OVERSEAS STUDENT FACTSHEET 2002-03 - Study in the UK

TAMESIDE COLLEGE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011-2012
Sponsor Licence Number: QD5XDMBM0 – Tier 4 General Student
Please note: All courses applied for must be full time – which means 16-20 hours study per
week
Who is regarded as an international student
If you live in a country outside the European Economic Areas [EEA], whatever your nationality, or have lived in the EEA
for less than three years, you could be considered as an international student. If you wish to check your status before
applying you can contact the International Admissions Officer for advice –Selina Wernham 0161 908 6701
selina.wernham@tameside.ac.uk OR Marian Quarmby 0161 908 6648 marian.quarmby@tameside.ac.uk
Tier 4 Educational Applications:
All international students should “self-assess” your points score before making an application for a visa. This can be done
using the UK Border Agency’s website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
How do I apply for a full-time study course
For full-time Higher Education [HE] courses the Higher National Diploma [HND] and Foundation Degree courses, you
should submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service [UCAS] Tameside
College’s code is T10. The UCAS contact details appear in our HE Prospectus [www.ucas.ac.uk]. You should follow
the ‘how to apply’ guide.
a. a Personal Statement;
b. a certified copy of an academic transcript, showing grades [translated into English]; quote length/period of study and
mode of study which make up the study for the qualification [with dates];
c. a photocopy of your English Language certificate [see below ‘What level of English Language will I need for my
studies’];
d. a certified College Tutor/ Employer reference[s];
e. an original sponsor affidavit, from the person or organisation declaring to pay full course tuition fees on your behalf;
and
f. a copy of your Passport picture page and UK Visa Clearance page if already obtained.
g. copies of relevant bank evidence (that will support your Visa application)
What level of English Language will I need for my studies
All courses are taught and assessed in English. International Students must have an adequate knowledge of written and
spoken English, and be able to provide evidence of English proficiency at the time of application. The following
qualifications will fulfil our minimum requirements. Information about English Language tests will normally be
available from your British Council office. Applications will not be accepted without evidence of a Secure English
Language Test (SELTS) as directed by the UK Border Agency guidelines – see link below for further information:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf
For Example: The College will accept The International English Language Test Service [IELTS] test
administered worldwide by the British Council: an overall score of not less than 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in any band
[www.ielts.org]; which is equivalent to B2
What are the course entry requirements
The course entry requirements vary between selected courses and so you are asked to contact the International Office for
further details. In addition to the International Office, Admissions Tutors will check applicants meet course entry
requirements including English, Maths, knowledge of the subject[s]/course chosen and an appropriate portfolio. For
general advice about recognition of international qualifications for admission to Higher Education courses you can refer
to The British Council, UCAS or the International Administration Officer within Tameside College.
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As I live overseas I am unable to come for an interview, what happens
For some courses your application can still be considered but you must include the appropriate supporting information as
indicated above to avoid delays in course offers. Both the International Officer and the Course Admissions Tutor will
consider all the information you provide including both your actual qualification grades and predicted grades if you are
still studying, or waiting for confirmation of results. You will have to undergo an examination by the College to ensure
your skills (English, Maths and IT) are at the right level for your choice of course.
Once the tutor has considered your qualifications and application form they will then make a decision. If successful, an
Offer of Acceptance letter will be sent to you, confirming course details and deposit required. Once the deposit is
received by the College a CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) will then be issued.
What are the course fees
Course fees are from £4,500 to £5,500 per year and must be paid in full before each academic year starts. Fee’s are
subject to change and vary on level of the course selected.
When are course fees due
If we confirm a course offer to you, we will require you to pay a £2,500 deposit in sterling to Tameside College.
Payments can be made through the Bankers Automated Clearing System [BACS], or other methods agreeable to the
Finance Office. The balance of your annual course fee is required by a single payment when you enrol on to the course
in September.
Is the advance deposit/course fee refundable
If you are unable to obtain UK Student Study Visa Clearance, the advance deposit/course fee is refundable without
interest. However, an administrative charge of £200 will be deducted.
Maintenance cost whilst studying
10 points are scored for maintenance, and for this you will need to show to the UK Border Agency that you have enough
money to cover the course fees and monthly living cost (known as maintenance funds) You must show that you have held
this money for AT LEAST 28 days, and at the end of that 28 day period must not be more than ONE MONTH before the
date of the application. To prove you have the money, you can show cash in an account, including a joint bank account,
loan, or official financial or government sponsorship. When calculating overseas money, UK Border Agency expects
students to show the closing balance in pounds sterling.
Where do I get information about applying for a Student Study Visa
The Council for International Education website is regularly updated and includes useful information on immigration,
financial and study related matters: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and from the British High Commission in your home
country. You should apply for your Visa in good time before the commencement date of you course.
How will I complete enrolment on arrival into the UK
When you arrive in the UK you are required to attend the College as soon as possible to complete the enrolment process
for your selected course – at which point full course fees will be required. Enrolment can only take place if you provide
your passport and a valid visa and original documents you supplied to us on applying; these will be thoroughly checked
and photocopied for the College’s records and compliance with the rules and regulations of the UK Border Agency.
Please note that failing to provide your passport and visa will mean that the College can not enrol you on your course
and the UK Border Agency will be notified.
In addition, failure to attend the College at the appointed enrolment time will result the UK Border Agency being
notified.
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