International students

STUDENTSINTERNATIONAL We pride ourselves on being a global and diverse University, every year welcoming over 2,000 international students from more than 120 countries. So you're in safe hands with our dedicated International Office.

Based at our Luton campus, our International Office provides a specialist point of contact for all our EU and international students. Whether you need advice on matters such as your registration or guidance regarding your visa, our team will be able to assist you or direct you to someone who can. If you are based at one of our other campuses, you can contact one of our international advisers by email or phone. We also have regional marketing managers and admissions teams who will support you from enquiry right the way through to registration and beyond. For more information, visit:

beds.ac.uk/international

YOUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

At Bedfordshire, you will find a wide range of faith, academic, cultural and recreational societies, which will enable you to meet likeminded individuals. Our dedicated cultural and faith teams can also provide information about local places of worship for all faiths as well as providing on-campus prayer and quiet rooms. To introduce you to everything Bedfordshire has to offer, we welcome our international students with a special week of orientation, including your academic induction and registration.

ACADEMIC SKILLS TRAINING

We run academic and communication skills classes, which are compulsory for all international students during their first year of study. This core unit focuses on all the right skills to help you achieve the best possible assignment grades and increase your employability. By the end of the unit, you will have improved your academic skills; gained useful knowledge about British university culture; and learnt how to communicate confidently and effectively. Learn more: beds.ac.uk/languagecentre/

academic-skills-training

Our pre-sessional courses aim to improve your communication skills in written and spoken English and also your receptive skills of reading and listening, if required. You will therefore enter your chosen University programme with the confidence to communicate effectively. All aspects of English are covered, including pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Sessions involve a high level of student interaction. English Language courses at Bedfordshire are accredited by the British Council, giving you assurance of the quality of our English language provision. Courses run throughout the year and the length of course will vary depending on your level of English on entry. The durations are between two and 24 weeks. We use a variety of assessment methods during and at the end of your course. Please be aware that UK visa and immigration regulations stipulate that students must have achieved an English level of B2 (IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent) to be eligible to study a Master’s degree course at the University.

PART-TIME WORK

If you are an international or EU student studying at degree level or above on a student visa, you will be allowed to work a maximum of 20* hours per week (part-time) during term time. It is important you check your visa to ensure you have been granted this work condition before you start work. EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status are permitted to work the same number of hours as UK students. To work in the UK, you will need to apply for a National Insurance (NI) number. *Subject to the conditions of your visa. Full-time students who are registered on a course of at least six months’ duration are entitled to receive free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS). International students will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of their student visa application. The University is in partnership with a local health centre and during induction week you should register with a local GP. You will need to bring your medical history. Once you have completed a HC1 form, you will be entitled to free medical prescriptions and reduced fees for optical and dental treatment. Short-stay students will have to pay for treatment as private patients. Private healthcare without medical insurance cover can be expensive, so it is important to arrange medical insurance before leaving home to come to the UK.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE

For information regarding international fees and scholarships, see page 182.

SHIQI YIN

Dance Performance & Choreography MA

“I feel like the University really cares for their international students. There are classes to help build upon our English and communication skills, which have been really helpful. I feel that my independence has grown, I’m able to use my initiative and I’m braver than I was before.”