English UK continues to support EC students
After helping all 328 students who were studying at EC in the UK when it closed to find replacement courses at new centres, English UK is now focusing on those with bookings for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
Supporting students with future bookings
We have heard from more than half of the 72 students who had paid some or all of their fees to EC for a course, and work to place them is ongoing. Some students have also made their own arrangements with the help of their agents.
We are grateful to colleagues at EC Malta for contacting students and agents to let them know that support is available, and to the 70 English UK member centres that have offered to help.
What happens to tuition fees?
Where possible, we have asked accredited English language centres to provide the course length and weekly hours that students had already paid for through EC, without charging them again.
If a student made only a part-payment to EC, they or their agent may need to make an additional payment to their new centre.
Students who have not paid EC in full
Some students had paid only a small deposit to EC, and many have already chosen new programmes. For those who have not, we are sharing details of the 70 English UK member centres that have offered to help, so students and their agents can choose the option that best meets their needs.
Students who do not need a free or partially free replacement course can also use the member directory and course finder on the English UK website.
Accommodation and other services
We are also helping students understand what they may need to arrange alongside their new course, including accommodation and other services.
We can put students who need homestay accommodation in touch with providers to discuss the options available.
For other accommodation, such as student residences, we recommend speaking to the new centre about the options and any additional services needed.
Strengthening the Student Emergency Support scheme
The support offered by English UK members has made an immediate difference to students affected by the closure of EC English. It has also underlined the importance of strengthening the safety net available when an accredited UK ELT centre closes. English UK has already committed in its strategy to 2030 to reforming the Student Emergency Support (SES) scheme, with the aim of providing stronger protection for affected students.
We want to build on the scheme so that it provides better protection for students' money, as well as greater reassurance for students, agents and partners. We are looking at a range of options and talking to the wider sector about how a strengthened SES could work on a financially sustainable basis.
Previous updates on EC English
If you are an agent or student with a future EC English booking for 2026 or 2027 and have not yet contacted English UK, please email membership@englishuk.com as soon as possible. Our team is here to help.
previous entry <<
