Learn English in London Canary Wharf

On your first day at school, make sure you bring your passport with you

You can access this information in our student handbooks: 
https://www.englishpath.com/ep-canary-wharf-student-handbook/

No, only the free online EP level test which is shared with you over email before joining, this is to determine your level of English for initial class placement. On your first day, we will test your writing and speaking to make sure you're placed in the right class for you.

Here are some important things you need to know to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Use our checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything and are prepared for the exciting times ahead. 

(i) Checklist 

Here are a few important items that you should bring with you: 

• Passport 
• Acceptance letter 
• Accommodation letter 
• Proof of health/medical insurance 
• A bit of cash and credit/debit cards/Apple or Google Pay 
• Weather-appropriate clothing (depending on the season you come to London) 
• Adaptor for electrical appliances 
• Prescription medication and medical records 
• Emergency information 
• Toiletries 
• Notebook and pen 
• Backpack for classes, social programmes, and day trips 
• Reusable water bottle 

(ii) Pocket money 

Recommended weekly budget: £150. This should cover expenses, laundry, local travel and activities. You will need additional money if you want to take weekend trips. Bring £100 with you in cash and a debit or credit card. You will need to check with your financial institution to make sure you will be able to withdraw money from a UK ATM. Do not bring foreign currency. It is not wise to carry around large amounts of cash. 

(iii) Clothing 

Most students dress casually for classes, but you should bring nice clothes for going out and sportswear for sports and outdoor activities. The climate is changeable and may be different from your own. The` typical temperature is 25-30°C in the summer and 2 to 6°C in the winter, although it can drop below freezing. Bring waterproof clothing if you’re arriving in the autumn or winter. 

(iv) Electrical current 

Standard voltage in the UK is 230 volts; remember to bring an adaptor with you or buy one when you arrive.  

It depends on your nationality. Some nationals must get a visa before any trip (“visa nationals”). Others are “non‑visa nationals” and can visit without a visa for short stays. Most non‑visa nationals must now get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Use the GOV.UK checker to confirm what you need.

Check if you need a UK visa: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): https://www.gov.uk/eta

Apply for an ETA (£16): https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

Visa national: must apply for the relevant UK visa before travel, even for short visits.
Non‑visa national: can be granted visitor permission at the border for short visits (often via e‑gates), but typically must hold an ETA in advance. For courses over 6 months, everyone needs a visa before travel.

A full, valid passport. It’s strongly recommended you carry evidence of study (offer/enrolment letter), accommodation details, and funds in your hand luggage in case a Border Officer asks. If you’re studying under the visitor route, your course must be at an accredited institution.
Visit to study – rules: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study

What is a Standard Visitor for students?

It’s the correct status for all nationalities studying up to and including 6 months at an accredited institution (including English language courses). 
What you can do – Visit to study: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study

How do non-visa nationals get this?

Non-visa nationals should apply for an ETA (£16) before travel, then enter as a visitor (often via e‑gates). There’s no separate visitor visa fee for non‑visa nationals. Apply for ETA: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

How do visa nationals get this?

Visa nationals must apply online before travel for a Standard Visitor visa. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. The fee for a visit of up to 6 months is £127. 
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
Standard Visitor overview: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

What are the application requirements (visa nationals)?

Here are the application requirement :

You’ll provide your planned travel dates, where you’ll stay, estimated trip cost, home address, personal background, and proof of funds. Take supporting evidence (school letter, accommodation details) to your appointment.

What can I do in the UK on a Standard Visitor?

On a standard visitor you can study (including multiple short courses) within your permitted stay. No work (paid, unpaid or voluntary).
Permitted activities – Visit to study: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study

When should I apply for a standard visitor?

For a Standard Visitor visa, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. Apply as early as you can.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Usually it takes around 3 weeks after biometrics for Visitor, Student, and Short‑term study applications made outside the UK to get the decision.

Priority/Super Priority services may be available for faster decisions (extra fee).
Visa processing times (outside the UK): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk

When do I need this?

This visa is required when your English language course lasts more than 6 months and up to 11 months. You must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if 16-17) and must apply before traveling to the UK. For full details on eligibility, visit: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english

Can I study any subject?

Only English language study is permitted under this visa route. You cannot study any other academic subjects.

What documents are required?

Here are the essential documents you must provide for short term study: Passport (with a blank page), proof of funds (e.g., recent bank statements), accommodation/travel plans (don’t pay until your visa is granted), evidence of fees paid or funds to pay them, and an offer letter from your school with course name, dates and cost. TB test is required if you’re coming for over 6 months and meet the country-of-residence criteria.
Apply for Short-term study: https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/apply
TB test for a UK visa: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa

What is the cost?

The current cost of short- term study visa is Visa fee £214 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the student rate (typically £776) for NHS access during your stay. Fees (Short-term study 6–11 months): https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
IHS guidance: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

What are the rules on this visa?

The main rules and restriction associated with the short term study visa is : Study only the course named in your application; no work; stay for the course length + 30 days, up to a maximum of 11 months; no extension. Border staff will refuse entry for 6–11‑month English courses if you arrive without this visa.

Apply online on GOV.UK and book a visa application centre appointment to provide biometrics and documents.
Visas and immigration – start here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Apply – Standard Visitor: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
Apply – Short‑term study (English): https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english/apply

EP London Canary Wharf will be closed in the following days in 2025

01 Jan, 18 - 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 22 - 26 Dec.

EP London Canary Wharf organises separate classes by age and level, offering dedicated groups for learners aged 16–29 and separate for those 30+ to ensure a more relevant and engaging learning experience. This ensures a more relevant and engaging experience, allowing you to study with classmates who are at a similar life stage and professional profile.  

Yes. At EP Canary Wharf students learn in one of two age groups, 16 - 29 or 30+, to help them feel comfortable in class.

You’ll have an induction, a speaking and writing test, a short tour of the school, and then a free coffee from us before you can join your first class! You will also receive your book and a welcome pack from EP on your first day

Yes, there is a gym in the bulding but it is not free.

Different packages available, for more info see 'Pure Gym London East India's website  

Yes, we have a prayer room in the building access available on request

We have quite a few cafes around the building including Greek cafe Dora, Taste Sandwich shop etc. We also have a Coffee & Wine cafe and Tesco grocery store/ supermarket on the ground floor  

We have a fully equipped library with computers and books to use and borrow, free WIFI, microwaves to heat food, spaces to work or have lunch, vending machine for snacks and drinks and a water filter.

Unfortunately it is not. Only service dogs can be admitted

Yes, we have a small library where you can borrow books for self-study or work, they also have computers you can use for research etc

Yes, we provide a physical certificate of completion on your last day!

Yes, inform the student services team and we can help you with changing your course eg. adding electives or extending your course by issuing you a new invoice and confirming the booking once you make the payment either online or in school.

Call 999 in case of fire, a medical emergency or if you need the police.

1. Find a doctor in your local area www.nhs.uk
2. Contact the practice and ask to register with them. You will need: your name and address, date of birth, id card / passport and proof of address
3. Once registered, you will receive an NHS card. Keep it safe and take it with you when you go to the doctor, dentist or hospital.

Please visit https://clch.nhs.uk/services/walk-in-centres for more information.

Some people need to register with the police after arriving in the UK with a visa, or after getting permission to stay for longer in the UK.

If you need to register, you must go to the police within 7 days of you:

• arriving in the UK if you applied for a visa from outside the UK
• getting your biometric residence permit if you applied to stay for longer from inside the UK

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police

We recommend students staying for longer than 5 months to apply for a bank account in the UK, we help them with a student status lettter to show to the bank in such cases. For those staying for lesser time, can use online banks like Monzo or Revolut to pay in any currency.

Yes, Canary Wharf is a very popular commercial/ business hub of London surrounded by working professionals and corporate offices hence has high security and safety standards in general 

Yes! We run daily social activities such as trips, sports, and cultural events, dinners, pub nights, museum visits etc so you can meet other students and explore London.

We encourage you to follow the school’s Instagram account before you arrive and especially during your stay. This will give you an idea of what is happening at the school and help you connect with staff and students. This is also where we will post notifications of any unexpected school closures: it is important you check our Instagram account for any messages while you are attending the school, especially if there is severe weather in the area (e.g., snowstorm, flood, etc.). If the school cannot open or school opening will be delayed, we will post a message as soon as possible (the night before or in the morning) to advise you of this, along with information on how to get further updates and any alternate scheduling, (if applicable). Follow EP! @englishpathschools.

You can book your accommodation in 3 simple steps: 

• Step 1: You can indicate your preferred type of accommodation (homestay, shared apartment or residence) on the application form during your application for a course. Our Student Services team will record the preferred choice of accommodation. 
• Step 2: EP will be able to secure the accommodation option once the invoice has been paid. Our team will send you the accommodation confirmation with further details on the selected option. 
• Step 3: You will need to confirm your arrival and send your flight details to our team, as soon as the flight is booked and no later than one week before the flight date. Our team will be able to book and confirm your accommodation and/or transfers and provide more details within the confirmation document.

To ensure a comfortable and supportive environment, we place students in homestays that:
•    Host no more than four paying guests in total, including you.
•    Have no more than three students or paying guests staying at the same time (including those placed by other organisations).
•    Do not host students of the same first language unless this is specifically requested or agreed.

You can use the following modes of transport to reach the centre from the airport: 

• If you choose to book an airport transfer, your flight details should be sent to us 4 weeks in advance to ensure we will be able to provide you with an airport transfer. 
• A driver will meet you after you come through the customs area and drive you to your accommodation. 

*Students under 18 years old must book homestay breakfast and dinner & return airport transfers. 

Yes, the school is only 1 minute walking distance to East India DLR station and Blackwall bus stop

No, as we are not a university, our students are not eligible for a Student Oyster card, but you can avail a regular Oyster travel card.

The campus is very conveniently located, connecting to the East India DLR station, which is just a 5-minute walk away.

Canary Wharf is approximately 10 minutes away. You can reach it via Bus or DLR from the nearby East India station.

You can reach The O2 in about 15 minutes by taking the DLR from East India station.

The City of London is only about 20 minutes away, accessible via the DLR from East India station.

The Westfield Stratford City shopping centre is about 25 minutes away via the DLR from East India station.

We aim to make our booking and cancellation terms clear, fair and easy to understand. We recommend that you follow this link to our Terms and Conditions before paying your fees. We want you to book with confidence. If you have any questions about fees or cancellations, just contact us — we’re happy to help.