ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

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How to Apply - ESOL Courses

When should I apply for an ESOL course?

Due to high demand our ESOL applications are now closed for August 2025 start courses.  We have limited places and we will only invite applicants to interview subject to places available.

You can apply for Community ESOL classes on the ESOL Register which can be a pathway into college.

Our admissions procedures aim to treat everyone who applies fairly. If you meet the entry qualifications for the course and we have places available, we will either invite you to an interview or make you a direct offer. You will find details of entry qualifications and selection criteria on the course information pages.

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What happens when I apply for an ESOL course?

You will be asked to complete a simple registration process to create your account. You will need a current email and we will use this to contact you throughout the admissions process. Please check your spam or junk email folders in case emails are there instead of your inbox. Please use your personal email and not another person’s email address.

Once you have set this up, you can:

  • Complete the application form.
  • View your course choices.
  • Book an interview.
  • Accept or decline any offers.
  • Enrol.

What questions will I be asked?

We will ask your residency status: Are you a UK national? How long have you lived in Scotland? Your residency status? If you are not a UK national you will be required to give proof of your right to study in the UK. This means uploading a copy of your home office documents, such as a biometric residency permit, EU shared code, and passport, that shows your residency status. If you need help, please contact Student Services.

If you would like to disclose any disability or long-term condition, support is available from the college Learning Support Team.  Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Learning Support team who will contact you to discuss support needs (if you have been made an offer).

You will also be asked about whether you are care experienced, or have responsibilities as a young carer.  Your answers are treated confidentially and will be shared with our Student Advisors who will provide a named advisor for you to contact for support.

Document upload: You can upload documents to support your application, such as residency documents and ESOL test scores.

What else should I know?

We only have a limited number of places on each course and we only make offers if there are still places available.  

Please bear this in mind.  We will progress your application in date order and as quickly as we can.

You can also apply for Community ESOL classes on the ESOL Register which can be a pathway into College.

What happens next?

If you get a place on your course, you should accept and enrol. If your course choice is full, we will let you know and put you on the waiting list.

Sometimes if a course is full, we may offer you a reserve place. This means that you are at the top of the list if someone else drops out.

So what should I do after receiving my offer?

Once you receive an offer, you must Accept or Decline within two weeks. If we do not hear from you, we will cancel the offer.

When you accept your definite offer, you can then enrol. You must enrol within 4 weeks of accepting your definite offer. If you do not enrol, we will cancel your offer.  Enrolments will be open from February.

Induction information will be sent to you 4-6 weeks before the course starts.

What if I change my mind?

If you no longer want your place or wish to change to another course area, contact us immediately. Please do not make any more applications — this may delay your progress.

How will I know if I am not successful?

If you do not meet the entry requirements for a course, we will let you know.  If you meet the entry requirements but do not receive any offers, we will also put you in touch with our Careers Advisors, who will advise you what to do next.

What if my course choices are full?

If your course choices are full, and you want to be considered for something else or need advice, please contact us.

Who should I speak to if I need further information on my application?

You can track the progress of your application by logging in to your MyApplications account.

If you have any questions, contact us at esolapplications@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk or call us on 0141 375 5193.

What if I want to make 2 choices?

You can add a 2nd choice to your application. Please note that if you add a 2nd choice, you will fill out the full application, including education and employment history, so we can assess your application against the course(s) minimum entry requirements.

What if I can't apply online?

We can help you complete an application once ESOL courses are open. Contact us esolapplications@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk for support.

Further Information

  • When applications open, Student Services staff are available to help you apply on the following days and times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10.00 - 11.30am and 2.00 - 3.30pm.
  • To find courses we offer, browse our course directory.
  • For further information on funding please visit our Funding Section.
  • For further information on learning support please visit our Learning Support Section.
  • Further information on Residency.
  • Information for EU students.
  • ESOL Glasgow Register - For further information on other ESOL courses in Glasgow.

Contact Us

Our Admissions team are available for drop-in at Student Services or you can get in touch with us by email or phone. We are open Monday- Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.