Frequently asked questions
Will I be a student at the University while I study at the INTO Centre?
As an INTO Centre student you will enjoy full university status. The only exception to this applies to students enrolled at INTO Manchester who are not taking the International Foundation programme in partnership with The University of Manchester.
Will I be guaranteed a place at The University of Manchester after finishing my studies at INTO Manchester?
If you are not studying on the International Foundation programme in partnership with The University of Manchester you will not be guaranteed a place at the University. Students who successfully complete the NCUK Foundation programme at INTO Manchester will be guaranteed a place on a course at one of the NCUK or NCUK partner Universities. As The University of Manchester is an NCUK university it is still possible to progress onto a course at this institution even if it cannot be guaranteed.
What facilities will I have access to?
As an INTO student you will have access to the centres facilities such as the modern computer rooms and the Learning Centre, which is home to a wide range of books, computers, DVDs, CDs, newspapers magazines and online resources. You will also have access to university facilities, including the library, sports centres, social programmes and clubs and societies.
How long are undergraduate university degrees in England?
Generally, a standard undergraduate degree lasts three years.
What support services are available for students?
We provide a range of services to ensure you have a successful and happy experience while studying with us. Our dedicated student services team in each Centre is on hand to support you with both academic and non-academic concerns throughout your stay.
- On arrival, we run a comprehensive orientation programme to introduce you to studying at INTO and in the UK.
- We provide you with a telephone number for emergencies that you can use day or night to contact INTO staff at your Centre.
- Language advisors in each Centre are on hand to assist, should you or your parents you need help communicating effectively in English.
- Our Centre welfare officers can help you with all sorts of concerns, including setting up a UK bank account or extending your visa.
- For students under the age of 18, parents must sign a consent form to allow nominated INTO staff to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent) in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, parents can nominate a UK-based guardian. Click here[insert link] for our policy on students under the age of 18.
- Our student services team can help you apply to a UK university through the UCAS scheme.
- We offer a confidential advisory service for students with disabilities. Please contact us for more information.
- We run a lively programme of social events which offers you the chance to explore the UK, meet other INTO students and experience British life and culture.
How much money will I need for living costs?
Your living expenses will include accommodation, food, travel and entertainment. Check out well-known supermarket websites like Tesco to see the costs of food in the UK, and stores like Debenhams to see the costs of clothes.
As an international student it is also important you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs before you leave your home country. You will not be issued a UK visa without providing evidence that you have a sufficient amount of personal savings – you can learn more about this at the UK Border Agency website.
How much cash should I bring?
You should bring about £200-£400 with you in cash to see you through your first few days in the UK and any incidental expenses during your journey. It is not wise to carry large amounts of cash around with you, and far safer to use a debit, credit or cash card operated with a four-digit PIN number. Avoid having your money in £50 notes – many shops, restaurants, hotels and taxis will not accept them because of an increased risk of fraud – and instead carry a selection of £5, £10 and £20 notes.
Many UK banks offer bank accounts for international students, but they can sometimes take several weeks to set up. To speed up the process you may want to find a bank in your home country that has branches in the UK, such as HSBC.
You can transfer money from your home country to a UK bank account, but first check you are complying with your country’s laws (many countries have strict regulations governing the international transfer of money). If you are planning to use your debit or credit cards while in the UK, it is advisable to let your bank know.
Is my accommodation guaranteed?
We will only be able to guarantee accommodation when we have received full payment of your fees, so we advise you make your application as early as possible.
Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to an INTO programme? We recommend that you take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before you apply, but don’t worry if you haven’t – we can offer you our own INTO test. Contact your regional office to find out more.
How can I find out my English language level?
You can take an IELTS or TOEFL test, or any other recognized exam including the INTO test.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. In order for us to hold your place on your chosen course you must pay your full tuition fees at least four weeks before the course starts. Students paying full fees for at least three terms of an academic preparation programme, or an English for Undergraduate/Postgraduate Study course, will also receive a reduction of £500 from their total tuition fees if they pay by this date.
Unfortunately, if you have not paid your full tuition fees less than four weeks before the start date of your course, we cannot guarantee your place and on arrival you may be placed onto a different course.
You will also need to pay a deposit for your INTO accommodation so that we hold a room for you.
Does INTO offer any scholarships?
There may be scholarships that you can apply for. To find out more contact your regional office.
Where can I find out about scholarships available in my home country?
To find out about other sponsorship or scholarship schemes available in your region, check out your country’s British Council website.
How do I contact someone in my own country to help with my application?
Get in touch with your nearest regional office and we will put you in touch with a suitable local agent who can help you with your application.
Do you have any education agents overseas?
We have education agents all over the world who are able to guide and advise prospective students. This may cover advice on all our courses, application support and visa assistance. To find your nearest agent click here
Are there any upcoming events or fairs in my country?
You may be interested in speaking to an INTO representative. We attend events and fairs overseas throughout the year and would be delighted to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
What is the deadline for applications?
As long as there are places available we will accept students right up until our courses begin. Contact your regional office[link to map page] for information about availability.
If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
Our centralised admissions department offers a fast turnaround and will get back to you within two working days of receiving your application.
Can you tell me more about visa regulations?
It is mandatory that all INTO students meet British immigration requirements, and if you are studying for more than six months you will need to gain entry clearance. Please be aware that it is not possible to change from a visitor visa to a student visa.
The UK Border Agency website will help to answer some of your initial questions and you can also find information and advice on entry clearance and visas at the UKCISA website. Students from China can also find information and advice at the British Embassy website.
Can I work in the UK while I study?
If you are studying in the UK for more than six months it is likely that you will be entitled to work. However, gaining employment will depend on your skills and background, and jobs are not always easy to come by. International students are also restricted to working 20 hours per week in the UK.
Please note, as an international student you must ensure that you have the funds to pay for your tuition fees and living costs for the whole duration of the course before you come to the UK. To meet the immigration requirements you must prove to the visa or entry clearance authorities that you have enough money to support yourself without needing to work.
For more information on working in the UK you can also visit the UKCISA website.
Do I get a refund if my visa is refused?
If your visa is refused we will refund all of your fees. For information about cancellation fees, please see our terms and conditions.
Can I bring my family with me?
If you apply for a general student visa, you are allowed to bring your family or any dependants with you to the UK. If you are given permission to stay in the UK for longer than 12 months, your adult dependants (eg wife or husband) will be allowed to work. However, when you apply for their visas you will have to show that you have sufficient funds to support them, as well as yourself. Click here for more detailed information from the UK Border Agency.
Do I need to get insurance?
Full medical and travel insurance is mandatory for all INTO students. For this reason a Uniplan Insurance plan[insert link] will automatically be added to your course fees unless you provide proof of suitable alternative cover.
All students MUST provide INTO with evidence that either:
a. they have their own valid and comprehensive medical and accident insurance policy covering the duration of their stay
OR
b. they have paid for INTO’s Uniplan Insurance before they leave home.