommodation and meal options, alongside 24/7 supervision, so you can rest easy knowing we’re handling everything!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 8

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Long-term Gap Programmes

Our long-term programmes offer you a way to go beyond the standard study abroad experience and will allow you to make a new life in Cambridge. Whether you choose to specialise your lessons towards a goal like exam preparation or professional skills through an Academic Year Abroad, or just extend your courses through a Gap Year, you’ll stop being a student and start being a local!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 2+ months

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Academic Year Abroad - Exam preparation

Once you have a B1 level in your chosen language, you can continue your Academic Year with a focus on exam preparation. This course is designed to give you the necessary assistance and coaching to help you ace the accredited language exam of your choice, and will help you secure your spot in a prestigious university. Alongside university campus visits, expert guest speakers, and unique access to our university partners, this programme is the perfect way to secure your academic future!

Key information

  • Course duration: 2+ months

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: B1 level - Advanced

Accreditations and memberships

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IALC logo

Living and learning in Cambridge, the best of British academic culture

In Cambridge, your mornings might start with English lessons in a Victorian building, followed by lunch in a cute café and afternoons chilling out in the city's many green spaces. The pace here is slower than London's rush, but the capital is less than 1 hour away by train if you’re craving it. Through every cobblestone street and riverside path, here's what shapes the student experience in this legendary academic city.

Close-up of a bicycle parked near Cambridge University, Cambridge UK

How transport works while studying abroad in Cambridge

Cambridge is refreshingly compact and easy to get around, making it one of Britain's most bicycle-friendly cities. Most students cycle everywhere, and bikes can be purchased secondhand or rented monthly, with dedicated cycle lanes crisscrossing the entire city. An extensive bus network connects all neighbourhoods to the centre, with student passes available for around £60 monthly. The city's manageable size means you'll rarely spend more than 15 minutes reaching your destination.

Group of young friends relaxing indoors, representing a house-sharing lifestyle concept

Accommodation for English courses in Cambridge

Accommodation in Cambridge ranges from traditional college-style halls to shared flats in residential neighbourhoods. Student halls provide instant community with common rooms, study spaces and organised social activities — ideal for building friendships quickly in your first weeks.

Homestays with local families provide authentic British immersion, complete with home-cooked meals and insights into Cambridge life that only locals can offer.

Private studios and shared apartments give you independence and flexibility. We offer accommodation support to help you navigate options, understand contracts and find a base that fits your budget and preferences.

Tourists on small punts boating on the River Cam in Cambridge, passing beneath the historic Bridge of Sighs at St John's College

City attractions

Cambridge's cultural richness extends far beyond its famous colleges. World-class museums like the Fitzwilliam offer free entry to collections spanning centuries, while the Botanic Garden is a peaceful green space for some downtime. Punting on the River Cam has become a rite of passage! You can guide your own boat or join a group. The city also hosts regular concerts, theatre productions and public lectures. Independent bookshops, cosy tea rooms and traditional pubs are all perfect spots for practising your English. And if you fancy a change of scenery, weekend excursions to nearby Ely Cathedral or London add variety.

Choose the best neighbourhood in Cambridge for you

City Centre

Historic heart with colleges, shops, and cafes. Everything is walkable within 5 to 15 minutes.

Mill Road

Multicultural area with diverse restaurants and independent shops: 10 minutes to the city centre.

Newnham

Quiet, leafy residential area near Cambridge University colleges and the river: 15 minutes to the city centre.

Book your English course with ESL to get expert assistance at no extra cost

Getting the most out of your Cambridge experience starts with the right preparation. That’s what we’re here for! From choosing the right course and navigating visa applications to finding comfortable accommodation, our experienced team can guide you through every stage of your journey.

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We are a Lifetime Award Winner after being voted Best Agency in Europe 5 times at the ST Star Awards.

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We have over 30 years of experience, starting our story as a small Swiss language school, and now one of the top language travel agencies in Europe

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Our services are completely free, and if you find your programme cheaper elsewhere, we’ll refund you the difference.

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Our agency status has been accredited by the most prestigious organisations in the language travel industry, including ICEF, WYSE, IALC, ALTO, and many more!

Getting your visa for an English course in Cambridge

The visa you'll need to study English in Cambridge depends on where you're from. Got a European passport? You'll just need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). It’s a quick online application that allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months across a 2-year window. Planning a longer stay? You might need a Student Visa or Standard Visitor Visa instead, based on how long your course runs.

If you're coming from outside the EU, you'll typically need to apply for a Student Visa or Standard Visitor Visa ahead of time with proof of your enrollment and finances.

Reach out to us by email or book a call, and we can give you advice that fits your exact situation.

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The best price, or your money back!

If you find your programme somewhere else for a lower price, we’ll refund you the difference!

Worried that agencies are too expensive?

Our expert assistance comes at no extra cost!
 

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Too many destinations to choose from?

Contact our team of experts, and we’ll find out more about you to pair you with the perfect school that matches your preferences, budget, and language goals.
 

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