How do I apply for a Student Visa?
If you are overseas student residing in the UK then please refer to the UKBA website http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/. You will need to complete an application form and you need to submit supporting documents. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The College will guide you in your student visa application in the UK. If you need specific advice, contact your local British Council or High Commission or local agents. You should also include the CAS letter provided by the college as proof of acceptance/enrolment at South London College along with your financial documents to support your visa application.
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 South London College. Also, you must be able to pay your tuition fees and you must show that you have enough money to cover your monthly living cost including your accommodation without receiving public funds when you submit your application. It will also be important to prove that you intend to leave the United Kingdom upon completion of your studies.
Do I need to have an IELTS or a TOEFL English Test?
Yes. You must demonstrate an English Language competency for you to qualify for a course of study at South London College. The English Language competency requirements are detailed as follows: For all the Courses Students must demonstrate an English Language competency. Applicant taking the courses below Level 6 must have B1 Level Equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in each band and Applicant Taking Courses at Level 6 and above need to have B2 Level Equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in each band. The Different English Test that a student can take is listed in the UKBA Website. Please visit this Link http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf. The most Popular Test are IELTS, TOEFL, PEARSON, TOEIC and Cambridge ESOL. Please also note that applicant needs to meet the College requirement of English language as well. Please check the course requirement in the website for the further Details. The College may conduct the sky Interview to prove the eligibility of the English Test if there is any doubt. You will be exempted from English Language Test if you are a national of the following Countries. Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United States of America.
What are the Academic Requirements?
Applicants for a course of study at South London College are assessed on an individual case by case basis. We may also consider your work experience in the related fields. Please also check the entry requirements of the specific course you are interested in.
What is the application process? (Overseas Student)
You can apply online on our website. Alternatively, you can complete an application form and return it to the college along with transcripts of results from any school or college or University you have attended, passport copies and bank statements. English translations must be provided where necessary and all documents should be notarised. An application may be assessed using the faxed copies or the photocopies of any of the above documents. Successful applicants will be sent the conditional offer letter by e-mail /letter to confirm that the student qualifies for the course applied for within 48 Hours.
Students applying from abroad: If you have applied online, once you receive a Conditional Offer email from us you need to send the minimum required tuition fees deposit as stated on the offer letter and all of the above mentioned documents in order to get a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) or Acceptance letter for your visa application. The College bank account details, fees & refund policy and relevant information about visa application, are provided on the offer letter/email. The student uses the CAS Letter to apply for a student visa/entry clearance. Once the Student Visa has been approved, the student should notify the college of such fact by sending the copy of the visa.
Is there any registration fee?
You will need to register with your relevant awarding or examining bodies. If you are doing courses awarded by professional bodies such as ABE, BCS etc then there will be additional registration and examination fees. You need to pay directly to them when you register with your respective awarding bodies and when you register to take your exams. .
What accommodation is available?
South London College has teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide an affordable accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged temporarily for the first 1 month. You are required to pay at least £350.00 for single room (one week of rent is non-refundable) as a deposit for this facility.
More information is available on the Accommodation page
Will I be picked up from airport upon my arrival?
Yes. But you need to confirm by completing the Airport pick up form at least two week prior to the date of your departure. You also need to provide the requested information such as flight no, airport name, terminal number and time of landing among others. You may pay £70.00 to £80.00 for airport pick up either in advance to the college or to the driver on same day. It is recommended to carry the cash to pay for the Taxi fare to the driver. If you do not turn up after booking the airport pickup or you will opt for another mode of transportation after arriving at the airport then you will still be liable to pay airport pickup charge. If the driver has to wait longer than the normal waiting hours because your flight is delayed or you’ll extra time at the Immigration then you will also be liable to pay for the waiting charge. Therefore, please call the mobile number given on the form when your flight is delayed or is cancelled to minimise extra cost.
Do I need Private Medical Insurance?
Medical Insurance is not a requirement for the Student Visa Application in the UK. However, you are strongly advised to take insurance which covers repatriation in the event of serious medical issues or death. You may also take cover on your loss for the college fees you paid in case you will return to your home country without completing your course because family emergency.
What is the closing date for Applications?
Applications may be accepted up to the start date of the course for UK based students. For those applying from outside the UK, please allow sufficient time for visa processing. We strongly advise to apply visa at least a month before the start date of the course. (Please check with the British Embassy/High Commission in your home country for the latest visa processing times).
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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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 www.londontransport.co.uk and 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;
Will my qualifications from South London College be recognised internationally?
Yes. Most of the certificates are awarded by world recognized bodies e.g., BCS, ABE, ABP, CITY and GUILDS, ILM, ITEC, ACCA, AIB.
What are the starting dates of the programme?
Generally, the starting dates are January, April, June/July and September /October of each year. Please check the course you are interested in.
Does South London College provide any scholarships?
Yes, From time to time, we introduce various scholarships to outstanding students It could be up to 50% scholarship. Please check notice board section and contact college to check if there are any schemes. 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.
Will college help me in extension of my visa?
Yes. The College endeavours to provide its students with academic progression once they finish their course of study at the College. If you have already been studying with us, you can apply for an extension of stay for further studies in the UK provided you are enrolled at the College on a full-time course and have satisfactory progress and attendance.
May I bring my spouse and children with me?
No, you cannot bring any dependent since July 2011 unless you are studying Level 7 course at the University.
What if I invite any family member or spouse while I am studying at South London College?
South London College provides you some assistance in lodging visa applications and helping the student. We also will assist you if you want to invite someone to your Graduation ceremony.
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 public funds might have a detrimental effect on your future immigration prospects. Bank statements which clearly identify the holder together with a transaction and details of conversion rates at the approximate date of application are required.
How much is the estimated Living Expenses?
We advise our students that the cost of living for one year is approximately £7200 to £9,000. This includes accommodation, travel and exam fees. These prices are examples:
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 during the length of leave being granted to the employee. This must not differ from the stated duration of the course on which the Applicant has been accepted. In support of the application, the student must also indicate the purpose of participation in the proposed course of study, the applicant's level of pay and the currency it is 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.
Do I need to apply via UCAS?
No. Please apply directly to us.
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 also student in UK with student visa. However, the College has certain fee exemption schemes for students who are already residing in the UK on a student visa. Any other forms of permanent residency permit or non-student visa may be considered for Home Student status for the purpose of calculating their tuition fees. Please contact the Admissions Department for further detail.
How will I pay the remaining fees?
Your CAS letter clearly states the fees that must to be paid upon arrival. The College will set up an instalment plan for the remaining next year tuition fees.
If your course duration is 2 years then the first instalment will start after 6 months from the course commencement date. Remaining fee is payable in advance within 12 months from the course commencement date in three instalments.
If your course duration is 1 year then you are normally required to pay full fee in advance. In exceptional case if your instalments plan is granted then the first instalment will start after 3 months from the course commencement date.
Remaining fee is payable in advance within 6 months from course commencement date in two instalments.
