Information for English language classes/ESOL from Hong Kong

English language classes/ESOL

Every HK BN(O) visa holder is eligible to receive up to £850 of English language courses in 2025/26. 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

The £850 annual ESOL funding for each BN(O) visa holder* is one of the key forms of government support that helps Hongkongers integrate into life in the UK. As many BN(O) visa holders have now been in the UK for over 3 years, the UK government has recently clarified that this funding is generally only available to those who have lived in the UK for less than 3 years. However, there are two key exceptions if you’ve been here longer:

You are unemployed or earning below £25,000 annual gross salary. This earning threshold may change. For the latest and detailed rules, please check “Adult Skills Funds: Funding Rules” from the UK GOV website, OR

You have lifted your NRPF condition and are receiving Universal Credit.

This means that if you are a BNO visa holder, you can only access free ESOL courses (up to £850/ year) if you have been in the UK for less than 3 years, OR meet one of those two exceptions above. If you live in the South East and would like to know more about accessing ESOL, please visit our website (link in bio).

*To be claimed by Local Authority approved ESOL providers.

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.

We have also prepared a handout with information of English provision for people under 19 years old .

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.