Study in the UK

Two students in school uniform chatting outdoors, showing everyday student life during a school exchange programme in England.

Student standing next to a red telephone box in London, showing everyday life during a school exchange programme in England.

Study in the UK - Sixth Form College

While studying in the UK you will experience the beauty of this fine country and feel the warmth of the people that you meet. The UK is a nation that is steeped in the history and identities of the individual countries that make up this great union. You will see the history in the buildings, quiet alleyways and historic monuments that you encounter. Visit the bustling cities of London, Cambridge, Cardiff, Swansea and Edinburgh. Experience the beauty of the Highlands, the Lake District and Cornwall. Hear the many accents of this small island country and become a true member of the English, Welsh or Scottish community.

Since 2013, WEP has brought young people from around the world into the UK to educational programs. We welcome students from a variety of countries to experience a British education, live with a host family and become part of British community and culture. We place students at Colleges across the UK for programs varying from 4 weeks to 2 years. There is an option for everyone available with us, wherever in the world you are from.

To be eligible for the exchange you must:

Age at least 16 by September 1st of year of enrolment.
Must have at least a C grade average at school for the past 3 years and must be committed to their academic life in the UK.
Must have at least 3 years of English language experience – applicants for programs over 6 months must take a SELT test to prove their level of English is sufficient for college academic life. (see more information in Visas below).
Must be in good health.
Must be willing to follow the college and WEP rules.
Must be open minded, flexible and mature.

Program options available:

1 or 2 year programs – September start only (England, Wales or Scotland).
Semester program – September or January (England and Wales).
Term program – September or January or April (England and Wales).
4 – 8 week program – start dates can be negotiated (England and Wales).
AS or A-Level or International Baccalaureate or National Certificate or Higher National Certificate courses available.

Examples of our Partner Colleges

Exeter College, England

Picturesque region
Exeter College is located in the south-west of the UK in Devon, one of England’s most picturesque of regions and a favourite tourist destination. Exeter College award-winning college and is Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding further education college. Their vision is to shape the future by delivering excellence to relaise the ambitions of their learners, city and region.
State of the art facilities
Exeter is a city centre college with excellent on-site facilities. New buildings completed for A-Level students in 2021. Exeter provides a multitude of culinary choices, historic streets, a magnificent cathedral, cultural experiences and much more, within a small and very safe city. Outside of the city is the beautiful Devon coastline and countryside that rolls for miles.
A lot of subject options
Students can choose from a variety of subject options including Biology, Economics, English, Politics, Fine Art, Business, Film Studies, Environmental Science, Maths and Philosophy. With a wide-range of extra-curricular activities available for students to access, as well as their Academies in Sports, Performing Arts, Music, Dance and Digital Media, there is plenty to keep you busy and active.
An international team
Exeter provides an international team who support their students closely and provide induction and regular activities to help you to see more and meet more people. Students are placed in host families with full board provision, all located within 30 minutes of the college.

Edinburgh College, Scotland

One of the best colleges
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s biggest Colleges with around 26,000 students across 4 campuses in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Offering a wide variety of vibrant vocational and academic courses, Edinburgh College provides flexible learning opportunities to suit all learning needs. Edinburgh College has achieved the highest rating possible in its recent Education Scotland inspection report.
An historic city
Edinburgh is an historic city with many cultural events taking place throughout the year. It is also a gateway to Scotland, so students can easily explore the country during the weekends. It is a safe and bustling city with many opportunities for a student to experience. Explore the historic buildings and museums or the theatre and music performances that frequent the city.
A large variety of options
Edinburgh provides a more vocational focus for students so it is a smart choice for a student who wants to pursue a specific career. Options include: Architecture and Interior Design, Civil Engineering, Sports Therapy, Events Coordination, Accounting, Computer Science, Acting and Theatre Performance and much more.
An international team
Students will be supported by the International team and welcomed at orientation and to events throughout the year. Students can choose between host family with half board provision or on-campus accommodation.

Gower College Swansea, Wales

One of the highest performing colleges
Gower College Swansea is one of the highest performing colleges in the UK, with outstanding results and progression rates to some of the UK’s finest universities. Their internationally recognised qualifications are delivered to the highest standards by qualified and specialist staff. The College has an excellent track record of preparing students for admission to Oxford and Cambridge universities and other top flight universities (over 90% of their international students have progressed to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge, over the last five years).
A lot of options
Gower College offers 40 A-Level course options and 40 vocational course options for students to choose from. Options include; Physics, Maths and Further Maths, Spanish, Electronics, History, Drama, Graphic Communication, Law, Sociology, Computer Science, Geology and much more.
Waterfront city
Swansea is a modern waterfront city with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Swansea Bay stretches from the Blue Flag Marina to the pretty village of Mumbles and features a sandy beach, promenade, water park, museums, as well as award-winning parks and gardens. Mumbles, with its Victorian Pier and independent shops, cafes and restaurants, is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula – the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
An international team
The International team will welcome you at orientation and provide regular support and guidance throughout the year. They provide a variety of cultural excursions to help you explore the UK while at the college. Students will be placed in full board host family accommodation while at the college.

Why choose WEP?

WEP has been welcoming students from across the world into the UK since 2013. Our team know the challenges that students face and want to assist you to find the best fit and the best support.

Why choose WEP?

WEP has been welcoming students from across the world into the UK since 2013. Our team know the challenges that students face and want to assist you to find the best fit and the best support.

College Selection Service

WEP’s main role is to assist you to find the best college in the UK that will provide you with the educational and personal experience that you hope to achieve. Through our college selection forms and your interview with a WEP staff member, we will provide you with at least three colleges that meet your requirements and budget.

College Application Support

Once you have chosen your college, WEP will guide you through the application process. There will be forms to complete and school reports to be translated into English as well as personal statements and medical information to complete. You will need to decide at this stage which subjects you wish to study, but changes can be made after application and acceptance.

Visa Application Support

All applicants applying to come to the UK for over 6 months and for some non-EU applicants coming to the UK for less than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa. The Student visa requires a variety of documents to be submitted to the UKVI and WEP will make sure you know what is required. We cannot apply for you, but we can guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible.

WEP Office Support

We will provide information about all aspects of the program. The team will ensure that we provide all information to make your college selection and application as simple as possible. The team will be open and up front about fees for the colleges and the accommodation route that you choose. During the time that you are in the UK, WEP will remain in contact and ensure that you are supported and enjoying your experience.

Study in the UK - Application Process

Complete a Pre Application Form

Fill in our online form so that we can assess your eligibility.

Information Session

One of our team will be in touch and offer a virtual meeting or information video to offer you more information.

Confirm if you want to apply

If you decide to proceed with an application, contact the office and we will get the ball rolling.

Attend an interview

Attend an online interview with our UK team, who will assess your eligibility for the program and gain more information about your college preferences and requirements.

Program Enrolment

After interview we will decide whether we can provide you with the support and educational route that you need. If accepted you will be asked to pay a fee and complete our program contract.

College Recommendations

WEP will present you with a selection of college recommendations that we believe match your needs for your time in the UK.

College Application

WEP will provide you with the necessary documents to apply for a place at the college. We will guide you through what is needed and how to complete the documents and submit them.

College Interview

If you meet the college academic requirements, you will be invited to an online interview with college staff.

Acceptance

If accepted at the college, you will be asked to pay a deposit to secure your place. Full acceptance will be given pending your SELT result.

Secure English Language Test

For programs over 6 months in length, you are required to complete a Secure English Language Test to be accepted by the college and to apply for your Student visa.

Tuition fees and Accommodation deposit due

Once your SELT result is confirmed, you will be required to pay a further fee to the college so that your visa document (CAS) can be issued.

Visa Application

For programs over 6 months, students must apply for a Student Route visa. WEP will provide you with information about the visa process and what is required, but cannot apply on your behalf.

Host family confirmed

Your college will share information with you about your host family. You can start to get to know them ahead of your arrival in the UK.

Final Payments

Prior to the start of the school year, any outstanding tuition fee payments will be due, plus at least the first term of hosting fees.

Arrival in the UK

Book your flight, pack your bags and head to the UK for your first day as a student in Britain! Students will be met by college transfers or need to arrange their own transfer.

College Induction

You will tour the campus, meet the international team and other new students, tour the local area and have lots of fun while gaining practical information about being a student in the UK.