What is Online Business English?
Online business English is for professionals who need to communicate at work in English — meetings, emails, presentations, negotiations, technical conversations. UK schools that teach this online deliver the same syllabus their in-person business students follow, through live video lessons that fit around your job.
Courses to start with
See all 1About Online Business English
Every school listed here is accredited by the British Council, English UK or EAQUALS. That means qualified, business-experienced teachers and structured course outcomes — not generic ESL with a “business” label. Most courses include role-plays, written feedback on your real work emails or presentations, and end-of-course reports you can use with HR.
Need general fluency rather than a business focus? See all online English courses, or browse in-person business English. Many of these schools also run intensive business courses in London if you can travel.
Schools that teach it
Questions students ask
Who is online business English designed for?
Working professionals who use English at work or want to. Most students are already intermediate (B1) or above and want to communicate more confidently in international meetings, write clearer emails, present to clients, or lead negotiations. Some schools offer pre-business bridges for B1 students; others start at B2 or higher.
How is business English different from general English?
The vocabulary, scenarios and skills are work-focused. Lessons cover presentations, negotiations, telephone calls, financial language, project management, intercultural communication and CV/interview prep. Materials use real business case studies, articles from the FT or Economist, and your own work documents. Grammar is reviewed on demand rather than driven by a syllabus.
Are online business English courses taught one-to-one or in groups?
Both. Group courses (typically 4–8 students from different industries) are good for discussion, role-plays and exposure to different accents. One-to-one is tailored to your job — bring real work documents, focus on weak areas, and schedule around your meetings. One-to-one costs more but progresses faster.
Can I prepare for the BEC or LanguageCert Business exam online?
Yes. Several UK schools offer online preparation for the Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC) and LanguageCert Business exams — both formal qualifications recognised by employers. If you don’t need a certificate, most students opt for a flexible business English course without exam prep.
What level of English do I need to start?
Most online business English courses start at intermediate (B1) or upper-intermediate (B2). If you’re below B1, schools generally recommend a few weeks of online general English first. Send the school a quick message about your level and what you want to use English for — they’ll point you to the right course.
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