In this section of the website we have put together answers to some frequently asked questions from our international students, covering topics such as:
Why should I come to study in Scotland?
Scotland’s tradition of excellence in education is world renowned. It has 13 universities, 6 specialist higher education institutions and 43 further education colleges. And from the summer of 2005, all overseas students graduating from a Scottish university will have the right to stay on and work in the country for an additional two years.
Where is the College?
The college is in the city centre of Glasgow. Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city and is the economic centre of Scotland. The college is very close to all main transport link, retail, business and entertainment centres within the city.
Is the area safe for women?
Of all the UK towns and cities, those in Scotland are amongst some of the safest, so women can be confident and happy about living in Scotland.
What places of worship for various religious faiths are in the area?
Scotland is a multi-faith nation so you will be able find a place of worship for your particular religious faith in this city.
What is the weather like in Scotland?
The Scottish climate is notoriously unpredictable, especially on the west coast, where a bright, sunny morning can turn into a downpour. The west coast receives more rain than the rest of the country and the east coast gets more sunshine. The west coast is also milder in the winter due to the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Generally speaking, May to September are the warmest months, with an average summer high of around 18-19°C and, though they are often the driest months, you can expect rain at any time of the year, even in high summer.
What is the difference between a ‘Conditional offer’ and a ‘CAS’?
If you meet the requirements on English language and already have the results of your examinations, and they are suitable, you will be given a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (' CAS') after you have paid your deposit. A ‘CAS’ is an unique number and is not a document/letter. It is given by the UK immigration authority and you must provide this number when you apply for your student visa.
If you are still taking your examinations or are waiting to hear your results or haven’t paid the deposit, you may be given a 'conditional offer'. A 'conditional offer' is a document/letter which confirms that we will offer you a study place if you achieve the grades we ask for in the subjects that are specified in the offer. If you do not pass your exams or get lower grades than you are asked for or haven’t paid your deposit, you will still be considered, but a place cannot be guaranteed.
When do our courses start?
English language courses offer two intakes per year in August and January. Entry to our HNC/D programmes is generally at the beginning of September although some courses will have a January start (check our website for details)
How much are the tuition fees?
For English language courses 2010/11, the tuition fee is £3500 per year but HNC/D students can study part-time English free at the college. For HNC/D courses starting in August 2010, the tuition fee is £5000 per year.
For some courses in Food and Hospitality studies, students need to buy uniforms and equipment which cost about £100 - £200. You can supply your own uniforms and tools only after discussion with your course tutors. The above tuition fees do not include costs for uniforms and equipment.
What accommodation will you offer me?
We do our best to help you find the place you’ve chosen. Places in some independent Student Halls of Residence can be booked in advance. The contract is for 1 year minimum and the cost is approx. £280 to £400 per month. If you plan to find your own accommodation after you arrive, the College can also help arrange temporary accommodation upon receiving your request. For short-term accommodation, the cost is about £40 to £80 per week.
How can I book my accommodation?
You must send your accommodation request to the College at least 1 month before you arrive the UK and mark out clearly which type of accommodation you require.
How do I pay my tuition fees?
You can pay your fees in two ways:
- You can pay one lump sum before the middle of July and you may receive a £150 discount off your whole year tuition fees.
- You can pay in two instalments – £1000 before the last week of July and the balance on enrolment, however, you will not receive a discount.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Full-time students studying our HNC/D courses can work part-time 20 hours per week during term time and work full time during the holidays in the United Kingdom. Students studying our English language courses or other courses below HND level can work part-time 10 hours per week during term time and work full time during the holidays in the United Kingdom. If you are joining a course of six months or less with a Student Visitor visa, you are prohitited from employment
Will my qualifications be recognised?
Yes. Many overseas school-leaving certificates, college diplomas, university degrees and other qualifications are recognised. To check the equivalence of your qualification with those in Scotland contact the institution you want to attend or write to NARIC – the National Academic Recognition Information Centre – for advice:
UK NARIC
ECCTIS 2000 Ltd
Oriel House
Oriel Road
Cheltenham
GL50 1XP
T: +44 (0) 1242 260010
F: + 44 (0) 1242 258600
If your qualifications are insufficient it might be necessary for you to study an access / foundation course or a lower qualification than you intended in order to achieve the required level for entry to your desired course.
How do my qualifications compare to UK qualifications?
The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) can give information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with those from the UK. Find them at: www.naric.org.uk
Will a Scottish qualification be recognised in my home country?
A degree or qualification obtained in Scotland has the same status as any other degree obtained in the UK. All UK qualifications are generally recognised and well respected throughout the world.
Do you offer scholarships to International students?
The college doesn’t offer scholarships to individual students at the moment but tries to keep fees low for all students.
However, you can search for all the scholarships available for international students on http://ukscholarshipsdatabase.britishcouncil.org or alternatively contact your local British Council office for information on scholarships. You can also look at www.britishcouncil.org/education/funding/index.htm which is a web version of a leaflet, which is given to international students wishing to study in the UK. The leaflet is a basic guide to possible sources of funding, and has been produced by the British Council, UKCOSA, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
What sources of funding are available?
The Scottish Executive is offering 22 scholarships for students from China, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand or Singapore who would like to study in Scotland during the academic year 2010/11. The scholarships are available for courses at any Scottish higher education institution and applications for science and technology and creative industries will be given priority. Further details can be found at: www.britishcouncil.org/scotland-scholarship.htm and http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-funding-your-studies.htm
Do I need Entry Clearance (a visa) to study?
Before arriving in the UK, the nationals of certain countries must obtain entry clearance. These countries, known as ‘visa-national’ countries, are determined by the British Government. The UK visas web site features a visa enquiry form where applicants can check if they require a visa. Go to http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/
Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
Yes, you could bring your spouse and your children to the UK if you study a course over 6 months long. Your children must be under the age of 18 when they first enter the UK.
Will I be able to stay and work in Scotland after graduation?
International students who graduate from Scottish colleges and universities can apply for Post Study Work visa and stay on for two years to seek employment. They will be allowed to remain in Scotland following graduation and seek full time employment during this time. After the two years, graduates can switch into work permit employment or other legal migration routes for which they qualify.
International students who graduate from Scottish colleges and universities can apply for Post Study Work visa and stay on for two years to seek employment.
They will be allowed to remain in Scotland following graduation and seek full time employment during this time. After the two years, graduates can switch into work permit employment or other legal migration routes for which they qualify.
For more information, please visit: www.scotlandistheplace.com
What if I have a complaint after I have started my course?
If a student has a complaint about any aspect of their education, the college has systems in place to deal with complaints internally. If an inquirer was to go through all of an institution’s internal complaints procedures and remained dissatisfied, in the majority of institutions you could then to take your grievance to the Independent Reviewer (details can be found through the college).
What is the food like?
Scotland has restaurants specialising in the cuisine of many countries, reflecting the rich cultural and religious diversity of the population – for example the favourite dish of those living in Glasgow is said to be Indian curry! Traditional Scottish food is also found everywhere as well, and enjoys a reputation for excellence, from fish and chips to Scottish Salmon and Aberdeen Angus beef.
How many holidays have students got?
Students have the following holidays in a year: September weekend, October week, Winter (Christmas and the New Year) holiday, Spring (Easter) holiday, 10 Bank Holiday weekends.
What countries do your International students come from?
Scotland attracts international students from many different countries. The Scottish people are famous throughout the world for their hospitality and friendliness to visitors, which has ensured that Scotland has long standing international links. For centuries we have been welcoming international students to Scotland.
How do I open a bank account?
The British Banking Association produces a leaflet which explains how to open a bank account in the UK. UKCOSA (the Council for International Education) also produce a leaflet aimed specifically at students.You can find out more by downloading this document: www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/bank.pdf
What is the NHS?
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s state health service that provides treatment for UK residents through a wide range of health care services. Some services are free, and some you will have to pay for. You can find out more about the NHS at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk