Guide for international students by Leicester College

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leicestercollege.ac.uk

are many students here “ There from all parts of the world, which is great for me. I’ve now got friends from Russia, France, India and many other countries. don’t think I would have “ Ihad this opportunity if I had stayed in Hong Kong. ”

Ching Wai (Nicole) from Hong Kong Access to Higher Education Diploma Business

CONTENTS Welcome to Leicester Living in Leicester Choosing your Course How to Apply to Leicester College Applying for a Visa Opening a Bank Account Accommodation Cost of Study Support Services Student Life Frequently Asked Questions IELTS – Your local IELTS Test Centre International Foundation Programmes How to Get Here Useful Websites

4 6 9 11 13 15 16 17 18 21 23 25 27 28 31

This publication is available in accessible formats eg large print, Braille and audio. In addition, the College can help with the translation and understanding of the information contained in this publication upon request. Please call our International Office on 0116 224 2240. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that all of the information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of printing, Leicester College is continually evaluating its services to meet the needs of its students. As a consequence, courses, fees, timings, resources and facilities may be subject to change without prior notice.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or Email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

WELCOME TO LEICESTER Welcome to Leicester College, one of the largest and most successful Further Education colleges in the UK. We offer an impressive range of qualifications and courses from entry level right up to university level qualifications. Our recent Ofsted inspection found that the College is “outstanding at meeting the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.” We understand the prospect of leaving your home country to travel abroad to the UK can be both exciting and a little daunting, and we are here to provide you with as much information and assistance as you need.

Our links with universities both here in Leicester and around the UK means we can support your learning now and in the future. We are only a phone call or email away and can answer any questions you may have, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. I look forward to seeing you at Leicester College in the near future.

Our dedicated International Office will help you identify the right course for you, help you apply for that course and will then support you during your time studying with Leicester College. They can advise you on: • information on the courses available • applying to study at the College • the cost of paying for your course • visas and immigration • finding somewhere to live • opening a bank account.

Verity Hancock, Principal

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

LIVING IN LEICESTER

It has been an incredible couple of years for Leicester, with our famous residents occupying national headlines and the media spotlight. From the moment Leicester based Sam Bailey won the X Factor crown in 2013, to our pride at being the home of the reigning World Snooker Champion, Mark Selby – Leicester has become a focal point of nurturing world class talent. Leicester College has joined in and celebrated the national successes of our famous alumni, most recently supporting Molly Smitten-Downes during the Eurovision Song Contest, and cheering along singer songwriter James Byron when he competed in national music contest The Voice.

A cultural player

Recent investment means Leicester is now a real cultural player. The city holds the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India and has more than 240 places of worship. The iconic Curve theatre is a truly world-class venue for the performing arts whilst, Phoenix Square, a stunning state-of-the-art film and digital media centre, has also opened in the last few years. Also of note is the National Space Centre, where you can have a truly “out-of-this-world” experience. The city’s music and club scene is also thriving. Venues on the national gigging circuit include The Shed, Musician and De Montfort Hall. Leicester College also supports local culture with its 250-seat city centre college theatre which is not only used as a venue for our own performing arts training but also as a live music venue.

Shop until you drop

Leicester is now rivalling the traditional powerhouses of Nottingham and Birmingham as a shopping destination. Our Highcross shopping centre has 120 high profile shops including John Lewis, Next, Hugo Boss, Apple, Debenhams and House of Fraser. There’s more to the retail quarter than Highcross, with a pedestrianised centre packed with high street stores, plenty of independent shops in The Lanes and of course, Leicester’s famed covered market which is the largest in Europe. In addition, on the outskirts of the city is Fosse Park, a major retail park. The Golden Mile is a stretch of the Belgrave Road which was described as “the closest that Britain comes to an Indian bazaar” by the Daily Telegraph. It is renowned for its authentic Indian restaurants, sari shops and jewellery.

Location, Location, Location

Leicester is very much at the heart of the country with excellent links to all parts of the UK. London St Pancras International is just 70 minutes away by train – and a quick change at St Pancras onto the Eurostar means you could be in the centre of Paris in just over four hours. East Midlands Airport is 30 minutes away by car, and the M1 and M69 motorways mean road travel to and from the city is quick and easy.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

course is really “ The hands on, I’m learning something new every day and being here at Leicester College is a real world experience for me. I’m enjoying every minute of it and I know my qualification will help me in the future.

”

Nathaniel Francis from South Africa Foundation Degree in Footwear

CHOOSING YOUR COURSE Choosing your course

When viewing potential courses it is essential to make an informed choice when you are deciding which course to study, so thorough research is important. When choosing a course it is important to think about the careers you would like to pursue upon successful completion. Some employers look for specific qualifications and some will look to employ students from courses that are formally accredited by the relevant professional bodies. You will need to assess yourself as well as the courses on offer, seeking guidance where needed from the appropriate professionals. Hence we advise you to look at the Prepare for Success website to find out about the study methods and techniques used in the UK. www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk

English Language courses

We offer various levels of English Language courses to help you improve your language skills for speaking, writing and reading, or to improve these skills to prepare you for further studies. If you are applying for the TIER 4 General Student Visa you can only study on the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To study at this level you must send us the result of one of the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) approved English language tests. This result should meet the required grades in each module such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. To find out more about the approved tests, grades and levels of the course please log on to: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/knowledge-of-english

Please note that if you do decide to change your course after your arrival in the UK we will do our best to accommodate you on your new course but sometimes it may not be possible due to different entry requirements. Therefore it’s imperative that you select the right course from the start.

If you do not have this qualification, you can apply for a “student visitor visa” to study on lower levels of the English language course. Please note that the maximum length of the Student Visitor Visa to study on the English language course is 11 months.

To view all the courses we offer please visit www.leicestercollege.ac.uk

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

HOW TO APPLY TO LEICESTER COLLEGE Leicester College is approved by the United KingdomVisa and Immigration (UKVI) as a Highly Trusted Sponsor. This allows us to offer courses at NQF level 3 and higher to international students aged 18 or over. If you are aged 16 to 17 you can apply for any level course. Please make sure that you send the following: • a completed Application Form, • copies of your educational certificates (foreign qualification must be translated and certified in English by an authorised translator) • a copy of your passport including a copy of your current visa if you are already in the UK • a copy of your approved English Language test We require all results to be of a minimum between B2 – C1 level. You can check this on https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Leicester College Application Form

since moving here “ II feel have really grown and matured as a person. I enjoy the multicultural environment Leicester College and the city offers. All services are really close and concentrated in Leicester and it’s a great place to study.

”

Veronika Khanova , from Russia International Foundation Programme in Business

Apply from January onwards You can apply by downloading and completing an application form or by calling the international office on +44 (0)116 224 4111 or email internationaloffice@ leicestercollege.ac.uk

In addition to this you may also send us any supportive letters/certificates from your school/ college or employer regarding your work experience in support of your application. All of this information should be in English. Art and Design, Artistic Make-up, Fashion, or Media courses. You will also be required to send us any portfolios or evidence of your coursework.

If you are successful in gaining a place we will send you

Leicester College “Conditional Offer” Letter

Leicester College Financial Guarantee Form

Reply Slip

o confirm your acceptance T you must return the completed reply slip and the financial guarantee form along with the deposit of £1,500 (minimum). Any remainder is payable at enrolment in September.

UCAS Application Form

If you are applying for a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Diploma course you should complete a UCAS application form. To find out more log on to www.ucas.com Once you meet all your conditions we will make your offer “unconditional” and apply to the UK Border Agency for your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number. This will be sent to you either by post or email. The CAS is only valid for six months. According to immigration rules you can only apply for your visa three months before the start of your course. Apply for your Visa

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

APPLYING FOR A VISA According to Immigration Rules, if you are a nonEU national intending to study in the UK, you must apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa or entry clearance in your home country. The type of visa you can apply for depends on your age, level and length of the course. Please note that Leicester College is a Further Education institute and is a Highly Trusted Sponsor on the UK Visa and Immigration Register of Sponsors therefore we are able to offer courses at NQF level 3 and above. Before applying for a visa, please visit this website for further information: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Student or Child Visitor Visa

Student Visitor Visa

Medical Check up

In some countries it is a requirement to provide a medical certificate confirming that you are clear of Tuberculosis before travelling to the UK. Please check on the UKBA’s website for up to date information on this: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/apply Please note that from 2014 international students are no longer eligible for free National Health Services for health care. You may have to pay £150 per year of your course in addition to visa fees when you are applying for Tier 4 visa. Please check with the British Embassy in your country.

Child Visitor Visa

If you wish to study on general short courses for up to six months You are not permitted to work while studying on this visa.

Schengen Visa Tier 4 Student Visa (General) or (Child)

Tier 4 Student Visa (General)

Tier 4 Student Visa (Child)

If the course is full time (minimum 15 hours per week) and for longer than six months. This allows you to work 10 hours during termtime and full time in the holidays.

If the course is full time (minimum 15 hours per week) and for longer than six months. This allows you to work 10 hours per week during term-time and full time in the holidays.

(General) 18+ You will be able to extend this visa in the UK if there’s only 28 days gap between your visa expiry date and the beginning of the new course date. To apply for this type of visa you need a CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This is given to you by the College once you have been accepted on the course and paid your deposit.

(Child) 16 or 17 If you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to study on a course below NQF level 3 you must apply for this type of visa but if your course is at NQF Level 3 or higher you can apply for TIER 4 General student visa. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/child-study-visa

Schengen Visa

If you are planning to visit other European Economic area (EEA) countries during your studies and are a national of a non-EEA country.

Student 18+ You will not be able to extend this visa in the UK if you wish to continue with your studies. You will have to leave the UK and apply for the TIER 4 Student (General) visa in your own country to return. To find out more visit https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

Child 16 or 17 For students under 18 years old it is mandatory to have a legal guardian in the UK who would be responsible for your general welfare whilst you study here. You also need your parent’s/legal guardian’s permission to study in the UK. This type of visa is only valid for short term and can not be extended in the UK. To find out more visit www.gov.uk/child-visit-visa

Schengen Visa Under this scheme you only need to apply to one consulate or embassy of member states, and you would be able to visit other member countries. You should apply to the consulate/embassy of the country where you plan to spend most of your time or where you will go first. To find out more information please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk The following EEA countries are taking part in this scheme: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany

Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta The Netherlands Norway

Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland. United Kingdom

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

is not my “ AsfirstEnglish language, if I don’t understand something I can always ask for extra support. The tutors are always willing to help. I feel like I have a family here.

”

Haseeb Ashraf from Pakistan BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT It is recommended that you open a bank account in your own country before travelling to the UK. Some major UK banks such as Barclays or HSBC have branches worldwide and if you have already opened an account with them in your country it will be easier for you to access their services here with an introduction letter from your home branch. You should speak to your bank in your own country to find out if they have any partnerships with any UK banks which allow you to use their banking services as soon as you arrive in the UK. If this is not possible, you can open an account with any major bank here, but they do not provide the same accounting facilities to International students as they do for home students. Also, you may have to pay monthly fees to the bank to open an account. If you are planning to open an account it is necessary to provide your passport for identification, a letter from the College to confirm your status, and evidence of your home address in your home country.

Cost of Living

In addition to your tuition fees you will need money to pay for your living expenses or maintenance costs such as food, accommodation, travel, TV Licence, medicines etc. whilst living in the UK. How much this is going to cost you depends on your lifestyle but according to the UK Visa and Immigration if you are living in Leicester the minimum cost is approximately £820 per month. When you are applying for your TIER 4 Student Visa you are required to provide financial evidence to prove that you have at least £7,380 (£820 x 9 = £7,380) to cover the first nine months of your stay. You may also want to take out “personal possession insurance” to cover the cost of your equipment or belongings in case of theft or accidental damage. Most insurance companies in the UK provide this type of insurance.

Sometimes it takes a few days to open a bank account so please make sure that you have sufficient funds to pay for food, travel and temporary accommodation etc. We strongly advise that you do not carry large amounts of cash. Instead we advise you to buy travellers cheques from your home country that can be cashed in the UK as and when required. To find out more visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

ACCOMMODATION We understand that it can be a daunting experience when you are coming to study in a foreign country, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. We therefore try to provide as much support as possible to make it a smooth transition for you. Please note that Leicester College does not own any accommodation but we will do our best to give you as much information and advice as possible to find a suitable place to live. International students who have applied through UCAS for a De Montfort University franchise course and have accepted their offer will be eligible to apply for accommodation provided by DMU. We would advise you to contact our international office to help you do this. There is a wide range of private accommodation available in Leicester within a short distance from the College. The most appropriate accommodation for you depends on your lifestyle and how much you are willing to pay.

Self-catered private halls of residence

These are owned and managed by private companies. The accommodations are of a high standard and the cost varies according to the services provided and the length of the contract. The cost is roughly £75 to £150 per week including gas, electricity and water bills. Most of these also provide an internet service.

Self-catered shared private house

These are owned by private landlords and are usually shared by three to four people. Some are fully furnished, but not all. Therefore you may have to buy the basics yourself. Each person has their own bedroom, but will have to share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with others living in the house. The cost for this type of accommodation is roughly £50 to £80 per week per room. You will have the responsibility to share the gas, water and electricity bills with other tenants in the house. This type of accommodation cannot be arranged while you are still overseas. We strongly recommend that you view the property and meet other tenants in the house before you pay any deposit or sign any contract. These contracts are legal documents and you are legally bound by the terms and conditions. We advise you to stay in a hotel or in bed and breakfast place accomodation allow you the time to look at a few houses before making your decision. For more information about our private landlord providers please visit leicestercollege.ac.uk/international/accommodation Please note that these are just recommendations and we are unable to guarantee them.

COST OF STUDY Fees are charged according to level of the course you are accepted on. In 2014/15 academic year tuition fees are between £4,500 to £7,950 per year. These figures should be taken as a guide for 2015/16 onwards. There may also be other costs related to your studies such as exam fees, a registration fee for external agencies, materials etc. These could be up to £500 for some courses. It is advisable that you keep this in mind when arranging your finances. In addition to this you will need money to pay for your living expenses (maintenance cost) such as food, clothing, bills etc.

Refunds

The deposit is only refundable if you have failed to gain a student visa (please refer to page 11 of this guide for details regarding the deposit). You will need to send us the original visa refusal letter issued by the British Embassy/Consulate before we can refund your money. We will need to retain £250 to cover the administration costs and we will refund you the remainder.

To help you plan your budget you can try the following online tool: international.studentcalculator.org If your course is two years long you will pay the same amount of fees for the second year of the same course.. New fees will be applicable if you are applying for a new course in the following year. Payments can be made by banker’s draft or cheque (in pound sterling) made payable to LEICESTER COLLEGE, or by electronic bank transfer to our bank account. Please note that any bank charges made by the bank during this process are payable by you.

Each building is divided into separate units that have four to five fully-furnished bedrooms some with ensuite bathrooms and some with shared bathrooms and shared kitchen area. You are required to bring or buy your own bedding and cooking utensils. If you prefer to have a television in your own bedroom you will need a TV Licence, which could cost approximately £150 per year.

Call Call +44 +44 (0) (0) 116 116 224 224 4111, 4111, Visit: Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk leicestercollege.ac.uk or or email email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

17 17

SUPPORT SERVICES At Leicester College we strive to support all our International students. In our International office we have dedicated staff to support you by providing: • expert advice and guidance regarding courses and immigration status • assessment of overseas qualifications • help with applying for and extending student visas • support with finding accommodation.

College Theatre

A live training venue in the heart of the city centre for the College’s own Performing Arts and Music students is also open to the public for live music, comedy and performing arts productions. For more information and an up-to-date events guide, visit leicestercollege.ac.uk

Open to both staff and students, the College has nurseries providing full day care for children from birth to eight years old, at Freemen’s Park and Abbey Park Campuses.

oth nurseries have been judged B as “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Nursery opening times Abbey Park Campus 8.15am to 5.15pm. To find out more please call 0116 224 4132.

Once you enrol at Leicester College, you will also be entitled to use the services and provision offered by Student Services, including:

Freemen’s Park Campus 8.15am to 5.30pm. To find out more please call 0116 224 2059.

Places to Eat

Students can use the College’s fitness studio Legacy for an annual fee of £15. Based at Freemen’s Park Campus, the studio boasts a full range of aerobic and resistance machines. All fitness levels are catered for and our fitness instructors can help you to achieve your goals, as well as provide lifestyle and nutritional information. For more information, please call 0116 224 2069.

Sports Facilities

Students and Staff Refectories Abbey Park Campus Monday to Wednesday 8.30am to 7pm Thursday 8.30am to 5pm Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm St Margaret’s Campus Monday to Friday

9am to 3pm

Freemen’s Park Campus Monday to Thursday Friday

8.30am to 7pm 8.30am to 3.30pm

Restaurants open to the public Zest A bistro staffed and run by our hospitality and catering students and staff at Freemen’s Park Campus. Open from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, term time only. taste. The College’s five-star full silver service restaurant is located at Freemen’s Park Campus. Bookings are essential and are taken for a 12pm to 1pm arrival all week and 6.30pm to 7.15pm arrival, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call 0116 224 2060 to book.

Day Nurseries

International students’ enrichment activities

To support academic and tutorial provision, a series of enrichment activities are available for our international students. In addition to your personal tutor, a dedicated officer will provide sessions to welcome you to Leicester College, provide additional information and support to help you integrate into the College and, more importantly, into the City of Leicester itself. Living away from home can be a daunting prospect for anyone, especially if it’s in another country. With this in mind, a series of activities and events are offered, designed to enable you to adjust to living and studying in a different country. These events will allow you to make new friends and enrich your understanding of different cultures and traditions.

Students are also welcome to attend any of the lunchtime sports and fitness clubs held in the sports hall at Freemen’s Park Campus, where all levels are catered for.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Our fully equipped hairdressing and beauty therapy salons at Freemen’s Park Campus provide the same range and quality services as high street salons, with the added benefit of highly competitive pricing. Appointments are available during the day or evening, where qualified professionals oversee the work of students. Call to make an appointment Hairdressing 0116 224 2052 Beauty Therapy 0116 224 2051

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

Leicester College offers a Multi-faith Chaplaincy service that covers a wide variety of faiths and beliefs. The service provides one-on-one pastoral support, faith celebratory events, drop-ins and interfaith groups, and helps to create a college environment that embraces diversity and different faiths. Non-denominational quiet rooms are available at all three campuses for meditation, prayer and quiet contemplation.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

STUDENT LIFE Student Life

By successfully completing a course at Leicester College, you will not only gain a qualification but also the required skills and knowledge to help you make the most of your future working life. Our friendly and helpful staff in Student Services are at every campus of the College and are accessible all day, everyday. We work with you to ensure that your time at the College is a positive one. There may be occasions where you need some extra support or advice such as financial support, careers advice or counselling. It could be that you are struggling on your course and need some help to manage your time more effectively, and would welcome the support of a Learning Mentor. If you are disabled, or have a learning difficulty, there is a range of enabling technology and specialist support that we are able to offer you. There are also lots of opportunities to become involved with College life and activities through the Learner Engagement and Enrichment Team (LEET) and Student Union. LEET activities include volunteering, charity work, foreign travel, and sports and outdoor activities. You can also become a Course Representative or a Student Union Officer and become involved in the running of the College. Please see the Learner Engagement and Enrichment Team notice-boards across College for more information, or contact them directly. During enrolment and application, students must declare previous/current unspent convictions. For advice on whether your conviction is spent, or for advice on disclosure please contact the Risk Assessment Team.

Student Union – Your voice within the College

This is a group of students who are voted into position to form the Executive Committee. There are 24 posts which include the President, Higher Education Officer, Women’s Officer, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Officer, Welfare Officer, International students’ Officer etc, and all these posts have specific roles and responsibilities. The Student Union is run by students, for students, and allows you to ensure your voice is heard by the College management. It’s not all meetings though. The Student Union also gets involved in campaigns including World AIDS Day, volunteering and charity events for the College. It is also actively involved in organising trips, and sporting and enrichment activities. In short, our union is a vibrant and energetic place to be, and mirrors the College values of equality and diversity. Class sizes – your voice within the College You are in smaller class sizes if you study here, compared to a university. This means students are more in touch with their tutors as they gain more one-to-one time with them. Surveys and feedback – your voice within the College There is a good relationship and excellent communication between students and tutors, with a series of formal surveys and ways to give feedback allowing the student voice to be heard – and most importantly acted upon.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

course looked appealing “ The and I felt this was the right course for me. I’ve made some great friends here and I enjoy living in Leicester. The city is so diverse and it’s a nice place.

”

Roopal Nagar from Kenya Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. D oes the College provide accommodation or arrange a host family? A. Leicester College has no student accommodation or host families. You will need to find your own suitable accommodation. We can provide a list of halls of residences and private shared houses. You will need to contact these accommodation providers yourself. Please contact the International Office for a contact list +44 (0)116 224 4111 Q. Do my course fees include any accommodation cost? A. The course fees do not include any cost for your accommodation. Q. Can I pay my fees in instalments? A. For course fees greater than £895 you can pay over 10 equal monthly instalments (by direct debit only) with the first instalment when you enrol and the remaining instalments over the next nine months. For those courses with a duration of less than ten months, the maximum number of instalments will be reduced accordingly to ensure that the fee is paid in full, at least one month prior to the end of your course. Q. A m I entitled to a discount if I pay the full course fees in advance? A. Yes, We will give you £500 discount if you pay the full fees in advance. Q. How do I apply for a bus pass to help with travel cost? A. You can apply directly to local bus companies for a student bus pass. These normally cost between £100 and £150 for a three-month pass.

Q. Am I allowed to work while studying? A. Yes, if you have a Tier 4 General or Child Student Visa and are studying on a course that is at level 3 or above you are permitted to work ten hours per week during term time and full time in the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. Q. I s there any financial help available to overseas students? A. The College does not have any funds available to help overseas students in financial hardship. Q. Is my £1,500 deposit refundable? A. The deposit is refundable if you have failed to obtain a student visa. You will need to send us the original visa refusal letter issued by the British Authorities before we can refund your money. We will keep £250 to cover the administration costs and refund the remainder. Q. Will the College help me appeal if my visa is refused? A. We advise you to contact an Immigration Expert to help you with this. We do not appeal on anyone’s behalf or advise further with the appeal process. Q. Can I cancel my admission to Leicester College upon my arrival in the UK? A. Under the Points Based System your visa is attached to an institution. It means if you decide to study at another institution you will firstly have to gain permission from the UK Visa and Immigration by applying for a new visa before commencing your study at another institution. We also report to the UK Visa and Immigration if any person fails to enrol on a course within ten days of the commencement date or fails to attend any lessons for ten consecutive days after enrolment and during term-time.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

so welcome at “ Ithefeelcollege that I don’t tend to think about or miss home in Malawi.

”

Shabnam Muhammed Farook Suleman from Malawi BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

– YOUR LOCAL IELTS TEST CENTRE Leicester College is now an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Centre What is IELTS?

What else is needed?

It is a valid and reliable measure of your ability to communicate in English, for education, immigration and professional accreditation purposes.

When are the tests at Leicester College?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System and is the world’s most popular English proficiency test.

Taking your IELTS test at Leicester College:

Leicester College is a large FE college and we are the only IELTS Test Centre in Leicestershire. We also offer IELTS preparation training, so we can help you right through the process.

How do I apply?

Apply online at: ielts.britishcouncil.org/leicestercollege Alternatively, paper application forms are available from the Leicester College Information Centres at our three city centre campuses.

You need to bring in your passport for copying. The passport can be a photocopy as the original is checked on the test day. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your passport to ielts@leicestercollege.ac.uk Follow the link for a list of available test dates www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/ielts

Where are the tests?

Tests are held on Saturdays at our Abbey Park Campus. Leicester College, Abbey Park Campus, Painter Street, Leicester LE1 3WA Telephone: +44 (0) 116 224 2240 Email: ielts@leicestercollege.ac.uk We also offer IELTS preparatory training, to help you through the IELTS process.

How do I pay?

Either at the Information Centres at our three City Centre Campuses or by credit or debit card by calling +44 (0) 116 224 2240 and asking for the Information Centre.

“IELTS has been growing steadily for 20 years because it works.”

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or Email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is designed to prepare you for undergraduate study in the UK. You will improve your subject knowledge through attendance at lectures and seminars in your chosen subject area, and you will develop your English language skills in additional classes.

Which pathway do I choose?

We offer different academic pathways depending on your chosen academic subject. Find out which is the best pathway for you at leicestercollege.ac.uk/ifps

Programme structure

On the International Foundation Programme, you will be required to partake in up to 21 hours per week of supervised study. This will include lectures, tutorials, problem-solving exercise classes, academic language and academic skills classes.

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Shadrach Paye Kinzeh from Liberia Extended Diploma in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Year 2

When you complete the International Foundation Programme you will be awarded with an Access to Higher Education Certificate at Level 3 with a transcript of the modules you have studied, the credits for each module and where applicable, the grades for each module. Read more about certification and progression at leicestercollege.ac.uk/ifps

Supporting you while you learn

During your studies with us, we will help you adjust to living and studying in the UK, and we will give you support in applying for undergraduate courses at university.

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or Email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

GA TE AV E GR BEL

T AT H

AY W

E ’ S W AY

CHA

RLE

D ROA

Y S W A

OU RB

0 N A

A D

AD RO NE TO ES

COU

N T I N G HO U S ROAD

Key RD

AY L

ALMOND ROAD

FO R

Freemen’s Park Campus

ST RE ET

BR A ZI L

Leicester City

UT ST REET

FROM COVENTRY M1 JUNCTION 21

A6 FROM MARKET HARBOROUGH

WALN

A47 FROM PETERBOROUGH

AY ILW RA R ON TE TI ES STA

O ER

City Skills Centre

S ET

AD RD RO

STR

By Road From the North, South and West take the M1 motorway, Junction 21 or M69, Leicester junction. From the East, take the A47 or A6.

WELFO

FROM MI JUNCTION 21

U UPPE RTON ROAD

D WD YKES R O A

nationalexpress.com

College Theatre

By Coach St Margaret’s Bus Station is opposite the main road near to St Margaret’s Campus.

C ITY C ENTR E

ROAD

LONDON CITY

STANSTED

LEE CIRCLE

REET HIGH ST

A47 KING RICHARDS

U 7H A4

N TO

HIGHCR SS

GATWICK

HEATHROW

U VA

S T’ RE N GA IO AR AT M ST ST BUS

AY W

HINCKLEY ROM HINCKLEY RO FROM FFR

nationalrail.co.uk eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

CARDIFF FROM MI JUNCTION 22

Y WA

Technology and Engineering Centre

LUTON

The station is approximately a 25 minute walk from all three campuses.

R BU

LEICESTER

BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY

EAST MIDLANDS

FROM M1 JUNCTION 22

MANCHESTER

St Margaret’s Campus

LEEDS / BRADFORD

A50

Abbey Park Campus

By Plane The nearest airport to the College is East Midlands Airport near Castle Donington in Leicestershire. Birmingham and Coventry Airports are also just a short train or coach journey away.

Expect to pay from £60 to £70 for a single journey, but sometimes you are able to get cheap tickets so it is always worth asking for cheaper options before buying your ticket.

A607 FROM MELTON MOWBRAY

Nationally, Leicester College is accessible by plane, train, coach or car.

A6 A 6 FROM LOUGHBOROUGH GHBOROUGH

Y WA A6 S T MARGARET’S

Leicester College is located in the Midlands region of the UK. Leicester College’s three campuses are well served by local transport services.

TIG

Airports

HOW TO GET HERE

By Train If you are travelling from London you can catch an East Midlands train from St Pancras railway station. These trains run every 30 minutes, but it would be advisable to avoid the busy times between 8am and 10am, and 4.30pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Parking College Buildings Public Transport Hospital

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

tutors are great and if I “ “My don’t understand anything, they are always ready to help me. The Moodle site, an online learning platform, is a great tool for me as all the notes from the class are posted there so I can go over anything I need.

”

Yasuyo Nishikori from Japan Foundation Degree in Artistic Make-Up and Special Effects

USEFUL WEBSITES Leicester College www.leicestercollege.ac.uk http://www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/international Prepare for Success http://www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk/ For timetable information and advance train/Coach bookings www.nationalrail.co.uk www.nationalexpress.com Comprehensive advice for international learners UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) www.ukcisa.org.uk The British Council www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org/safety_first_2011.pdf Higher Education information www.ucas.com Immigration and visa advice https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAlZT21-egw www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ www.fco.gov.uk

Please refer to the individual sections in this guide for specific web page content and advice

Call +44 (0) 116 224 4111, Visit: leicestercollege.ac.uk or email internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk

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Leicester College International Office Abbey Park Campus, Painter Street, Leicester, LE1 3WA Freemen’s Park Campus, Aylestone Road, Leicester, LE2 7LW St Margaret’s Campus, St John Street, Leicester, LE1 3WL T +44 (0) 116 224 4111 F +44 (0) 116 224 4056 E internationaloffice@leicestercollege.ac.uk leicestercollege.ac.uk

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