FAQs
Most popular FAQs for UK International Students
| Lifestyle | Accommodation | Work opportunities in the UK | International Students |
Your Lifestyle as part of the international student community in the UK
How do I open a bank account?
All UK international students will need a letter from the College in order to open a bank account. We will give you this letter during the Induction and Registration events.
Where can I buy a mobile phone?
We will give you a free SIM card for your mobile phone during the Induction and Registration events. The facility will provide our UK international students with a phone number and access to a network, but you will still need to pay for credit to use the phone.
How do I register with the police?
Registration with the police is important for UK international students. It takes place during the Induction and Registration events. If you miss induction then don't panic as the Student Services Office will provide you with full details on how to register.
How do I register with a doctor?
It is essential that all UK international students register with a local doctor. We will help you to arrange this during the Induction and Registration events. You will be able to register, free of charge, at the health centre on campus.
Does the College arrange time off to observe festivals like Eid and Chinese New Year?
The College can allow time off for major festivals, such as Eid, Diwali etc. but is at the discretion of the College.
Where can I practice my faith?
Birmingham is a large, multicultural city with many places to worship. The Student Services Office will be able to advise our UK international students where the closest one is to your hall of residence or the College.
What extra curricular activities are available at College?
You will have full access to a wide range of societies and clubs available at the EDC. The College also arranges social events throughout your study period. Typically, this would include city tours, ice-skating, ten-pin bowling and visits to other cities in the UK.
What are the arrangements for disabled UK international students?
If you have a disability, or chronic medical or mental health condition, please tell us about it on your application form. This will help you understand the support we can offer our UK international students and help us plan for your arrival more effectively.
Accommodation
'The College does not have or offer places of accomodation. Please make sure that you have made arrangements for your accommodation before you travel to the UK.
Work opportunities in the UK
Can UK international student work during their studies?
Yes. All full-time UK international students are allowed to work for up to 10 hours a week during the term. However, you should remember that your studies are the number one priority.
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Can I stay in the UK after I finish my university course?
You should look at the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) scheme if you have obtained a UK degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma. The new scheme has replaced the International Graduates Scheme on 30 June 2008.
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For International Students
Apply as an intentional student
When do we start accepting applications?
There are 3 enrolment sessions at EDC for 2011. 1st session 28th March, 2nd session 13th June, and 3rd session 12th September.
When is the deadline for applying as an international student?
For each enrolment session you must apply as early as possible so that you have enough time to apply for your Visa. Please email: international@edc.ac or call +44 121 622 1001 for further information.
What is the application process? (Overseas Student)
You can apply online at the EDC website. An application form should be completed and returned to the college along with transcripts of results from any school or college or university that students have attended. Applicants can download an application form. Successful applicants are sent a conditional offer letter by e-mail or fax to confirm that the student has been provisionally accepted to attend the will college.
From the EDC website
Once you receive an offer email from us and you accept the college offer, you need to send half of the tuition fees in order to get a CAS number for visa purposes. This CAS number will be used to apply for a student Visa. Once the Student Visa has been approved, the students notify the college arrival details and pay the rest of the 50% fees before they arrive to the UK.
When do interviews take place?
Before you are enrolled on to a course at EDC it is the requirement for the student to be interviewed.
Interviews take place between January and February for 28th of March session, between April and May for the 13th of June session and between June and July for the 12th of September session for full-time courses. Places are subject to availability.
When will I hear about an interview?
We usually notify you of your interview within 4 weeks of receiving your application form. If you have not heard anything from the college after 4 weeks, please call +44 121 622 1001 or email info@edc.ac
How do I apply for a Student Visa?
If you are an overseas student, you should contact the British Embassy in your country. If you are in the UK, you may contact the UKBA. You will need to complete an application form and procure supporting documents for your application. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The College will assist you in applying for a student visa in the UK. You should also include the documents provided by the EDC as proof of acceptance/enrolment.
For assistance with your visa requirements we would strongly advise that you contact a solicitor. We have previously worked alongside Saracens Solicitors and have found them to be professional in all their dealings. Click here for their contact details.
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 Education Development College. Furthermore, you must be able to pay your tuition fees; accommodate yourself and any dependants without receiving public funds and intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies. You will also need to prove that you are competent in the English language if you come from a country where English is not the first language.
How much are international fees for 2010-11?
All fees are for one year of study and are subject to change.
Please call 0121 622 1001 or the accrediting college for further information.
Is there an English Language requirement at EDC?
Yes. English is the official language of the United Kingdom, and you must be able to speak English to a level B1, IELTS minimum score 4.0. All classes at EDC are taught in English.
Do I need to have an IELTS or a TOEFL English Test?
Students must provide proof of there competency in English Language. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate reasonable command of the language by taking a TOEFL or an IELTS test. A full list of English language tests recognized and accepted by UKBA can be seen.
How much money do I need to have arriving to the UK?
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. An estimate of how much applicant will need to live in Birmingham whilst they are studying is approximately a minimum £600 a month.
Am I allowed to work in the UK while I am studying?
Students in the Tier 4 (General) category, are allowed to work while they are in the UK, within the following limits:
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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 banks.
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 on the internet at http://www.nhs.uk
What do I do if I am ill?
You must let the college know on the first day of illness that you will not be attending. If you are ill for more than three consecutive days, you must provide a doctor's letter. Please remember that if you do not inform college of your illness at the time, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may affect your attendance record with the UKBA.
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.
How do I apply for a VISA Extension?
You can apply four weeks before your current visa runs out. You will need to complete a visa application form which is available in the administration office. Please remember that the college needs at least five working days to complete the section on attendance and a letter confirming your course details.
Do I have to attend all my sessions?
Yes, you are expected to attend all sessions unless you are ill or have personal problems. As you have come to the UK as a Tier 4 student, your reason is for intent to study and you should not abuse this system. The UK Border Agency expects you to attend for at least 80% of the time.
