We have centres in Waterloo, Bermondsey and Camberwell, which means that by studying at Southwark College you are based in the heart of London.  Students come to study at Southwark College from all over the world making the most of its location.

Am I classed as an international student?
If you are a European Union national (which includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,  Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) then you will have to pay only the 'home' student fee rate. Similarly, if you are a migrant worker from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland then you may qualify for home status and therefore pay only home fees.

If you are not an EU or EAA national or you have lived outside the European Union in the last 3 years, you are classed as an international student. This means that you are not covered by government funding and have to pay higher fees to cover your study.

Applying for a place at Southwark College as an International Student
Return your application form (which can be downloaded from this site) before June 30th to the College with photocopies of any qualifications.  Your application will be passed on to a course tutor who will decide whether to offer you a place. This decision will be based on your qualifications, so we cannot process any applications without proof of qualifications. You must be able to show competency in English language:

English language requirements
In order to study at the College, you will need to have achieved a certain level of English Language, including comprehension, reading, writing and speaking skills. If your first language is not English, you will need to provide evidence of qualifications in English as follows:

• GCSE English (or equivalent) as shown in College prospectus

• Cambridge First Certificate Grade A - C

• Cambridge Advanced Certificate Grade A - C

• Cambridge Proficiency Grade A - C

• IELTS (British Council system) a Score of 5.5

If you are offered a place, Admissions will then send you a letter detailing the fee payment. You will need to pay the full fee costs before 30th July.

Fees
The tuition fee for full-time International Student at Southwark College in 2008-2009 is £4,440 per year. Students who do not have home-student status enroling on part-time courses will be required to pay £9.90 per hour per week for their course.There may be small extra costs for administration and exams, course materials, books and equipment.

Once we have received your payment, we will then send out the acceptance letter, which you will require for visa purposes. We will also send out details of enrolment at this stage and receipt of your payment.  It is then your responsibility to secure a visa for your studies in the UK and to ensure that you are at the College to enrol on your course on the 31st August. When you enrol, we will need to see the original documents detailing your qualifications. 

If you are unable to obtain a visa then the fee will be refunded less a 10% administration fee. A refund for any other other reason may also be subject to a 10% administration fee charge.

Courses
As an international student in the UK on a student visa, you must be studying a full-time course at the College.

Getting a Visa
It is very important that you obtain the travel documents needed for you to study in the UK, especially as you may need a visa to enter the UK. Please check about UK entry requirements with the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country. You can also check on the UK Visa website www.ukvisa.gov.uk or the foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk

Applying for a UK Study Visa
Application is made to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country . The course you are applying for must be a full time programme of at least 15 hours per week. If you intend to study in the United Kingdom, there are many things to consider, including choosing the right course, where you will live, the cost of studying, accommodation and living expenses. You will be expected to provide proof that you can cover the cost of your course fees, accommodation and living expenses. The British Council has offices in many different countries and we strongly recommend that you seek information and advice from them before applying for courses in the UK.

The British Council,
10 Spring Gardens,
London
SW1A 2BN
Tel: +44 161 957 7755
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.britishcouncil.org.uk

On your arrival into the UK
In order to enter the UK, you will need:

• A valid passport (including visa/leave to remain certificate)
• An offer letter from the College.
• Evidence that you can pay for all your expenses whilst you are living and studying in the country.
• Enough money in cash to pay for expenses on arrival, such as food and transport.