NWC London: FAQ

Representatives

FAQ:

The following information is a guideline only and not intended to be wholly relied upon.

1. How do I apply for a Student Visa?
2. How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to study?
3. Do I need to have an IELTS or a TOEFL English Test?
4. What are the Academic Requirements?
5. What is the application process?
6. Is there any registration fee?
7. What accommodation is available?
8. Do I need Private Medical Insurance?
9. What is the closing date for Applications?
10. Am I allowed to work in the UK while I am studying at North West College London?
11. Do you offer any preparation programmes?
12. What do I need to know before travelling to the UK?
13. Will my qualifications from North West College London be recognised internationally?
14. What are the starting dates of the programme?
15. Does North West College London provide any scholarships?
16. Will college help me in extension of my visa?
17. May I bring my spouse and children with me?
18. Is my spouse allowed to work?
19. What if I invite any family member or wife while I am studying at North West College London?
20. How much money do I need to show to the British Embassy/ High-Commission?
21. How much is the estimated Living Expenses?
22. What do I take into consideration when applying for a student visa?
23. Do I need to apply via UCAS?
24. Do I have to pay home or overseas student fees?

1. How do I apply for a Student Visa?

If you are overseas student, you should contact the British High Commission or Embassy in your country. If you are in the UK, you may contact the Home Office. You will need to complete an application form and perhaps other documentation. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The College will assist you in applying your student visa in the UK. If you need specific advice, contact your local British Council or High Commission. You should also include the documents provided by the college as proof of acceptance/enrolment at North West College London.

2. How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to study?

You must show that you have been accepted for a FULL-TIME course of study at North West College London. Also, you must be able to pay your tuition fees; accommodate yourself and any dependants without receiving public funds and intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies.

3. Do I need to have an IELTS or a TOEFL English Test?

Students must demonstrate an English Language competency. Applicants who did not have English as the formal language of instruction are expected to demonstrate a reasonable command of the language by taking a TOEFL or an IELTS test (for a TOEFL a score of 500+ & written test score of 4.0+ in conventional is required; or a score of 200+ is required for a computer based TOEFL test; for an IELTS test a score 5.5+ is required). Applicants who don't have the TOEFL or IELTS can undertake intensive Pre-course English Language at College. Please click here to find more about this course.

4. What are the Academic Requirements?

Applicants to North West College London are assessed on an individual case by case basis - provided they have completed their A-Level or equivalent overseas qualifications. We may also consider your work experience in the related fields. Please also check the entry requirements of the course you are interested in.

5. What is the application process? (Overseas Student)

You can apply online on our website. Alternatively, an application form should be completed and returned to the college along with transcripts of results from any school or college or University students have attended. English translations must be provided and all documents should be notarised. An application may be assessed using faxed copies or photocopies of any of the above. Successful applicants may firstly be sent the conditional offer letter by e-mail or fax to confirm that the student is satisfied with all information within 1-3 weeks.

Students applying from abroad: If you have applied online, once you receive offer email from us you need to send half of the tuition fees and all above mentioned documents in order to get acceptance letter for your visa purpose. This acceptance letter will also provide information about fees, refund policy and visa application. Bank account details are provided with the offer letter/email. The student uses the Acceptance Letter to apply for a student visa/entry clearance. Once the Student Visa has been approved, the student should notify the college of arrival details. This should be sent at least two weeks prior to arrival in the UK in order that the accommodation and airport transportation can be arranged.

6. Is there any registration fee?

No

7. What accommodation is available?

North West College London has teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide an affordable accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged temporarily for the first 2 weeks and confirmation of accommodation can be sent for visa application support. You are required to pay at least £320 (£80 non-refundable) as a deposit for this facility. Once you are in the UK, we will help you find the permanent accommodation.

8. Do I need Private Medical Insurance?

Medical Insurance is not a requirement for the Student Visa in the UK.

9. What is the closing date for Applications?

Applications may be accepted up to the start of the Academic Year. For those applying from outside the UK, please allow sufficient time for visa processing (check with the British Embassy in your home country for the latest visa processing times).

10. Am I allowed to work in the UK while I am studying at North West College London?

You may usually take part-time or vacation work subject to the following conditions:

- You must not work for more than twenty hours per week during term time, except where your work placement is a necessary part of your studies with the agreement of your education institution.

- You must not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of service as a professional sports person or entertainer.

- You must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy.

You must check the terms of your Visa carefully as this may differ.

11. Do you offer any preparation programmes?

The transition from a foreign country to North West College London can be highly challenging particularly when those studies take place in English. North West College London recognises the need for helping international students to make this adjustment. We organise a preparation course in the months prior to the commencement of academic programmes to teach students the special skills they will need to study for any specific course in North West College London.

12. What do I need to know before travelling to the UK?

General Information about the UK

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London covers an area of over 600 square miles and has an ever-growing population, currently over 8 million people.

Throughout its history, Britain's own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times by those seeking asylum or choosing to emigrate here. London, especially, is home to many different nationalities which provides a fascinating variety of culture, food and entertainment.

Climate: The UK has a very varied climate. November to March are typically cold and wet with the possibility of snow on higher ground. Average temperatures are between 0º and 10º C (50º F). The temperature in summer (July and August) can reach up to 32º C (90º F).

More detailed information is available on the BBC (the national news service) www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Clothing: Whatever the time of year, it is best to have warm clothing with you. During the winter months, a warm waterproof coat is essential. If you plan to explore the UK during your vacations, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are travelling to the north of the UK.

Working/Opening Hours: Supermarkets are open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours a day.

In major cities such as London, there are many specialist shops selling a wide variety of food so you may still be able to cook up your favourite meal!

Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 (Monday to Saturday) with some shops opening later on certain days or open for a few hours on Sunday. In some smaller towns "half-day closing" occurs. On one day in the week most shops will close at lunchtime. This no longer happens in most larger stores and in cities. Offices hours tend to be 9:00 to 17:00. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30 (some Banks are opening on Saturday morning).

Public Holidays: There are 8 public holidays when colleges, offices and most shops will be closed.

New Year's Day - 1st January.

Good Friday and Easter Monday - this can occur between mid-March and the end of April.

Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May.

Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.

Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.

Christmas Day - 25th December.

Boxing Day - 26th December.

Health: If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitors visa to look at different colleges before applying, please remember to buy health insurance.

If you have come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK or are staying for more than six months, you may be able to obtain free medical or dental treatment under the NHS.

If you are a long-term student (12 months or more), it is advisable for you to register with a local Doctor. We can provide contact details for doctors in your area. You will need to contact the doctor to see if they are accepting new patients and you will normally need to have an appointment to provide basic information about your medical history.

You can get more information from the Department of Health:

Website: www.doh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7210 4850

E-mail: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk

Public Transport: In London there is an extensive public transport system - trains, buses, underground trains and light railway.

If you use a taxi in London, it is best to use the well-recognised London taxis known as "Black Cabs". They will usually provide a guide to the fare and operate under a proper license. However, public transport is much cheaper!

The Greater London area is divided into six travel zones. Zone 1 covers the main business and shopping districts in the centre of London. The College is located in Zone 2. This may sound complex but members of the college administration team will be happy to explain how the travel system works.

You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel cards which either give you access to the buses or to both buses and underground trains. For month travel cards, you will need a photocard and you can also apply for student discount rates.

Useful information about public transport in London can be found on http://www.londontransport.co.uk/ and http://www.thetube.com/

Outside of London public transport varies from area to area. Most major towns and cities are linked by railway. Cities will have regular bus services but smaller towns may not.

Internal flights also operate between major cities.

Social Customs and Leisure: British people are generally reserved and value their privacy. It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, whether male or female. Other physical contact is generally avoided with anyone other than family and close friends.

Good manners ("please" and "thank you") and personal hygiene are valued very highly.

With the wide variety of cultures in Britain, please use your common sense and try to respect all beliefs and customs.

Smoking is generally allowed in public places but restaurants and other public buildings may not allow it. Please respect this and refrain from smoking.

In London there is a wide range of activities available to suit all budgets, you can:

experience food, music and entertainment from many countries;

see a variety of sports in the city's large arenas (which also host musical events);

enjoy a range of world famous "West End" shows;

visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions to suit all tastes;

13. Will my qualifications from North West College London be recognised internationally?

Yes. Most of the certificates are awarded by world recognized bodies e.g. University of London, BCS, ABE etc.

14. What are the starting dates of the programme?

Generally, the starting dates are January, April, June/July and September of each year. Please check the course you are interested in.

15. Does North West College London provide any scholarships?

Yes, North West College London provides special scholarships for deserving students normally not in the first year of study but from second year.

However, the UK government offers a limited number of Scholarships through the Chevening scheme - http://www.chevening.com/

A scholarship search is available through the British Council site - http://ukscholarshipsdatabase.britishcouncil.org/

Your own government may offer scholarships for international studies - contact your local British Council offices: www.britishcouncil.org/where/index.htm

16. Will college help me in extension of my visa?
Yes. If you have already been studying here you can apply for an extension of stay for further studies in the UK provided you are enrolled on a full-time course with the college.

17. May I bring my spouse and children with me?

Your spouse and any of your children under 18 may be able to apply to accompany you during your studies provided you can maintain and accommodate them adequately without recourse to public funds.

18. Is my spouse allowed to work?

Your spouse may be allowed to work if you were granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more. You must check the terms of your spouse's Visa carefully as this may differ.

19. What if I invite any family member or spouse while I am studying at North West College London?

North West College London provides you full assistance in lodging visa applications and helping the student. We also will assist you if you want to invite some one to your Graduation ceremony.

20. How much money do I need to show to the British Embassy/ High-Commission?

Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in the UK, including emergencies, without recourse to the public funds. This must cover the total tuition fee and the living expenses such as accommodation, food, travelling, clothing, etc. This is important as recourse to the public funds might have a detrimental effect on the person's future immigration prospects. Bank statements which clearly identify the holder together with a transaction and details of conversation rates at the approximate date of application are required.

21. How much is the estimated Living Expenses?

We advise our students that the cost of living for one year is approximately £6,000 to £9,000. This includes accommodation, travel and exam fees. These prices are an example:

Travel: as a student you will get discounted travel on London buses and the underground train system so (depending where you live) your month travel card will cost about £20 to £35.

Food: you would expect to pay about £20 / £30 per week on food for one person.

Exams: membership fees and exam entry fees for the first year are about £160.

Books: there is a recommended reading list for students. Tutors may also suggest additional books which may be helpful. We would suggest budgeting about £100 to £300. You also must buy your own stationery (pens, paper, etc).

Accommodation: We have teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide students with affordable accommodation. We can arrange host family accommodation for you at a cost of £60-£100 per week. Many of our students will do this as a short-term option and then arrange to share accommodation with fellow students (this usually works out a cheaper).

22. What do I take into consideration when applying for a student visa?

Applicants Profile

The applicant's profile should appear to match the course of studies proposed. The applicant's prospects of obtaining a visa are enhanced by the submission of verified details of their profile, including family background, history of study, employment in the related fields of the course, fees paid etc.

If the applicant is in employment the employer must state that all course costs are being met by the employer or a job guarantee letter on completion of the proposed course with a higher pay. If the employee is meeting the costs, the employer must state that in the opinion of the employer the employee has the financial resources to meet all such costs the length of leave being granted to the employee and this must not differ from the stated duration of the course on which the Applicant has been accepted the purpose of participation in the proposed course of study the applicant's level of pay and the currency its received in.

Consistency within application

None of the details within the application or its supporting documentation should be of a conflicting nature. e.g. the proposed length of stay on the application form should not conflict with the verified course acceptance. Change of status full details of course duration should be disclosed in the initial application in so far as they are known.

The following details must be supplied to allow the request to be considered and applications that do not supply all the required documents will be refused.

Itemised details of payment of relevant fees.

Details of the course of studies proposed

Accommodation arrangements

Evidence of financial self sufficiency.

A copy of the passport exhibiting the original visa must be lodged.

23. Do I need to apply via UCAS?

No. Please apply directly to us.

24. Do I have to pay home or overseas student fees?

If you need to apply for a student visa from abroad to study in the UK, you will be categorised as an overseas student and overseas fees will only apply to you for the first year of your study. However, the College has certain fee exemption schemes for students who are already residing in the UK on a student visa or other forms of permanent residency permit to be considered for Home Student status for the purpose of calculating their tuition fees. Please contact the Admissions Department for further detail.
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