Frequently asked questions

Q: What is EF Brittin College?

A: Brittin College is a division within EF Education First, the largest education organization in the world. EF’s mission is simple: to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography that divide us. EF’s educational programs have helped people of all ages and nationalities become citizens of the world and every year about 2 million people participate in EF programs. EF Brittin College specialises in preparing students from all over the world for university success in an English speaking country.

Q: Where is EF Brittin College?

• United Kingdom: Barcelona, Tamarindo Beach, Torquay, Manchester
• North America: Boston, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Vancouver
• Australia: Quito, Brisbane

Q: What programs does EF Brittin College offer?

A: Students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree can take our University Foundation Year or A-level Program. If you are aiming for a Masters or an MBA degree abroad, our Pre-Master/MBA Program is your best choice. Students who don’t have the required English skills to enroll directly can start with an Academic English course to build confidence and mastery in English.For more information, please click here.

Q: Why do I need to take an EF Brittin College Program?

A: Most overseas students who want to do an undergraduate degree program in the UK are required to do either A-levels (UK) or a University Foundation Year due to the differences in the education systems. Universities in Australia or North America also look favorably on applications from students who have done tertiary preparation before enrolling in an undergraduate degree program. A Pre-Masters or Pre-MBA is not mandatory but since many Masters degrees are only one or two years, they are very intense. Therefore, students need to perform from day one at university. It is proven that Pre-Masters/MBA graduates more easily acclimatise to the new study environment, perform better and are less likely to fail their degree.For more information, please click here.

Q: What are A-levels?

A: A-levels are studied between the ages of 16-18 in England, Ireland and Wales. They are internationally recognised examinations and the normal route into university for British students. A-levels are normally taken over six terms (2 years) starting in September. Students normally study 3-4 academic subjects intensively. EF Brittin College helps our students to choose the right subjects to increase chances of being accepted at a top university in the UK.For more information, please click here.

Q: What is the University Foundation Year Program?

A: The UFY is a route to undergraduate entry at university in the UK, Australia or North America. The normal duration in 9 months although our UFY in the US has a fast-track option of 6 months for qualified students. The course is a combination of English language, Study Skills, Presentation skills and academic content with elective modules such as Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Fundamentals, Business, and Media. Upon completion, UFY graduates are guaranteed entry to one of EF Brittin College’s partner institutions. Some universities even waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirements.For more information, please click here.

Q: What are the Pre-Masters/MBA Programs?

A: The Pre-Masters And Pre-MBA Programs are designed for students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree at an English speaking university. The course is especially designed to boost students’ English language skills, provide them with sufficient research, study and presentation skills and to give them a head start at university by incorporating academic electives such as Media, IT, Law, Marketing, Finance and Tourism and Human Resurce Management. Students are guaranteed placement at one of our partner institutions upon successful completion of the 6 or 9 months.For more information, please click here.

Q: What is an Academic English course?

A: An Academic English Course is designed for students who do not have sufficient English skills to start the A-levels,International Baccalaureate Diploma, University Foundation Year, Diploma in Business and Management, Accelerated College Degree Program or Pre-Masters/MBA Program directly. For students with low level of English, there is a special 9 month Academic English program that thoroughly prepares students entry into one of the academic preparation courses.For more information, please click here.

Q: How long does it take to complete a Brittin College Program?

A: It depends on the program, from 6 months to 2 years.

Q: When can I start with EF Brittin College?

A: It depends on your Academic background and English level today. The easiest way to find out is to visit your nearest EF office or EF representative to talk to an Academic Adviser who can help you design a study plan. Here you can also sit our own English test – free of charge, so you do not have to take the IELTS or TOEFL test. Most EF Brittin College Programs have intakes in January, April and September, some also in June and October.For more information, please click here.

Q: How much do I need to study per week?

A: Between 20-30 hours per week scheduled tuition time. In addition, time is required to complete assignments and prepare for classes also outside the scheduled hours.

Q: What is the student composition at EF Brittin College?

A: Our students come from all over the world. On average we have 60 different nationalities in any single campus. Studying with EF Brittin College means you will meet people from literally all over the world.

Q: Do I need a visa?

A: Most often, yes. Please contact your nearest EF office or EF representative to find out if it applies to you. Our Academic Advisers are experts on visa regulations in your country and EF has very good relationships with Embassies.For more information, please click here.

Q: How can I find out more about your partner universities?

A: We have more than 120 partner universities, colleges and special interest schools worldwide. To find out if we work with the school you want to go to, please see our partner university pages for the following countries: United Kingdom, North America, Australia Please note that we can also help you apply to non-partner institutions if you prefer that.See examples of where our students study. If you want to know more detailed information about any of our partner institutions please visit the EF office closest to you to look at the Brittin College University Guide or contact us.

Q: Are the EF Brittin College Programs recognised and certified?

A: Yes. All our programs were developed together with partner universities. This to ensure that they are designed to overcome the differences in most students’ existing knowledge compared to what is required by overseas universities. In addition, the EF courses and schools are certified by the local accrediting body, e.g. British Council, British Accreditation Council, NZQA, NEAS, ACCET, and CECN. All EF courses are certified by Suffolk University, an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. All EF courses worldwide are certified by Southern New Hampshire University. In addition, EF Brittin College students can receive transfer credit through both American InterContinental University, London and Southern New Hampshire University.

Q: What academic qualifications do I need to enroll with EF Brittin College?

A: It depends on the course. If you want to take the University Foundation Year, you normally need to have finished grade 12 with pass grades. To enroll in the A-level Program, you normally need to have finished grade 11 although exceptional students can be admitted from grade 10.
It depends on the course. If you want to take the University Foundation Year or Diploma in Business and Management, you normally need to have finished grade 12 with pass grades. To enroll in the A-level or International Baccalaureate Diploma programs, you normally need to have finished grade 11 although exceptional students can be admitted from grade 10. Students who have completed grade 10 or 11 in their home country and are at least 16 years old are eligible to take our popular Accelerated College Degree Program in North America.Students who want to pursue the Pre-Masters or Pre-MBA Programs need to have a Bachelors degree in a qualified area with pass grades. For some nationalities, we can also accept 3 year diploma students.Students on the Pre-MBA program normally need to have 2 years work experience although we have some partner universities that will let successful Pre-MBA graduates enroll without any or limited work experience.

Q: What English level do I need to be at in order to start a course with EF Brittin College?

A: The English requirements vary between the programs and study destinations. As a rule of thumb, we require IELTS 5.0 or better in the UK, 5.5 in Australia and TOEFL 400 PBT/133 CBT or better in North America. However, students who have not completed the IELTS or TOEFL exams can take the FREE EF Brittin College test, which also qualifies students as sufficient for entry into all Brittin programs.

Q: I want to take the FREE EF Brittin College test. What should I do?

A: Contact your nearest EF office or representative in your home country or email us at:and one of our Academic Advisers will get back to you within 24 hours.

Q: I'm not sure if I qualify for one of the EF Brittin College programs. What should I do?

A: Call or visit your nearest EF office or EF representative in your home country. Our Academic Advisers can look at your academic background and your current English level and advise what study path is optimal for you. Alternatively you can email our experts who will get back to you with more information. Contact EF.

Q: Are there scholarships available for studies at EF Brittin College?

A: In many cases yes. Please contact your local office to find out if it is offered for the course you would like to take. Contact EF.

Q: Why should I study with EF Brittin College?

A: EF Brittin College is part of EF Education First, the world’s largest education organization. We have been in the education field for more than 40 years and have developed an unrivaled expertise. In addition, we have strong relationships with partner institutions across the world. The list of partners is constantly increasing and currently it includes more than 150 universities, colleges and special interest schools. Another reason many students choose to study with us is because of the excellent locations. Whether you choose to study in for example Sydney or London, Boston or Vancouver all our campuses have something in common; bright, spacious facilities with an excellent location. Also, our students appreciate that our teachers are certified and experienced in the field that they are teaching. This means you always get hands-on-advice and real-world examples regardless if you are studying a module in Media, Law, Business or IT.

Q: I want to do a foundation program in the UK. Why should I study with EF Brittin College and not with one of the universities?

A: Although our foundation program is recognised and moderated by Middlesex University (ranked 19 by The Guardian), we do not limit your application options. Our on-site University Placement Advisers can help you apply to any university in the UK, although we usually recommend that you at least apply to some of our partner universities that give you preferred consideration.For more information, please click here.

Q: I am serious about my studies but I also want to have fun while I'm abroad. What do you recommend?

A: You have come to the right place. Each EF Brittin College campus has an Activities Office that arranges everything from movie nights to weekend trips to sports tournaments.For more information, please click here.

Q: Is there anyone available to assist me with finding suitable accommodation?

A: There definitely is. We sort out your accommodation plans before you even leave your home country. At most study destinations you can stay in both host family and in a student residence/dormitory. At each campus, we also have an accommodation officer to who you can turn to if you have any problems with your chosen accommodation option.

Q: Can you really guarantee that I get in to one of your partner institutions when I have finished my EF Brittin College program?

A: Yes. EF Brittin College has developed close relationships with over 120 partner institutions worldwide. We screen all applicants beforehand to make sure we design a study path that guarantees placement into one of these partner institutions upon successful completion of the Brittin College Program. To successfully complete the programs, you need at least 80% attendance rate (some destinations and programs require 90%) and get an overall pass grademost often also receive a certain score on the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Q: What do I need to submit to apply?

A: Our Academic advisers will guide you through the whole process. In general, we want to you to provide us with:

• completed application form
• transcripts
• proof of English level (IELTS, TOEFL or FREE EF Brittin College test)
• references (normally from high school, university and/or employer)
• statement of purpose

Q: I have more questions/ I'm ready to enroll. How do I contact EF Brittin College?

A: Click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!