The British Council is offering free online Study UK courses for international students, graduates, and alumni. Explore three fully free programmes: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK, Managing Your Wellbeing, and Preparing for Work. Digital certificates available upon completion.
Overview
The British Council’s Study UK initiative has launched a suite of free online courses designed for international students preparing to study in the UK, adjusting to a new academic environment, or entering the global job market. Hosted on FutureLearn, these short, practical courses provide guidance on academic readiness, wellbeing, and career preparation. All courses include moderated discussions, expert insights, and a free digital certificate upon successful completion.
These programmes are accessible worldwide and remain available even after the courses close, ensuring long-term learning support for students, graduates, and alumni.
Course 1: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK
This four-week online course is tailored for international students who have received UK university offers or want to understand UK higher education before applying.
What the course covers
- Understanding UK teaching styles, assessments, and academic expectations
- Tips for studying confidently in English
- Practical guidance on accommodation, cultural norms, transport, and student life
- Information on academic and wellbeing support services available at UK universities
Upon completion, learners gain a strong foundation for academic success and cultural adjustment, while connecting with peers from around the world.
Course 2: Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK
Developed by Study UK and Newcastle University, this three-week course helps students understand and manage the challenges of studying in a new cultural and academic setting.
Key learning outcomes
- Strategies for navigating cultural transition and academic pressure
- Techniques for stress management and self-care
- Guidance on when and how to seek professional support
- Real-life insights from mental health specialists and international students
The course includes interactive sessions, videos, moderated discussions, and access to trained support facilitators.
Course 3: Preparing for Work
This three-week career-focused course is ideal for international final-year students, recent graduates, and alumni seeking to strengthen their employability worldwide.
Course features
- Communicating the value of UK education to employers
- Building a professional identity and understanding your strengths
- CV and cover-letter writing, interview preparation, and job search strategy
- Insights on navigating global and multicultural workplaces
- Practical career advice from alumni, employers, and career counsellors
Participants gain practical tools to compete confidently in the global job market.
Eligibility
The courses are open to:
- Prospective, current, and former international students
- Final-year students and recent graduates from any country
- Alumni seeking to advance their skills
- Anyone preparing for study, wellbeing management, or career development in the UK
No academic or language certificates are required.
Benefits
- 100% free online learning
- Digital certificate upon completion
- Flexible study schedule
- Access from anywhere in the world
- Moderated discussions with experts and peers
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Practical, real-world insights tailored to international students
How to Apply
- Visit the Study UK course pages on FutureLearn.
- Choose the course you want to join:
- Prepare to Study and Live in the UK
- Managing Your Wellbeing in the UK
- Preparing for Work
- Create a free FutureLearn account.
- Enrol and begin learning immediately.
Courses are free, and certificates are issued when all steps are completed.
Summary Table | Free British Council Online Courses for International Students 2025
| Course Title | Duration | Focus Area | Certificate | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare to Study and Live in the UK | 4 weeks | Academic readiness & UK transition | Yes | FutureLearn |
| Managing Your Wellbeing | 3 weeks | Wellbeing, mental health & cultural adaptation | Yes | FutureLearn |
| Preparing for Work | 3 weeks | Employability, CVs, interviews & workplace skills | Yes | FutureLearn |
Conclusion
The British Council’s free online Study UK courses offer high-quality preparation for international students looking to study, live, or work in the UK. Whether you want to understand UK academic culture, manage wellbeing effectively, or strengthen your employability, these courses provide valuable insights and practical guidance backed by trusted UK institutions.
Students, graduates, and alumni worldwide are encouraged to register early and begin preparing for a successful academic and professional journey.
