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FAQs

 
How do I apply for a student visa to come to the UK?
 
London International College is licensed as a Sponsor under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Our License number is 9MMQPU824. For information on whether you can apply to enter or remain in the UK as an adult student under the Tier 4 (General) category of the Tier 4 points-based system, please visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/can-you-apply/
 
 
Will I be able to work in the UK?
 
How much should I budget for to cover my living expenses? 
 
  • Apart from tuition fees, students living in inner London should allocate a minimum of £800 per month to cover living expenses, such as accommodation, food, travel, books, etc.
English is not my first language. Do I need an English Language qualification?
  • Unless you have a recognised qualification, such as IELTS or TOEFL or have a pass mark in English at undergraduate degree level, we will make arrangement to interview you in English to evaluate whether your level of English is adequate for the programme for which you wish to apply. We undertake interviews in certain countries periodically or we may invite you to be interviewed via Skype at the office of one of our registered agents. If you are unable to make arrangements to present for interview we will require that you provide proof of English Language Proficiency by means of a recognised qualification. From 3 March 2010 students must demonstrate that they are at least Level B1 on the European Common Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Language.  
Apart from tuition fees, are there any other expenses?
  • Unlike some other colleges in the private sector, we do not make any charge for exams, or to join the library, the Student Union or use the computer facilities. We do make a small charge for letters, completion of Home Office forms and grade reports. In most cases, we do not charge for supplemental English classes.
I have been delayed and will not be able to join on time. What should I do?
  • If you are unable to join the programme in the term you have been accepted for, we can normally defer your enrolment until the next term. Please contact our Admissions Office to request this in advance. However, if you have arrived in the UK, you must come in to the College and enrol in time for the start of your course.
How do I apply for a refund?
 
Refunds will only be considered under the following circumstances:
 
The College will refund deposits (minus a 10% administrative fee) if the applicant is refused a UK student visa to enter or remain in the UK. You will need to provide a copy of the refusal from the British Embassy, copies of all pages of your passport and the original documents of admission issued by the College. A refund application form, available from the administration office must be completed by the applicant.
 
If the UKBA reports that fraudulent documents have been used in the visa application, the College reserves the right to refuse this refund.
 
Deposits will not be refunded under any other circumstances.
 
Course Fees
 
The College will refund course fees in full including any deposit paid if the course has been cancelled or changed significantly by the College.
Course fees will not be refunded under any other circumstances.
 
Payment of Refunds
 
If a payment is made by credit/debit card then the refund will be made directly back to the same credit/debit card.
All other refunds are payable by crossed cheque or bank transfer.
Cash refunds will not be made under any circumstances.
ENROLLED STUDENTS How do I open a bank account?
  • Once you have arrived at the College and have completed all the enrolment procedures, you will be given a letter confirming your name, UK and overseas addresses, as well as the dates of your course. You may then use this to apply to open an account at most high street banks. Our administrative staff will be able to advise you about this.
How do I find a doctor?
  • Overseas students who are following a programme of study in the United Kingdom of at least six months' duration are entitled to free care on the National Health Service (NHS). You must register with a Doctors' practice in the local area where you live. Practices are listed in the phone book or on the internet at http://www.nhs.uk. You can phone or visit a practice and ask if the doctor will accept you as an NHS patient.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
  • You do not have to pay Council Tax if you are following a full-time course for at least six months and sharing with other full-time students. Your council will send you a bill for council tax. When you receive this, go to the College administration office and ask for a letter request form. Tick the box for Council Tax letter and when you get the letter, send it to your council.
I need a letter. What do I do?
  • Go to reception and ask for a letter request form. Complete the form, pay the fee and hand to a member of staff. Please remember that a letter will take at least three working days to process; transcripts take at least five working days.
Can I use the Internet?
  • Yes! Internet use is free.
How do I register for classes?
  • Registration week is prior to the start of each term. You will be given an appointment time to meet with your advisor, who will help you choose appropriate classes for that term. Most students will take three courses during each term, with an examination at the end of each term.
How is my course assessed?
  • Most courses are assessed by a mixture of assignment, coursework and final examination. Attendance will also count towards the final mark.
Do I have to attend all my classes?
  • You are expected to attend all classes unless you are ill or have personal problems, such as a bereavement. Other factors, such as moving house, travel problems or getting up late will not be accepted as excuses! If you have a student visa, the UK Border Agency expects you to attend for at least 85% of the time.
I have failed a subject! What can I do?
  • There is the possibility to resit the exam when the subject is next available, usually within two or three terms. We may recommend that you retake the entire subject again.
What do I do if I am ill?
  • You must let us know on the first day of illness that you will not be attending. You must also give us a written note when you return to class. If you are ill for more than three consecutive days, you must provide a self-certificate, which is available from your doctor's surgery. Please remember that if you do not inform us of your illness at the time this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may affect your final grade and your attendance record with the Home Office. Please note that we cannot accept doctor's notes after a long period.
How do I apply for a visa extension?
  • Apply four to six weeks before your current visa runs out. You will need to complete a visa application form which are available in the administration office. Please note that we need at least seven working days to complete the section on attendance and issue a letter confirming your course details, so please leave plenty of time to apply. From 22 February 2010 students wishing to apply for Further Leave to Remain will require a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies). We reserve the right not to issue a CAS for extension of a student visa if the student has failed to make satisfactory progress on the course for reasons including, but not limited to, poor attendance, missing coursework, missing or deferring examinations. Each case will be judged on its merits.