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 a college or university. And, you must also:

be able to pay your tuition fees;

accommodate and otherwise look after yourself and any dependants
     without receiving public funds or working (see note below about
     working); and

intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies.

Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you have already been studying here you can apply for an extension of stay for further studies in the UK if you are enrolled on a full-time course with a college or university.

How do I apply for a Student Visa?
If you are overseas you should contact the British High Commission or Embassy in your country. If you are in England, you may contact the Home Office (see bottom of page for website addresses).
You will need to complete an application form and perhaps other documentation. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The College is not allowed to provide legal advice regarding Visas. If you need specific advice, contact your local British Council or High Commission.
You should include the documents provided by the college (Enrolment Certificate) as proof of enrolment at Abbey College London.

Am I allowed to work in the UK while I am studying at Abbey College London?
You may usually take part-time or vacation work subject to the following conditions:

you must not work for more than twenty hours per week during term
     time, except where your work placement is a necessary part of your
     studies with the agreement of your education institution.

you must not engage in business, self-employment or the provision
     of service as a professional sports person or entertainer.

you must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time
     vacancy.

You must check the terms of your Visa carefully as this may differ.

May I bring my spouse and children with me?
Your spouse and any of your children under 18 may be able to apply to accompany you during your studies provided you can maintain and accommodate them adequately without recourse to public funds.

Is my spouse allowed to work?
Your spouse may be allowed to work if you were granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more. You must check the terms of your spouse's Visa carefully as this may differ.

Application Procedures
To enroll with Abbey College London we require you to complete an application form and send it back with the registration fee, two passport-sized photographs and copies of all academic certificates. The application will be reviewed by admission board. Once accepted, a provision acceptance letter will be issued.
To speed up the enrolment process if you are certain that you meet our entry requirements, you may also send the minimum deposit of £ 1,500. We will then be able to issue your enrolment documents that are required for your student visa application.

Application for Postgraduate Study
We require you to complete an application form, as above, and send it along with the registration fee of £ 300, two passport-sized photographs and copies of your academic certificates.
The application will be reviewed by admission board. Once accepted, a provision acceptance letter will be issued.

Exemptions
Diploma - to gain direct entry to this level, you will need to have passed the Certificate level. You may also apply to the examining body when you are enrolled asking for exemption to a higher level based on previous "A" level qualifications or equivalent.
Advanced Diploma - to gain direct entry to this level, you will need to have passed the Certificate & Diploma levels. You may also apply to examining body when you are enrolled asking for exemption to a higher level based on relevant higher education qualifications.
Please note, the college cannot agree to any exemptions. The examining body is responsible for assessing exemption applications.

Financial Information for Students (Living Expenses)
We advise our students that the cost of living for one year is approximately £ 6,000 to £ 7,000. This includes accommodation, travel and exam fees. These prices are an example.

Travel: As a student you will get discounted travel on London buses and the underground train system so (depending where you live) your month travel card will cost about £ 20 to £ 35 per week.

Food: You would expect to pay about £ 20 / £ 30 per week on food for one person.

Exams: Membership fees and exam entry fees for the first year are about £ 160.

Books: There is a recommended reading list for students. Tutors may also suggest additional books which may be helpful. We would suggest budgeting about £ 50 to £ 100 per month. You must cater for your own stationery (pens, paper, etc).

Accommodation: Our Accommodation Agency can arrange host family accommodation for you at a cost of £ 60 per week. Many of our students will do this as a short-term option and then arrange to share accommodation with fellow students (this usually works out a little cheaper, about £ 50 per week).

Scholarship: We do offer limited scholarships.
However, UK government offers a limited number of Scholarships through the Chevening scheme - http://www.chevening.com
A scholarship search is available through the British Council site - http://www.ukscholarshipsdatabase.britishcouncil.org

Your own government may offer scholarships for international studies - contact your local British Council offices:                                                   www.britishcouncil.org/where/index.htm

Please note, the College is not responsible for the content of any of the external internet sites mentioned in these FAQ.

Errors and Omissions Accepted.

 

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London covers an area of over 600 square miles and has an ever-growing population, currently over 8 million people.
Throughout it's history, Britain's own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times by those seeking asylum or choosing to emigrate here. London, especially, is home to many different nationalities which provides a fascinating variety of culture, food and entertainment.

Climate
The UK has a very varied climate. November to March are typically cold and wet with the possibility of snow on higher ground. Average temperatures are between 0° and 10° C (50° F). The temperature in summer (July and August) can reach up to 32° C (90° F).
More detailed information is available on the BBC (the national news service)
www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Clothing
Whatever the time of year, it is best to have warm clothing with you. During the winter months, a warm waterproof coat is essential. If you plan to explore the UK during your vacations, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are traveling to the north of the UK.

Working/Opening Hours
Supermarkets are open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours a day.
In major cities such as London, there are many specialist shops selling a wide variety of food so you may still be able to cook up your favorite meal.
Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 (Monday to Saturday), with some shops. Opening later on certain days or open for a few hours on Sunday. In some smaller towns "half-day closing" occurs. On one day in the week most shops will close at lunchtime. This no longer happens in most larger stores and in cities. Offices hours tend to be 9:00 to 17:30. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30 (Some Banks are open on Saturday morning).

Public Holidays There are 8 public holidays when colleges, offices and most shops will be closed.

New Year's Day - 1st January.

Good Friday and Easter Monday - this can occur between mid-March and
      the end of April.

Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May.

Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.

Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.

Christmas Day - 25th December.

Boxing Day - 26th December.

Health
If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitors visa to look at different colleges before applying, please remember to buy health insurance.
If you have come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK or are staying for more than six months, you may be able to obtain free medical or dental treatment under the NHS.
If you are a long-term student (12 months or more), it is advisable for you to register with a local Doctor. We can provide contact details for doctors in our area. You will need to contact the doctor to see if they are accepting new patients and you will normally need to have an appointment to provide basic information about your medical history.
You can get more information from the Department of Health: Website: www.doh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7210 4850
E-mail: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk

Public Transport
In London there is an extensive public transport system - trains, buses, underground trains and light railway.
If you use a taxi in London, it is best to use the well recognized London taxis known as "Black Cabs". They will usually provide a guide to the fare and operate under a proper license. However, public transport is much cheaper.
The Greater London area is divided into six travel zones. Zone 1 covers the main business and shopping districts in the centre of London. The College is located in Zone 5. This may sound complex but members of the college administration team will be happy to explain how the travel system works.
You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel cards which either give you access to the buses or to both buses and underground trains. For month travel cards, you will need a photocard and you can also apply for student discount rates.
Useful information about public transport in London can be found on www.londontransport.co.uk and www.thetube.com
Outside of London public transport varies from area to area. Most major towns and cities are linked by railway. Cities will have regular bus services but smaller towns may not. Internal flights also operate between major cities.

Social Customs and Leisure
British people are generally reserved and value their privacy. It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, whether male or female. Other physical contact is generally avoided with anyone other than family and close friends.
Good manners ("please" and "thank you") and personal hygiene are valued very highly.
With the wide variety of cultures in Britain, please use your common sense and try to respect all beliefs and customs.
In east London there are many places of Worship (too many to list here) - please ask the college administration if you would like to be directed to a particular place of Worship.
Smoking is not allowed in public places. Please respect this and refrain from smoking.
In London there is a wide range of activities available to suit all budgets, you can:

experience food, music and entertainment from many countries;

see a variety of sports in the city's large arenas (which also host musical
     events);

enjoy a range of world famous "West End" shows;

visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions to suit all tastes;
From time to time, we provide information about interesting events around London. We encourage our students to tell us if there is something that they would particularly like to see or do.
Site seeing, photography is usually allowed except in galleries or museums. It is wise to seek permission before taking photographs in a place of worship.

Disclaimer
Please note, the above Frequently Asked Questions about immigration are meant as a guide only and were correct at the time of publication. They do not constitute advice from Abbey College London. Abbey College London accepts no liability under any circumstances for any action taken or omission as a result of reading this information.
The decision to grant or refuse entry clearance / Visa to the United Kingdom lies with the United Kingdom government and/or its appointed agents.
Immigration regulations are subject to change without notice. If you have any questions about obtaining a Visa or about studying in the United Kingdom, please contact the British Council, British High Commission or Home Office.
Their websites are:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.fco.gov.uk and search for UK Missions Overseas
www.britishcouncil.org/where/index.htm