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A qualification designed with our university partners to prepare you for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. Quality is at the heart of everything that we do so our qualifications meet the highest academic standards set by our university partners. As well as academic knowledge, the NWRC IFY will give you specialist English language, study and cultural skills that are an essential part of your degree course. This unique combination will help you to get in to the University of your choice and get on with your future career.

You must be 17 years old and have completed 12 years of high school education and have a recognised English language qualification e.g. IELTS 5.0. If you have an IELTS 4.5 we may consider giving you an offer but you must pay for English tuition to improve your standard of English.

NWRC qualifications are accepted by universities worldwide. 90% of our academic student’s progress to UK universities with 10% progressing to European, American or other universities.

We know that not all students achieve their predicted grades. You may be able to access the university Clearing Service. If you don’t get into your first choice University, we can still support you to find a suitable alternative. All you have to do is choose the one that is right for you.

For Glossary of terms and definitions follow this link

You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

have been offered a place on a full-time course (minimum 15 hours/week organised day time study) at or above Level 3 on the National Qualification Framework which leads to a qualification at level 6

can speak, read, write and understand English

have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – this will vary depending on your circumstances

are from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

you meet the other eligibility requirements

You can arrive in the UK before your course starts:

- up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less

- up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

How long you can stay depends on the kind of course you’re doing and what study you’ve already completed.

You can:

• study

• work as a student union sabbatical officer

• apply from inside or outside the UK

• apply to extend your stay

• work – depending on what level your course is and what kind of sponsor you have

You can’t:

• get public funds

• work as professional sportsperson, including a sports coach

• you may be able to bring in family members (dependants).

  • Read the full guidance to find out how long you might be able to stay and what you can and can’t do.

You must have:

• an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a qualified education provider

• enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – this will vary depending on your circumstances

Read the guide and appendix for the full list of documents and how much money you’ll need.

You can do a course that’s one of the following:

• full-time leading to a qualification that’s at least level 6 on the revised National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

• an overseas course of degree level study that’s equal to a UK higher education course and is being run by an overseas higher education institution

• a full-time course with at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study leading to a qualification below degree level but at least NQF level 3

• a recognised foundation programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist

Your education provider will send you a reference number called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS), a virtual document, with your unique reference number and information about the course of study for which it has been issued once they’ve offered you a place on a course. You’ll need to enter this on your visa application.

You must apply for your visa no more than 6 months after you receive the CAS.

Further study in the UK

You can only get a CAS for a new course if you’ve studied in the UK before and you’re:

• studying for a new qualification at a higher academic level

• studying for a new qualification that’s at the same level of study but relates to and adds to your previous qualification

• re-sitting exams or repeating modules

• applying for the first time to a new institution to complete a course you started somewhere else

Note: A valid CAS is one that:

• has the same details on it as in your passport;

• was assigned no more than six months before the date of your application;

• and has not been withdrawn or cancelled by your Tier 4 sponsor or the Home Office.

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.

You can prove this by passing an approved English language test.

The level of English you need (in reading, writing, speaking and listening) depends on the course you’re studying:

• CEFR level B2 for courses at NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or above

• CEFR level B1 for courses at NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8

You can also meet this requirement if you can show you:

• have an academic qualification that was taught in a majority English speaking country and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree

• have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student that was at least 6 months long, and that finished less than 2 years before you got your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)

• are considered by your sponsor to be a ‘gifted student’

Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.You can prove this by passing an approved English language test.The level of English you need (in reading, writing, speaking and listening) depends on the course you’re studying:CEFR level B2 for courses at NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or aboveCEFR level B1 for courses at NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8You can also meet this requirement if you can show you:have an academic qualification that was taught in a majority English speaking country and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degreehave successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student that was at least 6 months long, and that finished less than 2 years before you got your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)are considered by your sponsor to be a ‘gifted student’Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.You can prove this by passing an approved English language test.The level of English you need (in reading, writing, speaking and listening) depends on the course you’re studying:CEFR level B2 for courses at NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or aboveCEFR level B1 for courses at NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8You can also meet this requirement if you can show you:have an academic qualification that was taught in a majority English speaking country and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degreehave successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student that was at least 6 months long, and that finished less than 2 years before you got your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)are considered by your sponsor to be a ‘gifted student’Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

When you apply for the visa you must provide:

• a current passport or other valid travel documentation

• 2 passport sized-colour photographs with your name written on the reverse side

• proof that you can support yourself and pay for your course – this will vary depending on your circumstances

• proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18

• your childhood immunization record and tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa.

You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Read the guidance and appendix for the full list of documents and how much money you’ll need according to your situation.

Your Tier 4 sponsor (NWRC) has to assess your qualifications in order to assign your

CAS, you must send us these qualifications with your application. For each qualification listed, you must provide either:

The original certificate(s) of qualification. Each document must be the original (not a copy) and must clearly show:

• your name; and

• the title of the award; and

• the date of the award; and

• the name of the awarding institution.

Provisional certificates and transcripts of results will not be accepted.

Apply-check here to see if you require a VISA to study in the UK.

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply outside the UK

You must apply online for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in – check with your visa application centre.

North Korea – You can’t apply online if you’re applying from North Korea.

To apply from North Korea you must:

• download the form and appendix

• read the instructions on how to apply

Apply in the UK

You can only extend your existing visa or switch to this visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You may be able to stay longer to continue your course or study a new one. Note academic progression rules and regulations (page 19 and 20 of linked document).

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend – including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You may be able to apply to extend your stay to continue your course.

You must:

• meet the eligibility requirements of this visa

• be in the UK

You should read the full Tier 4 guidance before you apply.

Fees-Check here for current costs

It costs £428 to extend your visa.

You must pay £428 for each dependent.

When to Apply

You must apply:

• within 6 months of getting a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)

• before your current visa expires – but no more than 3 months before the course start date on your CAS

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision

WAYs to apply

If you want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, you can apply:

• for priority service – there’s a limited number of places each day

• to use a premium service centre – you’ll need to go in person

Application typeTime for a decisionCost per person

Standard8 weeks£448

Priority10 days£823

PremiumSame day£948

You’ll also need to provide biometric information (£19.20 fee) and pay the healthcare surcharge.

Apply for the standard or premium service

You can apply online:

• for the standard service

• to book an appointment at a premium service centre

Pay the appropriate fee at the same time.

Apply for the priority service

You must fill in a request form before you can use the priority service. Send it to the email address on the form.

Only the first 60 requests received each day after 8:30am (Monday to Friday) are accepted – you’ll get an email saying if you’ve been successful.

A decision will be made:

• within 8 weeks for online applications

• usually on the same day if you use the premium service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

• your supporting documents need to be verified

• you need to attend an interview

• of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You may be able to change (switch) from another visa to a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You must apply:

• within 6 months of getting a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)

• before your current visa expires - but no more than 3 months before the course start date on your CAS

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

ELIGIBILITY TO SWITCH

You can apply to switch into this category if you’re in the UK under any of the following visas or schemes:

Tier 1 (Post-study work)

Tier 2 (General)

Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer)

Tier 2 (Minister of religion)

Tier 4 (Child)

prospective student

student (under the rules in place before 31 March 2009)

student re-sitting an examination

student nurse

students writing up a thesis

student union sabbatical officer

work permit holder

postgraduate doctor or dentist

Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme

International Graduates Scheme

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme

How to apply

Check how to apply to switch to this visa.

How long it takes

A decision will be made:

within 8 weeks for online applications

usually on the same day if you use the premium service

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Previous information regarding applications/biometric information and healthcare surcharges is the same as previous extend your visa section.

Your family members (dependants) might be able to apply to join or remain with you in the UK if they’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

• A dependant is either:

• your husband, wife or civil partner

• your unmarried or same-sex partner

• your child under 18 years old – including if they were born in the UK during your stay

You can apply to bring a dependent to the UK if you’re:

• sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at NQF level 7 or above that lasts 1 year or more

• a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts 6 months or longer

• a Doctorate Extension Scheme student

You must show that your dependants can be supported while they’re in the UK.

Each dependant must have a certain amount of money available to them – this is in addition to the money you must have to support yourself.

The amount of money you need depends on:

• the length of your course

• where you’re studying in the UK

• whether you’ve finished a UK course or are currently studying

You must have proof you have the money, and that it’s been in your bank account or your dependent’s bank account for at least 28 days before you or they apply.

Read the detailed guidance for dependants for how much money you’ll need and the full list of documents you need to provide.

Your family members must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application and this does incur a cost.

They may be able to get their visa faster or other services depending on what country they’re in – check with the visa application centre.

North Korea

Your family members can’t apply online if they’re applying from North Korea.

To apply from North Korea they must:

• print off and fill in the application form

• read the instructions on how to apply

Your dependents should apply online.

Children born in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online for permission for them to stay as dependents.

You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

To obtain a Tier 4 visa you would need to submit a number of documents.

All documents must meet certain requirements too. Your eligibility for this visa is based on a points system requiring you to get 40 points to get your visa. The points are broken down as follows:

• 30 points to obtain a CAS and provide evidence relating to how you met the requirements stated on there

• 10 points by providing evidence you have access to the correct amount of money and provide the correct documentation to prove it

You can apply online for a UK visa to visit, work, and study or join a family member or partner (e.g. spouse) already in the UK.

You must apply in person if you’re from North Korea.

You can also use the new beta service if you’re in China and applying for a general, child or business visitor visa.

For applying online please visit the following link: https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/

You can download a full Tier 4 Policy Guidance by clicking Tier 4 of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance

Please note that this information is a summary of the Tier 4 General scheme and is designed to provide general information. Students applying for Tier 4 are responsible for making sure they read the up-to-date, full guidance note titled ‘Tier 4 of the Points Based System-Policy Guidance’ before making an application. This is available from the Home Office website.

The UKBA has introduced new rules which will affect all students applying for a Tier 4 visa from 1st July 2014. The changes are:

Study at Degree level or above (NQF 6) is restricted to 5 years in total

However, if the duration of your degree was a minimum of 4 years of study then it is restricted to 6 years in total.

The table on page 26 and 27 explains how much time a Tier 4 (General) Student can come to the UK for.

This year limit does not include any time that you spend studying below UK bachelor’s degree level under:

• the student rules that were in place before 31 March 2009; or

• Tier 4 (General) when you were 16 or 17 years old; or

• Tier 4 (Child) when you were aged 17 years or under; or

• any other non Tier 4 category which permits study.

What are the conditions I must meet to extend my visa?

• You must score a total of 40 points under Tier 4. These points are split into the following categories:

  • 30 points- CAS reference number

  • 10 points- proving you have sufficient funds to study in the UK.

How much money do I need to have available to meet the maintenance requirement?

• If you meet the UKBA’s definition of established presence you can show £1640. If you do not meet their definition of established presence you will need to show £7380. The last date on your bank statement must not be more than 28 days old at the time of application. Please note if you still have tuition fees left to pay you must ensure you maintain this remaining amount with the above maintenance requirement.

Tier 4 Print & Send OR online form

Once a CAS is ready we will email you with details of your course.

You will then be asked to complete the Tier 4 form.

There are 2 forms on the Home Office website, with 2 different ways to apply.

Both required to be completed online.

You must choose ONLY one option:

Option One Print & SendIf you choose this option, you will be required to fill in the form online, pay online, print your form and POST all your original documents BEFORE your visa expires. It is advisable that, when you fill in the form you choose the post (standard) option and pay £406. If you wish to apply for the premium service, you will need to book and attend the appointment at the Home office BEFORE your visa expires.

Remember to save every page as you complete the form.

If you are a continuing student, remember to read your CAS email carefully and do not go beyond ‘Supporting Documents’ section on the form. You will be able to complete and submit the form when you come to the appointment.

To use this option go to the Home Office website and select Tier 4 Print and Send Form.

You will be asked to create a login. You must write down your username, password and memorable word. You must follow the instructions on the screen to complete your form.

Option Two Online FormIf you choose this option, you will be required to fill in the form online, pay and submit the form online BEFORE your visa expires:

• You can choose to pay and send your documents by post (standard option) within 15 days of completing your payment online.

• If you choose to pay to attend an appointment (premium service) to submit your documents in person you must book and attend the visa appointment within 45 days of completing your payment online.

• Remember to save every page as you complete the form.

• You must make sure you have met all the requirements and have the correct documents on the date you submit and pay for your application online. Any documents dated after your submission of the online form could result in a visa refusal.

• If you are a continuing student, remember to read your CAS email carefully and do not go beyond ‘Supporting Documents’ section on the form. You will be able to complete and submit the form when you come to the appointment.

To use this option go to the Home Office website and use the Tier 4 Online Form

You will be asked to create a login. You must write down your username, password and memorable word. You must follow the instructions on the screen to complete your form.

Passport size photos x2These must have been taken within 28 days of your application. Write your full name in English behind both photos.

Current

Passport

Also any previous passports and/or travel documents used to travel to and remain in the UK.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card(If applicable) If you have extended your visa in the UK before you may have your current visa on this card.

CAS NumberThis can be obtained from International Office but must be requested in advance. The CAS number will be given to you on a CAS letter. You MUST make sure all the details on this are up-to-date at the time of application. If any details need updating, please bring your CAS statement to us. If it is not updated you could be refused your visa.

Transcript of Results(If applicable) Results showing progress on your current course.

Proof of Previous Qualifications(If applicable) This only applies if this is the first time you are applying for a visa for your current course. It should be listed on your CAS statement.

Police

Registration Document

(If applicable) If you require one it will be stated on your current visa.Bank document covering the last 28 daysPlease see the table for Maintenance (funds) in the policy guidance, to find out how much money is needed in your account. If you also have any tuition fees for the current academic year which the college has not asked you to pay yet you will need to maintain it at the same time in your account for the same 28 days’ period.

The Bank Statements should be in your name and show the account number, date of statement, banks name and logo, amount of money available.

Applicants will have to show evidence of having the required amount in their account consistently for 28 days. The closing balance must also be less than 28 days old at the time you send your application.

If it is a loan option submit bank statements in your parent (s) name showing the required amount. If you wish to provide this you will also need to submit your Birth Certificate & a letter from your parent confirming the funds available at the time of submission of the application, stating the relationship between you and them and that they have given permission for the funds to be used for your study in the UK.

If you are being sponsored by an official financial sponsor or a government sponsor, then you will need to provide a letter from the sponsor. This letter you should be on the official letter – headed paper and must include your name, name and official contact details of the official financial sponsor, date of the letter, the length of the sponsorship and the amount of money they are giving to you or that they will cover your fees and living costs.

Please note: Other documents as evidence of funds are also acceptable, please see the relevant pages of the Tier 4 of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance

We welcome applications from International Students (non-EU) to Full Time courses ONLY at our College. In order to be accepted you need;

• A good standard of English – IELTS 6.0; OR Paper based TOEFL 547; OR Computer based TOEFL 210; OR TOEFL 79

• A qualification that satisfies the entry requirements for your chosen course

• To be aged 18 or over

• To participate in an interview with the Course Coordinator (Skype where appropriate)

• If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your written and spoken English is adequate for the programme you want to study.

Most International Students submit scores in either the British Council IELTS test or the American TOEFL test. If you are interested in studying with us, you can find out more on our website.

For further information contact our International Officer – Tel: 00 44 2871 27 6045, or email international@nwrc.ac.uk

Step 1

Apply: Download application form from our College website or call +44-(0)287127 6000. Your completed form and supporting documents can be scanned and emailed to us at international.officer@nwrc.ac.uk or send a photocopy to: International Officer, North West Regional College, Strand Road, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 7AL; Fax No: +44-(0)2871260520

You must send the following (translated into English), with your Application Form:

• Original Certificate(s) of any qualification(s) and exam transcripts you have, and their English translation with notarisation of documents.

• Your academic record, e.g. if you are still studying, ask your School for a letter letting us know when you will complete your current course.

• A copy of your English language test result, if English is not your first language, e.g. IELTS, TOFEL or any other equivalent test.

• Your Passport (the page on which your photo and passport number appears). An original relevant VISA. It is important you provide the above documents, otherwise the processing of your application will be delayed.

PLEASE NOTE: There are 7 further steps to the Application process for prospective International (Non-EU) students. Please visit our College website at www.nwrc.ac.uk/international to view this information.

The following gives an approximate comparison between the different exams. The exams all use the Common European Framework (CEF) proficiency levels and assess each of the four components (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

CEF LevelEnglish LevelCity and Guilds

Skills for Life

IELTS

A1BeginnerEntry 12.0

A2ElementaryEntry 23.0

B1Pre-IntermediateEntry 33.5 / 4.0 / 4.5

B2IntermediateLevel 15.0 / 5.5 / 6.0

C1Upper-IntermediateLevel 26.5 – 7.0

C2AdvancedLevel 37.5

A list of the approved English language tests for Tier 4, including the time period tests are valid for, and the scores you must achieve all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening), is available on the Home Office pages at the Gov.UK website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-rules-appendix-o

For students studying below Degree level QCF or NQF level 3, 4 or 5 your sponsor must ensure that you are competent in English language at a minimum level B1 on the CEFR. This requirement also applies to you if you are:

1. a) undertaking a foundation degree;

2. b) taking a pre-sessional course which is below QCF or NQF 6 before a degree course, this includes students who are sponsored by an HEI; or

c)studying English as a foreign language under Tier 4 at CEFR level B2 or above.