Credits15 US / 30 ECTS

Duration1 Semester

Entry levelCEFR B1+–B2

Class sizeMax 12

TuitionContact admissions

Introduction

CertificateBCBT English Preparatory School Certificate

Target levelCEFR B2+ (academic English)

Delivered byBCBT, Brussels (in person)

The Advanced level is a one-semester programme for students aged 17 and above who are close to the English level required for their next programme (CEFR B1+–B2). It focuses on what higher education demands: extended essays and reports with referencing, seminars, presentations and debate, critical reading and research, subject English for business, computing and management, and full preparation for your external English test.

The programme has 5 modules worth 15 US credits / 30 ECTS in total, studied over one semester of 16 weeks (14 teaching weeks, midterm assessments worth one week (spread across the teaching period) and a final exam week). Classes are taught in person on our Brussels campus by native English-speaking instructors, in groups of at most 12 students, and combine daily seminars, interactive workshops, language-lab practice and cultural activities that help you settle into student life in Belgium.

Why choose this programme?

Start at the right level

A placement test at application places you at Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced, so you study only what you need. This level suits: students who are close to the required level and need one focused semester of advanced academic English.

Small classes, native-speaker instructors

Classes of at most 12 students, taught in person on our Brussels campus by experienced native English-speaking instructors.

English for study, not just for travel

Seminars, lectures, academic reading and writing, presentations and the English of business and technology prepare you for an English-taught programme.

A clear next step

Finish with an external English test (such as IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test) and continue to BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation or Level 4–6 qualifications, or to another English-taught programme.

Progression Prospects

BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation: Business or Level 3 Foundation: Computing, once you meet their English requirement (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent; 5.5 for Route A)
BCBT’s Level 4, 5 and 6 qualifications and other English-taught programmes, subject to each programme’s own entry requirements
If you are placed above your current level after a progress check, you can continue at Beginner or Intermediate

Credits express the programme’s study load (1 US credit is about 2 ECTS; 1 ECTS is 25–30 hours of study). The English Preparatory School is a non-degree preparatory programme and not an Ofqual-regulated qualification: recognition of its credits, and the English requirement for your next programme, are decided by each receiving institution, usually on the basis of an external English test.

What You'll Study

Semester (16 weeks) — Advanced Academic English

Academic Writing II: Essays, Reports and Referencing, Seminar, Presentation and Debate Skills, Critical Reading and Research Skills, English Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo), Subject English: Business, Computing and Management (15 US credits / 30 ECTS).

Full module-by-module detail is in the Curricula tab.

Admission Criteria

The English Preparatory School welcomes motivated students aged 17 and above who want to reach the English level needed for an English-taught qualification.

Entry Level

Indicative entry level for Advanced: CEFR B1+–B2 (around IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
Every applicant takes a placement test (online or on campus) that confirms the right level: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.
An existing English test result (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test or Cambridge) can be submitted to support your placement.

Additional Requirements

Minimum age of 17 at the start of the programme.
A completed application form submitted via the BCBT online portal.
A short statement of your study goals and the programme you plan to continue to.
If you intend to progress to a qualification afterwards, your secondary-school certificates, so that we can advise you on its entry requirements early.

Assessment & Progression

Every module is assessed continuously: weekly class tasks and a learning portfolio, a midterm progress check during the teaching weeks and an end-of-module assessment in the final exam week, with speaking assessments in the speaking modules. Results are reported as Pass, Merit or Distinction, together with the CEFR level reached in reading, writing, listening and speaking. At the end of the programme you receive the BCBT English Preparatory School Certificate, and you sit an external English test (such as IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test) to confirm that you meet the English requirement of your next programme.

Student Support

All English Preparatory School students are supported by: a Personal Tutor who reviews your progress and goals; language-lab access; Study Skills Support; Library and Digital Library access; guidance on choosing and applying for your next programme; IT Support; Disability Support Services; and Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.

Enrolment Procedures

Complete and submit the online application form, attaching your passport copy and any English test result you already have.

Take the placement test. The BCBT Admissions Office confirms your level (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced) and contacts you within 10 working days with an offer or a request for further information.

Accept your offer and pay the enrolment deposit to secure your place. You will receive a formal Enrolment Certificate by email.

Complete your registration at the BCBT campus before the start of the programme.

Enrolment Documents

Valid passport (copy of photo page)
Recent passport-size photograph (digital, within the last 6 months)
Placement test result, and any English test certificate you already hold
Secondary-school certificates and transcripts, if you plan to progress to a qualification
Proof of payment of enrolment deposit
Health insurance certificate (required prior to start date)

Semester (16 weeks) — Advanced Academic English

Code	Name	Category	Credits (US / ECTS)
EPY301	Academic Writing II: Essays, Reports and Referencing	Core	3 US / 6 ECTS
EPY302	Seminar, Presentation and Debate Skills	Core	3 US / 6 ECTS
EPY303	Critical Reading and Research Skills	Core	3 US / 6 ECTS
EPY304	English Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo)	Core	3 US / 6 ECTS
EPY305	Subject English: Business, Computing and Management	Core	3 US / 6 ECTS

Semester: 5 modules, 15 US credits / 30 ECTS.

Structure, module codes and credits as designed by BCBT for the English Preparatory School (October 2026). Modules are assessed continuously and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, with the CEFR level reached in each skill. Module details are subject to annual review.

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Key Facts

Level: Advanced (English Preparatory School)
Duration: 1 semester (16 weeks)
Credits: 15 US credits / 30 ECTS
Tuition: €5,500 (full programme)
Entry level: CEFR B1+–B2
Target level: CEFR B2+
Certificate: BCBT English Preparatory School Certificate
Delivered by: BCBT, Brussels
Language: English
Age: 17+
Class size: max 12 students
Campus: Brussels, Belgium (face-to-face)
Intakes: contact admissions
Fee: contact admissions

English Preparatory School

Progression

Continue to BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation or Level 4–6 qualifications once you meet their English requirement.

Qualifications

English Preparatory Year