If you are considering applying for our Level 2 and, eventually, Level 3 courses, you’ll have to be able to write and communicate well in English.
The level we require is set so that you can easily follow the lessons, complete assignments, and talk to the tutor and your classmates. Accepted minimum levels are:
Obtaining an official certificate is expensive, so we will not be asking for proof of your level of English, but we ask you to be honest.
Listed below are free and low-cost online courses and tests that you can take in order to test and improve your English language level. (All the prices were correct at the time we published this page).
This good for beginners, not so much for real-life situations, but it is FREE. You can take two different tests: the first one for the placement of your level, before you start the course; the second is the Duolingo English Test: The second test is verified. For the official test and results you have to pay, but you can take the free practice version as many times as you want.
Offers a monthly subscription so you can cancel any time or continue indefinitely. There is no official course duration.
Online courses:
PERFECTLY SPOKEN (best for live classes)
Based on video lessons. Each course is separated by learner level, and you can find out which course is best for you with a FREE English test. You can attend live classes, get speaking practice and join a writing club.
Plans:
FUTURE LEARN (best for British English)
British English from expert teachers and by socializing with classmates, works like massive open online course. Lessons are given every week for a certain number of weeks. You can learn along with the class, or take it at your own pace.
Membership levels:
ALISON (best for all levels)
Well-established site with FREE online courses and certificates. Premium option for 7.99€/month offers also discount for certification and no ads.
OXFORD ONLINE ENGLISH (best for one-to one classes)
Detailed lessons covering a wide variety of skills, with new lessons uploaded frequently. They offer FREE tests from A1 to C1 separately in listening, vocabulary, reading and grammar.
LEO NETWORK (best for grammar guides)
Simple, mostly text-based website, about 60 lessons from the beginner to intermediate level available for FREE.
ENGLISH HELPER (best for beginners)
Adaptable program with six different listening speeds, great fit for a beginning learner especially if you’re struggling to understand spoken English.
EdX (best for courses from big universities)
A variety of college-level courses taught by real professors, it is one of the biggest associations for massive language courses. The cost depends on the course.
FLUENTU U (best for authentic content)
Video-based lessons and multimedia flashcards with material that adapts to your learning.
UDEMY (best for variety of courses)
A wide variety of affordable video courses. They use video lectures, written materials and quizzes to help you learn. Courses start at €14.99.
COURSERA (best for advanced learners)
A wide variety of self-paced and university courses, particularly good for advanced learners. Starts at $39/month.
OPEN LEARNING (best for specialized topics)
Mix of professional courses and free courses open to anyone. They also offer 30 days FREE trial. For a starter you can choose between:
ESOL COURSES (best for text-based courses)
Courses for any level that include lots of resources and cultural information. All the lessons are for FREE. They are appropriate for any level (beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate and advanced)
MY MOOC (best for short courses)
Quick, focused English courses that include subtitles. Courses offered by British universities, the BBC and even the British Council. Most of the courses offered are self-paced. The main difference is that most of the courses here take from one to 30 hours. Price depends on the course
SAYLOR (best for collage credits)
Take courses on your own time for free or paid courses for college credit. It is an advanced-level option. This website is a non-profit, meaning it doesn’t make any money from teaching online courses.
USA LEARNS (best for American English)
Video lessons and activities for beginner and intermediate learners. There are three main courses and their difficulties range from beginner to intermediate levels
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