FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VISA RELATED FAQs
UK FAQs
For undergraduate degree programmes, an application must be made online through our website or at our office. Full details about the application process can be found in the online application page
Our bachelor degree programmes are listed in the A-Z course index of our online Undergraduate page. We offer a full range of taught and research degrees at postgraduate level, all of which place emphasis on equipping postgraduates with specific analytical and research skills. This training enables our postgraduates to make a real contribution to their field of research, internationally recognized research specialists.
For course entry requirements please see the Online Application page for detailed information.
If you don’t meet the main application deadline, you can still apply for many courses. We recommend you contact us and we can universities whether they have vacancies first – especially for courses with a 15 October deadline, as it’s unusual for them to consider late applications because their courses are really competitive. 30 June, 18:00 (UK time) – the final deadline for late applications with course choices 20 September, 18:00 (UK time) – it’s still okay to apply by this date, but instead of choosing courses, you’ll be entered into ‘Clearing’ – the process universities and colleges use to fill any places they still have on their courses While the 15 October deadline is usually inflexible, don’t worry if you miss the January deadline. Many universities and colleges will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the beginning of the course. Don’t leave it too late though, because if you do get a place, you’ll still need to arrange a visa and your accommodation.
You'll need to leave enough time to complete your application, resolve any queries and make sure it reaches us by the deadline. After you find courses and you’re ready to apply, we’ll explain everything in more detail, but here’s a brief overview: Fill in your details, qualifications and course choices. Write a personal statement to demonstrate you’ll be a good student. Include your reference and pay your application fee.
A few courses start between January and May, rather than the more typical start dates of September/October. This kind of variation in course start dates can affect deadlines, so if you’re interested in one of these when you search for courses, check the application details in the course listings. If you're interested in any courses with earlier start dates, make sure you don't miss any of the earlier deadlines.
A personal statement supports your application to study at a university or college. It’s a chance for you to articulate why you’d like to study a particular course or subject, and what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for your chosen field. As an international student, there are a few extra things you should mention: Why you want to study in the UK. Your English language skills, and any English courses or tests you’ve taken. Why you want to be an international student, rather than study in your own country.
It is a government backed scheme that your landlord should have placed your deposit into if you began renting your property from 6th April 2007. These types of scheme makes sure that you get your deposit back, as long as you do the following; 1. Meet the terms of your tenancy agreement 2. Do not damage the property 3. Pay your rent and bills
ou should clean your property to the highest quality possible or your landlord could deduct money from your deposit to get a professional to clean it instead. Here is a list of some areas your landlord is likely to want you to clean before you leave: 1. Oven 2. Fridge 3. Skirting boards 4. Corners of rooms 5. Limescale around bath/shower
Rent, deposits and letting agent fees are rising in price. Here's how to pay your deposit and whether you should consider borrowing the money or using a credit card. Some private landlords accept cash. If you pay with cash, ask for a receipt in case you need proof of how much you paid in the future. If you have the money saved up already, using this is usually your cheapest option. If you can't afford a deposit yet, you need to save up or borrow the money.
If you do not have enough saved for a deposit, you could borrow money and pay it back over several months. But the interest you pay can make it much more expensive than using money you have saved. Paying back a loan can also make it harder for you to afford your rent. Landlords usually prefer tenants who have saved up enough cash for a deposit. This is because it shows you are financially reliable. Some might not rent their property to you if you are in debt because you could struggle to afford your rent as well as your loan repayments.
Yes, some letting agents let you pay your deposit by credit card. But they often charge a fee of 2% of the deposit amount or more. Private landlords almost never accept credit card payments, and some letting agents do not accept them either. This is because landlords can't usually take credit card payments, and they cost more for letting agents to process. If you decide to pay by credit card, you could choose one that offers interest-free purchases. This could let you pay back the deposit amount over several months with no interest charges.
If your parents, family or friends can lend you money for your deposit, this could work out much cheaper, especially if they charge no interest. Here are the pros and cons of borrowing from family or friends.
The simple answer is YES!. As an International Student, you will be required to take the English Language Test. There are broadly two types of English test for applying to study in the UK: • SELTs – these are usually taken for visa applications. The UKVI decides which exams are accepted, and approves the test centres. Some SELTs can only be taken inside the UK, while others – such as IELTS for UKVI – can be taken in your own country. • Non-SELT language tests – some tests not on the UKVI’s SELT list may still be used, depending on the type of visa applied for. Some tests assess a wide range of ability, while others are in-depth exams at one level.
Some people applying for a UK student visa will need to take a SELT, and some will not. Students currently living outside the European Zone (European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland) are required to take a SELT if they intend to: • take a course below degree level – CEFR level B1 SELT or higher. • study at a university or college not recognized by UKVI (most universities and colleges are recognized) – CEFR level B2 SELT or higher.
If you do need to take a SELT, two exams are currently accepted by UKVI: • IELTS for UKVI – available in the UK and overseas • Integrated Skills in English – available in the UK only
Failure to prove genuine intention to study or credibility as a genuine student. Lack of knowledge about the prospective course. Lack of knowledge about the prospective university. Intention to leave the country at the end of the course. Poor English language standard Submission of an invalid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Failure to submit specified financial documents
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for. A short-term study visa lets you to study for up to 6 months (11 months if you’re over 16 and studying an English language course). A general student visa is for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You can do some work on this visa. A child student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, you can do some work on this visa.
CANADA VISA RELATED FAQs
A study permit is a written authorization issued by an officer allowing foreign nationals to study in Canada. Important information: A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after your study program has been completed. Your program is considered complete when you receive a notification of program completion from your school.
Generally, foreign nationals must obtain a study permit in order to study in Canada. However, foreign nationals may be exempted from requiring a study permit in the following situations: Family members or private staff accompanying a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada; or Members of the armed forces of a country or territory designated for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act.
Yes, there are activities that do not require a study permit. Generally, a study permit is not required for: attending preschool; completing a distance learning program; following audit courses (where a student is permitted to attend an academic course without obtaining credits); taking courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists; taking a course which is not academic, professional or vocational in nature that is of general interest and can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada; taking a course or a program of study which is six months or less that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada.
Before applying for a study permit at a Canadian visa office, you must first get a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The letter must be issued by the Canadian institution (e.g. school district, University, etc.) on official letterhead, show the exact amount of tuition fees you are required to pay, the anticipated starting and finishing dates and the date by which you need to register. Once you have your acceptance letter, you can complete and submit an application for a study permit.
For post-secondary level, you must consult the Designated Learning Institution List. If your school is not on the DLI List, you are not eligible to apply for a study permit. Important information: All primary and secondary institutions in Canada are automatically designated and do not appear on the DLI List.
In order to study in Quebec, students must obtain a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l'Immigration, Diversité et Inclusion (MIDI). The educational institution should provide the student with all the details related to applying for Quebec. For residents of countries or territories such as France, Austria, Mexico or the Hong Kong Administrative Region, where there is a Quebec Immigration Service (SIQ), they can apply there directly for a CAQ. Students do not have to wait for the actual CAQ before applying for their study permit. As proof of their acceptance, they can simply submit MIDI's letter of approval.
In addition to providing an acceptance letter from a DLI, you must demonstrate to the officer that you: meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, including leaving Canada at the end of your studies; have satisfactory proof of financial support: If the duration of your studies in Canada will be less than a year, proof of financial support for the duration of your studies in Canada. If the duration of your studies in Canada will be more than a year, proof of financial support for the first year of your studies in Canada. are law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate); will not be a risk to the security of Canada; are in good health (a medical examination may be requested); will produce additional documents requested by the officer to establish your admissibility.
As a study permit holder, you must remain enrolled at a DLI and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your program. Failing to do so may lead to your removal from Canada. For post-secondary study permit holders, the DLI will report your continued academic enrolment and status to us. An officer may also impose, change, or cancel conditions on your study permit. These may include one or more of the following: the type of studies or course you may take; the educational institution you may attend; the location of your studies; the time and period of your studies; the time and place at which you shall report for medical examination or observation; the time and place at which you shall report to present evidence of compliance with applicable conditions; the work conditions attached to your study permit; the prohibition of engaging in employment; the duration of your stay in Canada.
Yes, as an international student, you may work under any Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s work programs for students, if you meet certain eligibility requirements. In most cases, you will need to apply for a student work permit.
As long as you have a valid study permit and are a full-time student enrolled at a post-secondary DLI (university, community college, collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP), publicly funded trade or technical school, or private institutions authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees) you may work on campus. The employer may be either the school or a private contractor operating on campus.
If you plan to visit or study for six months or less: You usually do not need a medical exam. If you plan to visit or study for more than six months: You will need a medical exam if you: have lived temporarily for six or more months in a row in any of these countries or territories in the one year immediately before the date you want to enter Canada. (This applies even if you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada.)
Fees will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision. For example, being found ineligible for a study permit is part of the processing; the fees will not be refunded. If you apply again, you will have to pay the application processing fee, and if applicable to you, the biometric fee.
To pay your fees for your application you’ll need: a valid email address; access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and a credit card or Canadian debit card. Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay: Go to Online Payment. Follow the online instructions. At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies. Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application. Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records. stop sign hand Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!
Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer who will assess the information and documentation you have provided, and determine if an interview is necessary. If an interview is required, you will receive a letter specifying the date, time and place for the interview. If your application is refused, any original documents, including your passport (if submitted with your application), will be returned to you with an explanation of why your application was refused.
UK VISA RELATED FAQs
Failure to prove genuine intention to study or credibility as a genuine student. Lack of knowledge about the prospective course. Lack of knowledge about the prospective university. Intention to leave the country at the end of the course. Poor English language standard Submission of an invalid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Failure to submit specified financial documents
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for. A short-term study visa lets you to study for up to 6 months (11 months if you’re over 16 and studying an English language course). A general student visa is for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You can do some work on this visa. A child student visa is for 4 to 17-year-olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, you can do some work on this visa.
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you’re applying from. IN NIGERIA PBS Tier 4 Visas required by students is as follows: Most applications are processed within 10 days. But in 30 days you should have received a decision. Note: actual processing times may vary depending on a range of factors.
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 course can speak, read, write and understand English have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances are from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland meet the other eligibility requirements
Yes, you can! 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 must have: an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
When you apply for the visa you must provide: a current passport or other valid travel documentation 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 proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian if you’re under 18 your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test You need a blank page in your passport for your visa. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
You can only apply to extend your leave to study if your current sponsor is: a higher education institute (HEI) an overseas HEI an embedded college offering pathway courses an independent school
CHINA VISA RELATED FAQs
Step 1: Visa Appointment Step 2: Visa Interview Step 3: Payment and Collection
To start the whole process, the applicant (or someone on behalf) shall firstly make an appointment for visa interview on Tuesday or Thursday from 3pm to 5pm, except public holidays, with all supporting documents as required.
At the appointed date, the applicant himself or herself (except for holders of diplomatic and official passports) should come to the Embassy for visa interview. The applicant who fails the interview would be rejected. And those who pass the interview would get a pick-up form which specifies a date of visa collection. However, to pass the interview does not necessarily mean that the applicant could obtain a visa. All cases, involving with presentation of forged or fake document would be reported to the Nigerian government through diplomatic channel, in addition to not being qualified for Chinese visa again.
At the date of visa collection, the applicant (or someone on behalf) should come to the Embassy with the pick-up form, to check the final result. The applicant, who get granted visa, should pay his or her visa fee with a valid debit card or ATM card, before picking up his or her passport. The applicant who is not granted visa could directly get back his or her passport without paying fees. Please note that cash is NOT acceptable for visa fees payment. The prescribed fees may be levied by the Embassy according to the relevant laws and regulations. The prescribed fees include visa fee and express fee. Please check the "Important Notices" column for the standard of visa charges. The Embassy does not charge fees other than the stipulated one. What the applicants pay for the Nigerian banking service does not belong to the Embassy's prescribed fees.
X1-Visa and X2-Visa are students visas for China. X1 visas are Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. x2 Visas are Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China (2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202) (3) Mark sheet/diploma (original and photocopy, photocopy should be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria) We kindly remind you that: Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
Processing time: Normally it will take 4 working days to process visa application, which is subject to visa officer's decision.
Visa fees for Nigerian and the third country's ordinary passport holders (service fees charged by China Visa Application Centre are excluded): Single entry 14000 Naira per person Double entry 21000 Naira per person Multiple entries for 6 Month 28000 Naira per person Multiple entries for 12 months 42000 Naira per person
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We have put together as many frequently asked questions so that before you contact us, most of your questions would have been answered. .