Guide for international students

Money matters even more when you’re a student from overseas. Here’s how to keep your financial matters hand-in-hand with the law.

Tuition fees:

• English language fees: Some universities/colleges provide free English classes prior to the start of the main course. But for others fees vary greatly, from around £100-£300 per week.
• Non-degree, career based and professional courses: depending on programme and length, fees cost around £3,550-£5,000 a year.
• Degree courses:  Depending on the institution, the level and the type of course you're doing the fees can range from £4,000-£18,000 per year.

You can be eligible for lower 'home' fees or student support from a UK local education authority given that you satisfy some residential conditions. Check out this online calculator for international students to help you work out what you can afford.

Funding and Scholarships:

Contact your Ministry of Education/ Education department to find out what financial help you can get from your government. If they offer no support, you can apply for scholarships.

When applying for a grant, apply at least a year before your course starts and remember to be clear and concise. Most scholarships for study in the UK are for postgraduate courses, although in special circumstances applications for undergraduate study may be considered. Other alternatives include applying for scholarships from international agencies such as UNESCO and WHO.

Visa and Immigration for students:

As an international student, your stay in the UK is only legal as long as your visa/entry clearance is still valid. So take note of your visa entry clearance dates. Some students are not given permission to stay for the whole course. In this case, you will have to apply for a permission extension and submit it a month prior to the expiry date.

If your permission to stay had already expired, or if your application is refused, contact one of the following for help:

• A student adviser or welfare officer at your college or university
• UKCOSA: The Council of International Education
• The Immigration Advisory Service

Working in the UK:

You are allowed to work full-time during vacations and part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during term-time, if your course lasts longer than six months. You can work full-time during the term if you’re taking a work placement or internship with an employer.

If your visa or passport stamp does not allow you to work, check the third line of your visa. If it says ‘student’, you can change the work allowance with the help of an international student adviser at your place of study.

In order to be employed in the UK, you will need to obtain a National Insurance number. To arrange an appointment with your local Benefits Agency as soon as possible and bring these with you for the interview:

• A reference from the University/College;
• Two forms of identification;
• A firm, written offer of employment.

Banking Basics for international students:

First of all, ask your bank in your home country:

• How to run a bank account in the UK.
• How best to transfer your money to the UK.
• Whether your bank has a special relationship with any UK banks.
• Whether you can use cash cards from your home bank in the cash machines in the UK.

Familiarise yourself with banking terms such as balance, overdraft, PIN, etc before you decide which UK bank to choose and which accounts to open. Also master the pounds and pence of British currency.

To open an account as an international student, you will need to take the following to the bank with you:

• Your passport
• Acceptance letter from your university/college
• Evidence of your UK address: reference from your student halls or tenancy agreement if you live in private accommodation.
• Reference/statement from your bank account at home (as requested).

Insurance:

There are three types of insurance that you might need while living and studying: personal property insurance; medical insurance; and motor insurance. Arrange the first two types before you come to the UK. Choose an insurance that covers both you and your possessions while living abroad. Find a range of insurance companies listed in your local UK telephone directory if you’re not insured yet, or ask your bank or building society for a quote. Always remember to ask for special deals or policies for students. And make sure that you understand all the conditions before you agree to sign any policies.

Driving:

Most international students get along very happily without their own vehicle, due to all the transport options available. But if you do want to drive here, you can find all you need on the DVLA website.

Help with legal matter:

Fortunately most international students complete their courses in the UK without running into any serious legal problems. if you find yourself involved in a legal dispute, contact either the Students' Union or welfare officer/counsellor at your university/college, or your area's Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for expert advice. They can recommend you with a lawyer (if you need one) and point you to a local law centre, which provides free legal advice.

If you are arrested by the police try not to be aggressive. Comply and co-operate when asked, and do not attempt to do rash things like bribing the police officer. And lastly, obey the local laws and show respect towards people in the community.