How to Apply

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How To Apply

Walsall College is a Government Funded College and a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4 of the UK Border Agency’s (UKBA) Point Based System.

Before Applying

If you need general advice and guidance on the studying in the UK, then please contact the International Team on 0044 1922 651120 or email international@walsallcollege.ac.uk.

Before you start applying for courses think about your qualifications, experience, career prospects in your home country and areas that interest you. You will need to ensure you have sufficient funds in your bank account for 28 days before your application. You might also like to start researching British culture and lifestyle to prepare yourself for living in the UK.

Step 1

Choosing the right course

All International students must study courses that are above 15 hours a week, we call these full time courses. The course you select must be at level 3 or above to apply for a student visa. We offer a range of courses from Level 3 (BTEC or City & Guilds) up to Level 5 (Higher National Diplomas) and ouor Pre-Masters programme at Level 6.

All our courses are designed to meet the needs of international students and youll feel comfortable, as we have smaller class sizes and offer free additional support with English language.

Step 2

Making an application

If you would like to start studying in September, then you should start the application process in February or March as our courses start filling up very early. We also have limited places on our January courses. You will need to start the application process in August or September to secure a place. This will also give you the opportunity to prepare your Visa Application, your secure English Language test and plan your finances.

Once youve chosen a full time course which is at level 3 or above, you can apply online or print off an application form from our website. You will need to send the following information:

A copy of your passport. Please ensure that you copy the page with your personal details and photo on it.

Evidence of your English language ability. You must have a minimum of level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) English qualification to enrol directly onto our Level 3 or degree level courses and to apply for your student visa. Students with Level A1 can apply to our Pre-sessional: English for Beginners programme. If you do not have a B1 In English, contact our International Team about the student visitor visa needed for beginner groups.

Copies of previous qualifications, including transcripts and English translations. Copies will need to be stamped and verified by a professional organisation or your agent/representative.We accept the following certificates to join – IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons Test (PTE), Cambridge English Qualifications (such as PET, FCE,CAE, CPE).

One bank statement, showing that you have sufficient funds in your account to pay for your fees. You will need to show that you have these funds in an account with your name on it 28 days prior to your visa application, so this will help to prepare you for the 10 points you need for maintenance.

A reference from your last educational institute with details of your attendance and achievements.

You will also need to prepare your deposit which is 50% of the course fees or 100% for high risk countries. You will need to pay this before we can issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

Step 3

Applying for a student visa

Below are a few points that will help you with your Visa Application. This information is based on Tier 4 requirements of the Points Based Systems.

If your application has been successful, you will be sent a student offer letter and information pack with full details of the course.

You need 40 Points to get a student visa.

You receive 30 Points by showing that you have a place on a course that is Level 3 or

CAS

You receive 10 Points for meeting the requirements of the maintenance (funds) test.

For courses over nine months, you will be required to have your first years course fees and £5,400 to cover your first years living expense in the UK. You must be able to show you have held this money in your bank account for at least 28 days. The end of that 28 day period must be no more than one month before the date of your application.

To apply for a Tier 4 student visa please visit the UK Border Agency – Click here

Payment of deposit

When you have received your offer letter, you will need to send us either your full course fees for high risk countries or the deposit of 50% of the course fees.

Once we have received your deposit, our International Team will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) statement. You will need a CAS number to
submit your visa application to the UK Border Agency.

Step 4

Granted a student visa

Here is a guide of what you should do from the moment you receive your student visa, and what to do if your visa has been refused.

What happens when you get your student visa

Please inform the International Team as soon as you get your visa and what your expected date of arrival into the UK is expected to be. This will help us to arrange the start of your course and a FREE pick up service from Birmingham Airport.

Once you have received your visa, you will need to pay the balance of the remaining
course fees prior to your arrival at Walsall College.

Please also send us a copy of your student visa, via email or post.

What happens if you don’t get your visa

Please inform the International Team if your application for a visa has been refused.

Please email/post a copy of the visa refusal letter in full, as we will need to clearly see the
reason why your visa was refused, so we can advise you on whether you can appeal or start the refund process.

Please note, the College will only refund your deposit fee (minus an administration charge of £260) if your visa has been refused for genuine and legal reasons. The College will
not refund any deposit paid if your visa has been refused due to fraudulent purposes.

Step 5

Additional support

Our dedicated International Team will be there to meet you on your first day. We look forward to welcoming you to Walsall College.

Need help with budgeting?

The International Student Calculator is an interactive budgeting tool which helps
International students plan and manage their money for UK study.

Users can build a lifestyle budget by looking at how they balance their time, as well as their money.

Top tips provide information about UK lifestyle, living costs and budgeting ideas.
Students can also see how their peers have coped by viewing a range of student profiles
and their budgets. The International Student Calculator can be found by clicking here.

Additional information

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UKs national advisory body serving the interests of International students and those who work with them.

They produce a range of useful information sheets which cover topics such as applying for
your visa, accommodation, arriving in the UK, International students and culture shock,
keeping healthy, driving etc. These can be found on their website by clicking here

International Team – Contact Details

Telephone – 0044 1922 651120
Email – international@walsallcollege.ac.uk