How to apply

If you are applying for a Pre-sessional English course or the Sheffield Academic Essentials programme at the English Language Teaching Centre, you will find all key information here. Please read all information and our terms and conditions in full before completing and submitting your application.

Important Notice: No teaching takes place on full-time ELTC courses on UK bank holidays in England and Wales. No tuition fee discounts are available for course dates which coincide with bank holidays.

Application deadlines

There are different application processes for our full-time courses. You can currently apply online for the following courses:

• Pre-sessional English (open for applications): Please submit your application at least four weeks before your chosen course begins to allow enough time to apply for a visa. Please visit our entry requirements webpages for further information on specific courses, application deadlines, and start dates:
  • Term 1 – September / October
  • Term 2 – January
  • Term 3 – April
  • Term 4 – June / July / August
• University English (open for applications): Please submit your application at least two weeks before your chosen start date, or four weeks before if you still need to apply for a visa.
• Sheffield Academic Essentials Programme: Now closed for applications for 2026 entry.

Completing your application

You can apply to the following courses through our Alternative Routes and Programmes Application Form:

• Pre-sessional English courses
• University English – Full programme (20.5 hrs per week)
• University English – Core programme (15 hrs per week)
• Sheffield Academic Essentials programme 

Alternative Routes and Programmes Application Form

Undergraduate applicants 

If you have already applied for an undergraduate course, or have not yet started an application to a course at the University, you will need to enter your email address and create a password to access the application form.

Postgraduate applicants

If you have already started an application to a postgraduate course at the University, you can log in to the application form using the same username and password you created for your earlier postgraduate application.

Form structure

The form is divided into seven sections which you must complete before you can submit your application. It features comprehensive instructions and pop-up help on each page. You can save the information in each section and log back in later to complete it.

Information for agents

If you are a University of Sheffield agent applying for an ELTC course on behalf of a student, please see the information on how to submit an application through the Agent Portal.

Supporting documents

You will need to include certain documents to support your application, such as a recent English language certificate. You can supply these simply by uploading them to the relevant sections of your application:

Sponsorship letter

If your tuition fees will be paid by a sponsor (e.g., a scholarship, your national government, or an employer), please upload a letter from your sponsor confirming this. If you do not yet have a letter confirming your sponsorship details, you can supply this at a later date. The letter should include:

• A date within the last six months
• Applicant's full name and date of birth
• Sponsor's name and contact details

Submitting your application

1. Click the 'Submit Application' button at the end of the form. If you have forgotten to fill in any sections, you will be prompted to go back and complete them at this stage.
2. When you have successfully submitted the completed form, we will confirm this on-screen and send an email confirmation.
3. After submitting, you will not be able to go back and edit most of the form. However, you will still be able to add new qualifications or documents which you have indicated you will provide later.

After you've applied

Application outcome

Once we receive your application, our admissions team will process it and contact you via email. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter with instructions on how to accept your place.

Interviews

Normally we do not require an interview as part of the application process. However, in certain circumstances, we reserve the right to require an online interview to discuss the suitability of the course for the applicant and to confirm details relating to the application.

CAS and student visas

If you'll need a Student visa to study in the UK, you will receive details on how to request a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). More information on when and how we arrange your CAS is on our CAS Application webpage.

Combined CAS

Early applicants to our Summer Pre-sessional courses may be eligible for a combined CAS. A combined CAS allows you to apply for a single Student Visa to remain in the UK for the duration of both of your courses (e.g., a Pre-sessional English course and a postgraduate MSc course). Further information is available on the Combined CAS for postgraduate applicants page.

Deposits and visa funding

 Deposits are not required, but evidence of funds or sponsorship will be required when applying for a visa.

Students under the age of 18

Our courses are designed for adults, and the standard minimum age is 18 years. Applicants who are under 18 are subject to a number of restrictions and administrative procedures.

However, we will consider applications from applicants who are under 18 in some circumstances, subject to satisfactory guardianship arrangements being in place. Please contact us for more information, or visit our Students under the age of 18 webpage.

Need help?

If you have any questions about the application process, or if you have any issues or problems completing your online application, please contact our ELTC admissions team for assistance: eltc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk.