Information for English language classes/ESOL from Hong Kong

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English language classes/ESOL

Every HK BN(O) visa holder is eligible to receive up to £850 of English language courses in 2023/24. The process to access these language courses (called English for Speakers of Other Languages or ‘ESOL’) is as follows:

  1. The HK BN(O) visa holder contacts the local authority to find out how to apply, (click here to find out who to contact in your South East local authority to access ESOL).
  2. The local authority informs the HK BN(O) visa holder which ESOL providers and which courses they can access.
  3. The HK BN(O) visa holder provides proof of their visa status to the local authority (through shared code for example).
  4. The HK BN(O) visa holder attends the course for free (the learning provider should never charge the HK BN(O) holder for this tuition). 
  5. The local authority claim back the funding from the British government

If you encounter any difficulties, you can contact SESPM at hkenquiries@secouncils.gov.uk

In addition to these British government supported English classes you might find other courses provided by the voluntary sector (click for a list of voluntary sector organisations in the South East).

English language class provision can be called different things within the private and public sector which can be confusing. For a detailed explanation of the different types (and names) of English language class provision in the UK please see the following resources below.

English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Hong Kong New Arrivals.

English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Hong Kong New Arrivals (Traditional Chinese).

English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Local Authorities.

Find out more about Kent County Council’s ESOL courses.

Here is also a list of ESOL providers in the South East who have volunteered to provide ESOL to new HK arrivals either for free or at reduced price. This is separate but complementary to local authority funded ESOL.

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