Pre-arrival Information | CELTA | St Clare's, Oxford

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PRE-ARRIVAL 
INFORMATION

We look forward to welcoming you to St Clare’s and supporting your continued professional development.

Visas

We welcome CELTA candidates from all over the world, and if a visa is needed, we can guide and support you through the application process.

It is easy to check if you need a visa on the UK Government website.

St Clare’s, Oxford is a licensed education sponsor, and we can issue you with the documents to support your visa application, such as a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS).

Visa types may vary according to your individual circumstances.  If you are unsure, please go to UK Government Visa and Immigration or contact us.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Applicants who plan to study for short-term courses of six months or less and from countries that don’t require a standard visitor visa for the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

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You must provide a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK.

You may also be asked to prove that:

  • you’ve been accepted on to a course by an accredited institution, for example, a letter of acceptance on official headed paper stating the course name, duration and cost
  • you’re able to support yourself during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
  • you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else)
  • you’ve arranged accommodation for your stay
  • you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit

Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

It is quick and simple to apply for an ETA. It permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

To apply for an ETA, you need to:

  1. Pay a fee
  2. Provide contact and passport details
  3. Provide a valid photo, complying with rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
  4. Answer a set of questions

You usually get a decision within 3 working days but may get a quicker decision if you use the UK ETA app, download here for Apple or Android.

You must travel using the same passport used when you applied for an ETA.

To check if you need a visa or ETA please click here.

For more information about the ETA and instructions on applying please click here.

Transfers

We offer private transfer service by car from all the major London airports, train or bus stations. Our airport transfer prices are given as a guide below.

Airport Transfers

From/ToNumber of PassengersCost (one way)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)1-3 passengers£198
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)1-3 passengers£252
London luton Airport (LTN)1-3 passengers£222
London Stanstead Airport (STN)1-3 passengers£276
Birmingham Aiport (BHX)1-3 passengers£246
London City Airport (LCY)1-3 passengers£300
Southampton (SOU)1-3 passengers£258

Other Transfers

From/ToNumber of PassengersCost (one way)
St Pancras Railway Station1-3 passengers£300
Central London1-3 passengers£276

*Prices are valid from October 2025 and are reviewed on a regular basis.

Reduced transfer prices apply only when two or three students travel together on the same flight and are booked at the same time in advance. Our dedicated taxi company has the right to group students in the same car without a reduction in the price.

To book a transfer, please email us.

Alternative Travel Options

The Oxford Bus Company runs an excellent bus service between Oxford and Gatwick and Oxford and Heathrow. Please take a look at the most recent timetables and routes. Bus companies also operate between Oxford and Luton and Oxford and Stansted.

If you prefer to travel by train please look at the National Rail website for timetables and prices.