Here are answers to frequently asked questions about studying and living in the UK. If you can’t find the answer to your query here, please contact us.

Do I need qualifications to study at the College? 

Full-time academic and vocational courses require a minimum Intermediate B1/2 or equivalent qualifications from your country. We will advise you of the entry requirements when you apply. 



 

Do I need a visa to come to the UK?
Regulations about visas vary, according to where you live. Contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your country for up-to-date information. Alternatively, visit the Home Office website.

 

What sort of visa should I get?
If you are not sure which course to study, you can apply for a six months Prospective Entry visa. Leave under this category is usually granted for up to six months. Useful sources of advice include:

Are there any other visa requirements for studying in the UK? 

You must register for and attend a course of least 15 guided learning hours (glh) a week if you have a student visa. We will send you a letter to support your visa application once you have paid your deposit of at least 50% of tuition fees. 

 

Can I take supplementary courses such as evening classes?
If you are here on a student visa, you are allowed to undertake supplementary courses such as evening classes. These do not need to relate to your main course of study and you do not need permission to join them. However, you must ensure that you continue to meet the conditions of your visa with regards to your main course of study.

 

Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you are already studying here, you can apply to extend your stay as a student. 
If you did not enter the UK as a student, you may apply to stay on for studies as long as you are a non-visa national and have been accepted for a course of study at degree level or above. If you are a visa national, you cannot stay on as a student unless you entered the UK with a student or prospective student visa. 



 

Do I have to register with the police? 

If this is required it will be indicated on the visa stamp in your passport. You must register within seven days of arrival in the UK. The College will assist you to complete this registration. You will need your passport and two passport-size photographs.

 

Do I qualify for Home Student Fees?
International students from EU and EEA country or Switzerland, and students who are officially recognised as refugees in the UK, may be eligible to pay Home Student fees. Find out more.

 

How much money do I need to live on? 

We recommend that you budget according to your personal living needs and spending habits, however these guidelines might be useful in assessing living costs:

Can I get free medical treatment? 

If you come from a country that has a health-care agreement with the UK, or you are enrolled on a course for six months or more, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS).
Students who are here for less than six months are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will be charged for any treatment you receive. Please make sure you have enough health insurance to cover your stay. 

 
Can I work while I’m studying in the UK?
This depends on the entry stamp in your passport. Some stamps allow you to work (for example student visas) but others do not. Once your passport has been stamped it cannot be changed – please also note that it is important to adhere to the conditions of entry regarding work. For more advice, visit the website of UKCISA.

 

Can the College help me to find a part-time job? 

We do not provide this service, although there are many Employment Agencies who can help you to find part-time work. The College’s Student Services also advertise vacancies within the College.



 

How many students will be in my class? 

Generally classes range from 10 to 25 people depending on the course. 


 

Will there be other students from my country at the College? 

City of Westminster College accepts students from all over the world, so it’s possible that there will be other students from your country studying here. 



 

Will I be able to spend time with British students? 

One of the great bonuses of studying in the UK is that you can mix with other students, meet members of your local community, develop your language skills and get involved in social events such as clubs, societies and sporting activities. City of Westminster College offers a wide range of activities for you to participate in via the Student Enrichment Team.