International Student Guide - Ruskin College · International Student Guide ... (Listening,...

International Student

Guide

This guide includes:

How to apply for your visa

Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS)

How to pay for your tuition fees

Living costs

What you need to know and do before you leave home

Documents you need to bring with you

Arriving in the UK and going through customs

Information on working in the UK

Bringing your family to the UK

Medical issues and the Nation Health Service

Useful links

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How to apply for your visa

Ruskin College recommends that you read thoroughly, each section of this website: www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

National of a country which is not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

If you are a national of a country which is not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland you will need to have

permission to come to the UK as a student.

The stages of the application process are as follows:

1. Accept your conditional offer from Ruskin College, by returning the offer acceptance form.

2. We will send you the CAS Information Questionnaire - this is sent from June onwards for course beginning in

September.

3. Complete the CAS Information Questionnaire and submit the requested documents to [email protected]

4. Submit the evidence to show that you have met the conditions of your offer (except Probationary First Term). This

includes making all payments by 15th September.

5. Upon receipt, and subject to your offer conditions being met, we will review your completed CAS Information

Questionnaire and process a CAS request.

6. We will email you a CAS Statement usually within 3-5 days of its request.

7. You can then use your CAS Statement to assist in your application for a student visa.

What documents do I need to send with my visa application?

When you apply for your visa you will need to submit the CAS number as well as any documents, such as academic

certificates, that are listed in the CAS letter. You may also need other documents depending on your circumstances. For

example, proof that you have enough money. You must provide proof at your immigration appointment that you either

have paid the full fees or that the remaining fees are in your bank account along with the maintenance for 28 days. You

will also need to provide the original documentation stated in the CAS statement at this appointment.

For more information see the UK Border Agency's guide on how to show evidence of your money.

What are the English language requirements for visas?

If you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language

requirements as well as Ruskin College’s entry requirements. Non UK applicants are welcomed on the basis that their

communication skills in English are demonstrated prior to enrolment (to a minimum level of IELTS 6.0) and that previous

qualifications gained can be equated to a United Kingdom qualification, if applicable. Social Work non UK applicants need

to achieve an average of IELTS Level 6.5 over the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and will

need to have the equivalent at A* - C grade GCSE in Maths and English.

If you are from an English speaking country you will not need to show your language level. If you have been taught in

English your academic qualifications may show us you are at the required level.

Do you need a visa to enrol?

You need to either have, or show that you have applied for, a visa for Ruskin College. If not, we can not enrol you on the

course. There are strict deadlines for enrolment. If you are not fully enrolled at the college by the deadline you will not be

permitted to start your course for that academic year. This deadline cannot be moved for any reason.

Where can I find more information about the visa process?

For other information about the UK immigration system see:

UK Border Agency (UKBA).

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

What is a CAS?

The CAS is a unique reference number that you will need when you make your visa application. It confirms that you have a

conditional offer of a place on a course at Ruskin College and that Ruskin College will be your Tier 4 sponsor.

We will send you an email with a CAS letter attached. The CAS letter contains your CAS number and confirms all the

personal and course information that we sent to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to generate your CAS.

To receive a CAS you will need to have accepted an unconditional offer of place to study at Ruskin College.

The CAS will be issued from 6 months before the course start date, and only after all fees have been paid. Each CAS is only

valid for six months, and when it is created it is given an expiry date. You will not be able to use the CAS after the expiry

date.

If you have not yet received a CAS or you have received your CAS and have a questions or wish to request an amendment

please email: [email protected]

What do I need to send to Ruskin College to get my CAS number?

Once you have been made and accepted an unconditional offer you will be asked to provide Ruskin College with the

following information as soon as you have accepted your offer so we can generate your CAS:

Your nationality.

A copy of the photo page in your current passport.

A copy of your current visa (if you are already studying in the UK). This may be in your passport or on a UK identity card.

You should send this information to: [email protected]

Please note that it will not be possible to generate a CAS until we have received this information.

Am I tied to one education provider (university)?

Your permission to stay in the UK is 'tied' to the education provider whose CAS you use to apply for your visa. Once you

have been given leave, you will find the Ruskin College reference number on the vignette in your passport or on your UK

identity card for foreign nationals.

If you have a visa for a another university or college and you wish to study at Ruskin College you will need to apply for a

new visa to study at Ruskin College using the CAS number which we send you. You will not be permitted to enrol at Ruskin

College until you can show you have applied for a Tier 4 visa to study at Ruskin College.

How to pay for your tuition fees?

For all courses at Ruskin College, international students will need to have paid full tuition fees and residence fees for the

academic year (if living in college accommodation) or provided a financial guarantee (such as a letter of sponsorship) by

15th September.

Funding for European students

Funding for undergraduate students from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) depends on your

country. Most students are eligible for a tuition fee loan but check before you leave home. This may be lower if you have

taken any other study courses before. Read more on tuition fees and how to apply for financial support for UK/EU students

at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance. Some EU and EEA students may also qualify for a maintenance loan. This

depends on whether you meet migrant worker status, and were resident in the UK before 1 September of the first year of

your course at Ruskin College.

Non EU students may want to look at: www.educationuk.org/global/articles/scholarships-financial-support/

Living costs

The amount of money you will need for living costs will depend on your course and lifestyle.

The table on the next page, gives an example of the cost of living for a student at Ruskin College in 2013. The costs will

vary significantly from student to student, so you should think realistically about what you will spend.

Breakdown Weekly expenditure

Expenditure Per Week

Accommodation

Based on the average cost for a self catered room non-ensuite onsite* £100* Rent for private accommodation in Oxford may be less, but you are likely to pay a similar amount altogether, as you

will also have to pay for heat, water, insurance for personal belongings and internet connection

Accommodation

Based on the average cost for a self catered room ensuite onsite* £120* Rent for private accommodation in Oxford may be less, but you are likely to pay a similar amount altogether, as you

will also have to pay for heat, water, insurance for personal belongings and internet connection

Telephone* £5*Telephone costs will vary greatly depending on things such as your phone contract and the amount of international

calls.

Internet* £0*there is no internet charge if you live at Ruskin Hall, however, if you live in private accommodation you will need to

pay your for internet use

Transport in Oxford £15

Food £45

Household goods (toiletries, cleaning products, etc) £5

Books / stationery £10

Insurance (Endsleigh Insurance is recommended by the National Union of Students – NUS) Contact Endsleigh Insurance

for details

Total weekly expenditure £200 - £220

Total monthly expenditure (based on 4 weeks to a month) £1,200

Total annual expenditure (based on 9.5 months which is the amount of time spent at

university during the year) £11,400

You may want to make sure that you have additional monies available to cover emergencies

Paying halls of residence fees

If you are living in at Ruskin College, you should pay your residence fees by 15th September. You will only be able to pay on

a monthly basis if this has been agreed in writing by the Finance Director. However, you will have needed to have paid half

of your accommodation fees for Ruskin Hall by 15th September.

ation fees for Ruskin Hall by 15th September.

Living in other accommodation

Accommodation in a shared house in Oxford costs on average £75-£115 per week. You should also expect to pay an

average of £10 per week for gas, electric and water bills.

Ruskin College students may live in halls for their first year and are expected then move to a shared house or alternative arrangements for the remaining years of their course.

Extra expenses

If your partner is living with you, you need to double the living expenses. You will also have to pay for the living costs of

any children who come with you. Ruskin College does not offer family accommodation.

Postgraduate research students may also need an extra £600-£1,000 for expenses such as thesis presentation, travel and

equipment for research.

What you need to know and do before you leave home

This section aims to help you prepare to leave home and travel to Oxford to start your studies. It will answer many of your

questions, from what to pack in your luggage to whether you will be able to use the National Health Service (NHS). These

are some of the things you need to do and think about before you travel that will make your experience so much easier.

You also need to organise your accommodation well before you leave home.

Money and Banks

Before you accept your offer to study at Ruskin College, make sure you will have enough money for the whole of your

course. It can be very distressing for students if they have to leave their course because of financial difficulties. Think

carefully about how much money you will need to pay for your tuition fees and living costs, and how you are going to

manage your money and open a bank account in the UK.

www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/When-you-arrive/Opening-a-bank-account/

British currency

British currency is made up of pounds and pence and is known as sterling. One hundred pence (p) make one pound (£)

and there are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins and £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. In the UK, it is very unusual to

carry large sums of money in cash. Pay by debit/credit card or open a bank account and arrange a direct debit payment for

regular bills.

Insuring your journey and belongings

In the UK it is usual to pay for insurance to protect against any loss or injury to yourself or your belongings. Policies usually

cover you for part or all of the replacement value of what you have lost. Insure your luggage when you buy your travel

ticket. You can also use an insurance company in your own country or check Endsleigh, a company which insures students.

Keep copies of your traveller’s cheques, insurance policies and passport number in a safe place. Leave the numbers with

friends and family. If you do need to bring things like valuable jewellery, take out extra possessions insurance to cover

their cost if you lose them.

If you are needing to use a packaging company or freight service to bring your belongings to the UK you will need to find

out these details yourself. Services vary between countries.

Documents you need to bring with you

You need original documents to enrol and study at Ruskin College, to prove your identity, your immigration status and the

qualifications you have passed. Always write your name exactly as it is printed in your passport. Ruskin College needs to

use your correct name for your immigration and academic purposes.

You will need documents to show:

Proof of your identity:

Non-EEA (European Economic Area) students will need their passport, and if they have one, their UK Biometric

Residence Permit (BRP) to show their identity and immigration status. When students on Tier 4 visas enrol face to

face, we will photocopy these documents.

EEA national students need their passport or national ID card to show their identity.

You must give your exact date of birth on university and other official forms. Bring your birth certificate with you, if

possible.

If you have changed your name, so that the name on your academic qualification certificate is no longer the name

you use, you must show Ruskin College an official document which records the change of name, for example, a

marriage certificate.

English language and exam certificates:

If your first language is not English, you need to show that you have one of our acceptable English language

qualifications unless your A-levels or other academic qualifications already meet our English language requirements.

Some courses, in particular those in which English is taught as part of the course, may have different requirements,

so check what you need for your course. You also need your English language qualifications for a tier 4 visa.

you need for your course. You also need your English language qualifications for a tier 4 v

Certificates for your examinations (academic qualifications) if requested. You must bring your original certificates for

the examinations you have passed and awards you have gained. These must be original transcripts or certified copies.

We will check the certificates at your face to face enrolment with Ruskin College. If these documents are not in

English, bring certified translations. Contact the British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country

to find out how to do this.

Any original offer letters:

Bring any original letters we sent you, especially if they have been sent to the address where you live in your home

country. This will be important when you do your face to face enrolment, and to prove your address in your home country

when you open a bank account.

Other useful documents:

Health certificates and vaccinations.

Bring copies of any medical records to show your doctor in the UK.

Diagnostic evidence for any disability or specific learning difficulty is important for students who have a disability and

need support.

If you plan to look for part-time work in the UK while you are studying, bring written references from any employers

you have worked for before. If they are not in English, get translations.

You must be able to show that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and to live in the UK for the first year of

your course. The original documents must be dated no more than one month before you apply.

Arriving in the UK and going through customs

When you arrive in the UK, you will go through immigration and customs control. If you have the right documents, you

should not have any problems.

If you arrive in the UK without the documents you need, do not say that you are visiting the UK for a holiday. If you do not

explain what you really intend to do, the immigration officers may think you are trying to deceive them and you could be

sent home. European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals only need to show a valid passport or national identity

card.

Non-EEA nationals - Arriving with a Tier 4 visa

You will need to show the immigration officer your valid passport with your Tier 4 entry clearance (visa) sticker. They check

your (visa) sticker before stamping your passport to show when you entered the UK. They may talk to you to check that

your English language is good enough for a Tier 4 visa, and ask questions about:

Why are you coming to the UK?

Where are you studying?

How much money have you got to study in the UK?

Have these documents in your hand luggage:

CAS (confirmation of acceptance of studies) letter which we sent you by email.

Bank statements, drafts, traveller’s cheques or official sponsorship letters showing you can pay your fees and living

costs.

Valid passport.

UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (only if you have one).

Police Registration Certificate (only if you have one).

Health/medical certificates, proof of vaccinations or chest x-ray report. If students from your country need a health

certificate or chest x-ray but you do not have one with you, the immigration officers may delay you for a health check.

Do not worry about this, it is easy but takes time.

Non-EEA nationals - Arriving without a Tier 4 visa:

If you are studying on a course which is for 6 months or more, and do not have a tier 4 student visa

when you arrive, they will not let you into the UK, and you will have to return home.

If you are on a short course (6 months or less)and are not from a visa national country, you may be able to enter as a

student visitor, you must show the immigration officer:

1. Your valid passport and

2. The documents that you need to apply for a Student visitor visa.

If you are from a visa national country and studying for less than 6 months you must apply for your student visitor

visa before you travel. You should also then still carry the documents that you needed to apply for your Student visitor

visa.

If you arrive without the documents you need

If you arrive without the documents you need, do not say that you are visiting the UK for a holiday or as a tourist. If you do

not explain what you really intend to do in the UK, the immigration officers may think you are trying to deceive them and

send you home. Very few Ruskin students have problems, but if you need help, contact Hannah Jones on: 01865 759600

immediately, or email [email protected]

mail [email protected]

Going through customs

After going through immigration you will go through customs. There are rules about what you can and cannot bring into

the UK. Travellers from outside the EU use the red or green exit. The red exit is for travellers with goods to declare, the

green is for those with nothing to declare. Even if you choose the green gate the customs officer may look in your bags. Go

through the red gate if you have more alcoholic drinks, perfume or tobacco than the amount allowed, or if you have any

goods bought outside, or on the journey to, the UK free of tax. Travellers from the EU use the blue exit. There is no limit on

goods (such as alcohol and tobacco) that you can bring, as long as they are for your use only. Illegal drugs, guns,

pornography, animals and plants are strictly controlled. Customs officers may check your luggage.

Carrying money

If you are carrying the value of 10,000 euros or more in cash, bankers draft or cheque you will have to declare this by

completing a form when you arrive. The customs officer will then give you a copy of your form. Keep this safe to show that

you have made a declaration. You may have to pay up to £5,000 if you do not declare the money correctly.

Police and security

The number to call the police in an emergency in the UK is 999. There is also a non-emergency number which is 101.

It is rare, but identity fraud does occur in the UK. Please ensure that you take care of your belongings. Do

not allow any one to have access to your personal details (passport, offer letter, bank details etc).

Travelling to Oxford

Travelling from UK airports and arriving in London

Coaches (buses) run straight to Oxford from the airports so you do not need to go into central London. They can usually

only take two 20kg suitcases and one small piece of hand luggage so do not pack too much luggage (you should also

check to see how much luggage you are allowed on the plane). You can see maps and more about the services at the main

airports.

Travelling from London

There are also two coach services and trains that run regularly to Oxford from central London. Taxis to Oxford from the

airports and London are very expensive. Check and book in advance if you want to use them.

Take a look at: www.oxfordbus.co.uk

When you have gone through customs, you can start travelling to Oxford.

www.oxfordbus.co.uk

e ggone througgh customs,, yyou can start travellingg to Oxford.

Information on working in the UK

Working while studying - If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland you can usually work in the

UK without any restrictions. Find out more on the UKCISA website. Non-EEA students on degree courses can normally work

up to 20 hours per week during semester time and full-time during vacations. You can see more information on the ISAS

website.

Working after you finish studying - From 6 April 2012 if you have completed a UK degree (or 12 months of a PhD) you

will be able to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa without having to meet all the normal requirements of that visa. However

you will need an employer to offer you a job and to support your visa application, and you will need to meet the minimum

pay requirement (normally £20,000 a year). Find out more on the UK Border Agency or UKCISA websites.

Bringing your family

Studying full-time and balancing your responsibilities as a partner and parent can be very difficult. You need to think

carefully about whether or not to bring your family with you. Consider:

Where you will live – Ruskin College does not offer family accommodation

You will need to get a visa for your family – this will be your responsibility. There may be some restrictions on your

student visa which you will need to check on.

How you will pay for your family to live in Oxford.

Ruskin College does not offer any child care. You will have to pay for most forms of childcare.

Where your children will go to school. The school they go to will depend on how old they are and where you are

living.

Whether your family will be entitled to National Health Service (NHS) health care. Most families will be able to use

the NHS, but if you are not entitled to use it, you will also have to take out insurance to cover any medical costs.

Whether your family speak English.

If your family will miss their friends and family at home.

Medical Issues and using the National Health Service

NHS care includes free visits to a doctor, and paying a standard cost for prescriptions (medicine which your doctor says you

need) and dental treatment. Most international students at Ruskin College can register with a NHS doctor if you are:

Studying full-time at Ruskin College (Ruskin College has a medical adviser. He is based at Richard’s Medical Centre,

12 Old High Street, Headington, Oxford OX3 9HN) for more than three months, you can receive NHS medical care from

local doctors. NHS hospital care is not always covered, especially if you are on a course for less than twelve months

and it is not emergency treatment. Non-emergency hospital treatment can be very expensive, so get your own

medical insurance to cover this.

From a country which has an agreement with the UK, you can receive NHS care. Check with your own health

authority what the agreement includes.

A national from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can receive NHS care. This also covers any

illness you already have before coming to the UK. To prove you are eligible before you leave home, get a European

Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If you bring your spouse, partner or children (who are less than 18 years old) with you to the UK as your dependants, they

will be eligible for NHS care in the same way as you are.

If you are not eligible to use the NHS, you need to pay for medical insurance (for example Endsleigh's international

student policy). You can find more about this policy and request a quote, by following the links from 'travel' and

'international student' at Endsleigh. For more about other UK insurance policies, contact The Association of British Insurers

(ABI).

Here are some of the ways to make sure you have good health care:

If you have not had the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) or meningitis C vaccinations, have them before you leave

home.

If you are already taking any medicines, bring enough with you to last for one month. If you are using four or more

medicines, make an appointment to see a doctor soon after you arrive in Oxford.

If you are being treated for a long-term medical condition, for example diabetes, bring your doctor’s name and

address. Ask them for copies of your medical records and a list of any medicines you are already taking. You can then

show them to your new doctor in Oxford.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your own optician/optometrist about the best solutions to use in the UK.

Useful links

www.asianculturalcentre.org.uk

www.oxford.gov.uk/communitycentres

www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/religionandbelief/faithsocietiesgroupsorreligiouscentres

.gov.uk/communitycentres

ox.ac.uk/eop/religionandbelief/faithsocietiesgroupsorreligiouscentres

March 15

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