International students

With many of our degree students coming from overseas, we welcome applications from those educated in other countries and aim to give you all the help and advice you need to settle in and adapt to life and study in the UK.

Induction

We hold a welcome/induction event at the start of the academic year to give you the opportunity to find out about College life, get information about immigration, working while studying, as well as how to open a bank account and more. You’ll also get to meet other students so you can build up a network of contacts and settle in academically and socially. We can even match you with a “buddy” to help you.

English language requirements

All learners are expected to be able to understand and express themselves in written and spoken English. For entry to our degree courses validated by the University of Essex, you must meet the following standards:

First year direct entry:

• IELTS (Academic Version) 6.0
• TOEFL (paper-based test) 540, 76 on IBT

Second year direct entry:

• IELTS (Academic Version) 6.5
• TOEFL (paper-based test) 600, 100 on IBT

We also accept other English language assessment tests including:

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English – Grade B
• Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) – 3
• GCE O-level or GCSE English Language or Use of English – Grade C
• Hong Kong Certificate of English Education – 3
• International Baccalaureate English B Syllabus (Standard Level) – 4

The University will not accept learners on undergraduate degrees who do not meet these standards.

Tuition fees and finances

As an international applicant you will be asked to produce evidence of your ability to pay tuition fees and to cover living expenses during your degree, either by means of a government scholarship, other award or private funds.

Immigration and visas

If you are not a UK or EU citizen you will need a student visa to study inthe UK.  Tier 4 of the UK Points Based Immigration System (PBIS) you must achieve a minimum number of points required to obtain a visa and show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies.

The College will produce a Confirmation of Studies (CAS) reference number for each applicant who accepts their unconditional offer and requests sponsorship. This contributes to the overall number of points needed to obtain the visa.

For more information about visas and immigration, see the UK Border Agency website.

The United Kingdom Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also provides some detailed guidance on immigration matters and visa applications.

You can also phone the UKCISA advice line Monday to Friday (13:00 - 16:00 UK time):

Outside the UK: +44 20 7107 9922
Within the UK: 020 7107 9922