Frequently Asked Questions
You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page. See frequently asked questions and answers about:
Your University degree
The Foundation Course
Entry requirements
English Language Preparation
Fees
Dates
Applying
Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel etc)
Contacting us
Your University Degree
What degrees can I study at the University?
The University of Leicester degrees available to students successfully completing the foundation course can be seen in the progression table.
How can I find out about the degree courses?
Links to information about University of Leicester undergraduate degrees can be found in the University of Leicester prospectus pages.
How long are University degrees in England?
England operates a 3 year degree system. On completion of the foundation year, students move into the first year of an undergraduate degree. Therefore, international students will complete their university study in 4 years.
Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University?
Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of the Foundation Year, you are guaranteed a place on a University of Leicester degree.
What grades do I need to achieve on my Foundation Year to gain a degree place?
You can find the grades required for each degree in the progression table.
When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
You apply to take a particular subject route through the International Foundation Year, in line with your intended area of undergraduate study, and then are helped to select your actual degree course during your foundation course.
Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing onto a degree?
No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of the International Foundation Year.
Can I go on to study at a different university?
If you take the International Foundation Year at The University of Leicester International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at the University of Leicester. In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study on the University campus.
The Foundation Year
Who is the course approved by?
The University of Leicester.
Who is the course designed for?
The International Foundation Year is for non-UK students (both EU and international or 'overseas' students) who have completed High School with good grades, but whose academic qualifications do not yet meet the University's general entrance or degree requirements. This foundation year is for you if you want a course that takes you to the right academic level as well as improving your English.
Note that the International Foundation Year is NOT for British students who completed GCSEs in the UK.
If you come from an education system outside the EU, the International Foundation Year is designed to bridge the gap between your high-school studies and Leicester's undergraduate degrees.
Who is the course taught by?
The foundation course is run and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for International students. Every year, Study Group provides courses for 50,000 students from 120 countries. The International Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group. All ISC teachers are specialists in university preparation.
Where is the course taught?
The International Foundation Year is taught in the International Study Centre, conveniently located close to campus. You will study alongside British and other International students at the University.
What subjects can I study?
You can choose from four subject routes:
What will I study on the International Foundation Year?
The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: five core subjects (e.g. English skills, Study skills and British Culture) and five specific subject modules from your chosen route. You will study three modules in term 1, three in term 2 and four in term 3 (including Project Study).
How will I be assessed during the foundation course?
By a mixture of examinations, assessed coursework, presentations and extended essays.
How many hours a week will I study?
Study is for 36 hours per week, including 16 hours of class contact time (lecture and seminar style) and a minimum of 20 hours per week made up of small group seminar work and directed self-study.
How long does the foundation course last?
3 terms. The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.
How long do I study each module?
Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Entry requirements
What are the academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation, with good grades or equivalent academic study. Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
What level of English language do I require for the foundation course?
Students must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (with 5.0 in all subskills) or TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See ELP FAQs below.
Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre?
No. You can take the ISC English test if you do not have a current IELTS or TOEFL grade. We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test before you arrive.
How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
The minimum age is 17 years old on commencement of the Foundation Year. Please note, to adhere to the University of Leicester's policy, all international students under the age of 18 must have a UK based guardian. For more details and to download the Guardianship application form see the ISC entry requirements.
Can ‘overseas’ students apply to the International Study Centre?
Yes, the International Foundation Year is designed for ‘overseas’ students. In broad terms, an ‘overseas student’ is one who is not normally resident in the UK or in one of the countries of the European Community (EC).
Can UK and EU/EEA students apply to the International Study Centre?
Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from students from the UK, the European Union or the European Economic Area. Progression for these students taking the foundation course cannot be guaranteed because competition for places from those students is very high. Instead we recommend students consider joining an A Level course.
English Language Preparation
What if my English Language level does not meet the foundation course entry requirements?
Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the International Foundation Year. Read more about the English Language Preparation course.
What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre?
You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 4.0
How long does English Preparation last?
One term for students with IELTS 4.5+. Two terms for student with IELTS 4.0+.
How is my English Language assessed for progression onto the Foundation Year?
You are not required to take an IELTS exam. We measure your English language ability with an internal assessment based on the English Speaking Union System (ESU). The ESU provides a scale from 0 to 9. 0 is a beginner in English, and 9 is a near-native speaker. To start the International Foundation Year you need an ESU score of 5.0 (or the equivalent).
Fees
How much are the Foundation Year and English Language Preparation fees?
Tuition fees in pounds sterling (GBP) are shown on the fees page. Fees are likely to increase each year.
When do fees increase each year?
Fees for the academic year 2011/12 came into effect on 1st April 2011 and will be valid until 31st March 2012, when 2012/13 fees will come into effect.
How much are the University's degree programme fees?
The international student fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2008/09 at the University of Leicester varies between 9050GBP – 12100GBP per year. See more information about University of Leicester tuition fees.
How much are UK Guardianship fees for students under 18?
Parents of applicants under the age of 18 must pay an extra fee of £100 (+ VAT) per term for a UK guardian.
When are the ISC tuition and accommodation fees payable?
Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a confirmation payment.
Please note that from 01 January 2012 the confirmation payment for each student will consist of:
• £120 Enrolment Fee (non-refundable)
• £1,000 Refundable Deposit
• £500 advance fees
• Insurance payment for Study Care if applicable
The remaining fees can be either be paid in instalments, one month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred.
How can fees can be paid?
We accept payment by cheque, Sterling bank draft, telegraphic transfer or credit card. Credit card payments are accepted in sterling from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch, Solo, JCB or Debit Card.
Please note that a 2% surcharge will be added to payments made by credit card, and £1 charge for payments by debit card. However, these surcharges are waived if payment is made before the due date (1 month in advance of your programme start date).
What bank account should fees be paid into?
Account name: International Study Centre
Account number: 60060832
Sort code: 53-61-02
Swift code: NWBK GB 2L
IBAN Number: GB92 NWBK 5361 0260 0608 32
More information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.
Dates
When can I start the foundation course?
You can start the International Foundation Year in either September or January.
When can I start the English Language Preparation course?
ELP courses start in January, April, June and September each year, depending on your English Language level. See the key facts section on the English Language Preparation page for start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.
What are the term dates?
| Term | 2011/12 academic year | 2012/13 academic year |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn term | 26 September - 9 December 2011 | 24 September - 7 December 2012 |
| Spring Term | 16 January - 30 March 2012 | 14 January - 28 March 2013 |
| Summer term 1 | 10 April - 15 June 2012 | 8 April - 14 June 2013 |
| Summer term 2 (for foundation year) | 18 June - 17 August 2012 | 17 June - 16 August 2013 |
| Summer term 2 (for ELP) | 25 June - 7 September 2012 | 24 June - 6 September 2013 |
Can I go home during the holidays?
Students are advised to check with the Head of Centre before booking their travel back home at the end of each term. In particular it is advised that you check with the Head of Centre before booking travel home at the end of the course in case it is necessary to remain in order to receive results and be advised of the next steps in your study plan.
What date do I start my University of Leicester degree?
You enter the first year of your degree in the autumn following your foundation year start i.e. if you begin the International Foundation Year in either September 2012 or January 2013, you will progress to your degree in autumn 2013.
Applying
How do I apply for the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation course?
You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. Do not apply through UCAS. You can submit your application either by:
- Submitting an online application form
- Downloading the pdf application form (PDF, 150kB). Print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation. Students under the age of 18 should also download the Guardianship application form (PDF, 42kB)
If you prefer to apply through one of our educational representatives local to you, complete the Find a Local Agent form.
What happens after I submit my application?
Read about the steps in the admissions process.
Who will help me with my application?
One of our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers, based in the UK, will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the University.
If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
Once we have received your confirmation payment (see the fees FAQ above for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit this with your visa application.
How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre
The ISC application process is much faster than applying directly to a University through UCAS. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within one working week once we have all your relevant documentation.
What is the deadline for applications?
Subject to accommodation availability, we continue to consider applications up until the start of the Foundation Year programme. See foundation course start dates. Note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission.
Pre-arrival
Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
Yes. StudyCare is a comprehensive insurance plan administered by ACE European Group Limited, a leading insurance provider. It has been developed specifically for international students by leading education specialists with over 35 years' experience. View more information about StudyCare insurance.
Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
That depends on your nationality or country of residence. See our visas page for more information. Visas will be issued for 1 year duration, and you will need to apply for a second visa before you start your degree.
How do I extend my visa?
Speak to the Centre Head a month before your visa ends. We will give you a visa extension form, part of which we need to fill in with details of your course, attendance, etc. If you have not attended a minimum of 80% of your classes, your request for an extension may be rejected.
Can I work while I am a student in the United Kingdom?
If you are hoping to work while you are in the United Kingdom, you must check the stamp or sticker which is put on your passport by the immigration authorities. If you have a student visa you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in term time and any amount per week in holiday times. If you have a ‘prohibition’ stamp then you are not allowed to work. It is a very serious offence if you work without permission and students are liable to be sent home by the immigration authorities if caught doing so.
Further advice can be found on the University of Leicester International Student Services webpages.
How do I get to the University of Leicester?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.
Can I arrange airport collection and how much is it?
You can book an airport pick-up during the application process. This means that a taxi will collect you on arrival and take you to your accommodation. Airport pick-ups operate from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR) airports and cost £155 and £120 respectively for a one-way transfer.
When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.
What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. This will tell you where you should go when you arrive in England and give details of your induction programme at the International Study Centre. Read the general pre-arrival information for new students.
Contacting us
How do I find out more about the courses, the ISC or the University?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
How can I contact the ISC?
You can contact us using the online enquiry form, by telephone, by fax, by post, on Facebook or in person if we are visiting your country. Details are on the How to Contact us page.
Who will answer my questions?
The ISC is run by Study Group, a world leader in education for international students, in partnership with the University of Sussex.
Our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the University. Our advisers speak 15 languages between them: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Polish, German, Russian, Portuguese, French and Italian.
Meet our Student Enrolment Advisers.
What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages (see list above), and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you.
How can I get in content with current students at Leicester?
Leicester International Study Centre is on Facebook. Join our Facebook community to connect with ISC students and staff, ask questions and leave messages.
I am trying to use your enquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our enquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You may wish to contact us by phone or fax instead:
- Phone: +44 (0) 1273 339333 (omit the zero if you are calling from outside the UK. Normal international charges apply. Our working hours are 09:00 to 17:30 GMT).
- Fax: +44 (0) 1273 339398
I have received an email from you, but it does not answer my question.
The first email you receive from us in response to your online enquiry is an automated response. You will receive another email shortly, from a Student Enrolment Adviser, who will answer your question. You will then be able to correspond with your dedicated Adviser by email.
How do I contact someone in my own country to help with my application?
If you think you will feel more comfortable talking to someone face-to-face in your own country, you can contact a Study Group educational agent. Complete the Find your Local Agent form.
