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Frequently Asked Questions

You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page:

Your University degree
The foundation course
Location in the UK
The University and its campus
Accommodation
Entry requirements
English Language Preparation
Fees
Dates
Applying
Other (insurance, visas, arrival information etc)

Your University degree

Q: What degrees can I study at the University?
A: The University of Surrey degrees available to students successfully completing the Foundation Year can be seen in the progression table.

Q: How can I find out about the degree courses?
A: Links to information about University of Surrey degrees can be found on Surrey's Find a Course page. This information is for 2009 entry.

Q: How long are University degrees in England?
A: 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.

Q: Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University?
A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your foundation year, you are guaranteed a place on a University of Surrey degree.

Q: What grades do I need to gain a degree place?
A: If your application is successful and you are offered a place on the International Foundation Year, you will be informed of the grades that you are required to reach in order to guarantee progression onto your degree.

Q: When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
A: You apply to take particular subject route through the foundation course, in line with your intended area of undergraduate study, and then select your actual degree course during your foundation year.

Q: Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing on to a degree?
A: No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of the Foundation course.

Q: Can I go on to study at a different university?
A: If you take your Foundation Year at the University of Surrey International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at the University of Surrey. In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study on the University campus.

The Foundation course

Q: Who is the course approved by?
A: The University of Surrey

Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for international 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. The foundation year is for you if you want a programme 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 Surrey's undergraduate degrees.

Q: Who is the course taught by?
A: The International Foundation Year is run and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for International students. Every year, Study Group provides courses for 40,000 students from 120 countries. The Internationals Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group.

Q: Where is the course taught?
A: The course is taught on the University of Surrey campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the heart of the campus in a brand new, purpose built facility next to the International Office. Read more about the ISC facility.

Q: What subjects can I study?
A: You can choose from three Foundation Year subject routes:

Q: What will I study on the foundation course?
A: The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: five core subjects (e.g. English skills, study skills, maths) and five specific subject modules which vary depending on your foundation route. You will study three of these modules in term 1, three in term 2 and four in the final term.

Q: How will I be assessed during the foundation year?
A: By a mixture of examinations, assessed coursework, presentations and extended essays.

Q: How many hours a week will I study?
A: 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.

Q: How long does the Foundation course last?
A: 3 terms. The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.

Q: How long do I study each module?
A: Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.

Location in the UK

Q: How far is the campus from the nearest city?
A: The University of Surrey is very close to the centre of Guildford. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the campus to the centre of town or you can take a bus from several stops around campus. The journey takes about 5 minutes, buses go every 10 minutes and the ticket costs about 60p one way and 80p return. Read more about travel in the UK.

Q: How far is Guildford from London?
A: 35 minutes by train to Waterloo station (central London).

Q: What is the nearest city like?
A: Guildford has a busy town centre and a population of around 250,000. It is one of South-East England's top shopping centres. Set in the heart of Surrey’s rolling countryside, the bustling, historic town of Guildford is just ten minutes' walk or a short bus ride away from the University. Offering all the amenities of a modern city, Guildford has excellent nightlife, with 3 nightclubs, a nine-screen cinema and many pubs, bars and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. For more information about Guildford see the Enjoy England website.

Q: What is the cost of living?
A: This varies considerably according to individual requirements and tastes, but a recommended minimum is £78 per week to cover the cost of food, books and stationery, clothing and personal effects. In addition, international students need to pay tuition and accommodation fees. Note that the cost of accommodation outside the University is likely to be higher than on campus.

Q: What area of England will I be studying in?
A: The University of Surrey is located in the town of Guildford in the county of Surrey which is in the south east of the UK. Guildford is 50km south-west of London. Guildford is on the main line train route from Portsmouth to London. See a map of the region.

Q: What are the nearest international airports?
A: The University is close to both Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. By train it takes 50 minutes to get to Guildford from Heathrow airport, or 40 minutes from Gatwick airport.

Q: What is the postal address of the International Study Centre?
A: The campus address of the ISC is only for use by students who are planning their travel to the University for the start of their course:
International Study Centre
2nd Floor, Philip Marchant Building
University of Surrey
GUILDFORD
GU2 7XH
UK

The University and its campus

Q: How well regarded is the University?
A: The Guardian University League Table 2008:
The University of Surrey is ranked 25th out of 120 British institutions. 13 subjects are placed in the Top 20 in the UK.

The Times Good University Guide 2007:
The University of Surrey is ranked 38th out of 109 British institutions. 17 subjects are in the Top 20 including a 1st place position for Food Science.

Q: Which subjects are rated particularly highly at the University?
A: The Guardian University Guide 2008 ranked these Surrey undergraduate subjects in the following positions in the UK:

Q: How many students does the University have?
A: 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and almost 2,000 part-time students

Q: How many international students does the University have?
A: Around 3,000 international students from over 130 countries.

Q: What is the campus like?
A: The campus is surrounded by landscaped grounds, playing fields and a beautiful lake populated by ducks and swans. Academic, sports, catering and entertainment facilities are all on hand with the close-knit community creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Read more about life on campus.

Q: Will I have access to the University's Library facilities?
A: You will have full access to the University Library building and to the full range of its services and facilities while you are there. Read more about the Library.

Q: Will I have access to the University's other academic and campus facilities?
A: Yes, you will have the same rights as any University student to use the open access internet areas and to access student support services. As an Associate Member of the Students' Union, you will also be able to enjoy union facilities and services and to join a wide range of sporting and cultural clubs and societies.

Accommodation

Q: Is accommodation guaranteed while I study on the International Foundation Year?
A: Yes, providing you have accepted your offer of an academic place and we receive your accommodation application by any published deadlines, you are guaranteed a place in University-managed accommodation. Accommodation is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Q: Is accommodation guaranteed when I am studying for my degree?
A: International students are normally offered a place in University accommodation for the duration of their degree course. The policy is reviewed annually.

Q: What type of accommodation is available to me?
A: En-suite, single rooms and shared rooms in the University's Courts of Residence. Rent comes under 4 price bands and ISC students are asked to indicate their preference of type of room when they apply. View more information about University-managed accommodation.

Q: Where is the accommodation?
A: Most of the Courts of Residence are on the main campus. Some accomodation is located off-campus. Manor Park is a 20 minute walk (1 mile/1.6km) from the main University. There is a subsidised bus service and a cycle path between Manor Park and campus. There are ample facilities for securely storing bicycles at the residences. You can view the location of on-campus accommodation on this campus map (417kB, pdf file).

Q: How much is the accommodation?
A: This varies depending on the accommodation type. See accommodation prices for the 2008/09 academic year.

Q: What is included in the accommodation fees?
A: All accommodation is self-catering. Fees include utilities and unlimited broadband.

Q: Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge?
A: If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable.

Entry requirements

Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the foundation course?
A: 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.

Q: What level of English language do I require for the foundation course?
A: Students must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation (ELP) is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See ELP FAQs for more information.

Q: Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre?
A: 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. Contact us to arrange to take the test.

Q: How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
A: There is no legal minimum age requirement, but students are usually 17 years old on commencement at the International Study Centre.

Q: Can 'overseas' students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: 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).

Q: Can EU/EEA/UK students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from UK or EU students. 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

Q: What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the Foundation Year entry requirement of IELTS 5.0?
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the Foundation Year. This will improve your language skills to the required level.

Q: What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre?
A: You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 3.0.

Q: How long does English Preparation last?
A: One term for students with IELTS 4.0+. Two terms for student with IELTS 3.0+.

Q: How is my English Language assessed for progression onto the Foundation Year?
A: 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 Foundation Programme you need an ESU score of 5.0 (or the equivalent).

Fees

Q: What are the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation fees?
A: Tuition fees are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees may increase after January 2009 entry.

Q: What are the University degree fees?
A: The 'overseas' student fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2008/09 at the University of Surrey is:

Q: When are the ISC tuition and accommodation fees payable?
A: Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of £500 together with £500 advance payment of fees (plus any insurance fees applicable) - this being the required Confirmation Payment. The remaining fees can be either be paid in instalments, 1 month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred.

Q: How can fees can be paid?
A: 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.

Q: What bank account should fees be paid into?
A: 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.

Q: Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
A: 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

Q: When can I start the foundation course?
A: You can start the International Foundation Year in either September or January.

Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation (ELP) course?
A: ELP courses start in January, June and September each year. See the key facts section for the English Language Preparation start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.

Q: What are the Foundation Year term dates?
A: Academic Year 2007/08:
Autumn term – 17 September to 7 December 2007
Spring term – 7 January to 20 March 2008
Summer term 1 – 7 April to 13 June 2008
Summer term 2 – 16 June to 15 August 2008
Academic Year 2008/09:
Autumn term – 22 September to 12 December 2008
Spring term – 19 January to 03 April 2009
Summer term 1 – 20 April to 26 June 2009
Summer term 2 – 29 June to 28 August 2009

Q: What are the ELP term dates?
A: ELP term dates follow those of the Foundation Year (see above) EXCEPT for the courses starting in June (Summer Term 2).
June 2008 ELP start: 23 June to 05 September
June 2009 ELP start: 29 June to 11 September

Q: What date do I start my University of Surrey degree?
A: You will start your degree in the autumn following your foundation start i.e. if you enter the foundation year in either September 2008 or January 2009, you will start your degree in autumn 2009.

Applying

Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Although there is no official deadline for applications, please note that we expect places on the courses to fill up far in advance of the start dates and therefore recommend applicants submit their application as early as possible.

Q: How do I apply for the International Foundation Year?
A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. You do not apply through UCAS. You can apply in four different ways:

  1. Contact our Student Enrolment Advisers using the online form to begin the application process. You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications later in the process.
  2. Download the application form (162KB, pdf file), print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
  3. Request a prospectus in the post, complete the application form that is included and return it directly to the address printed on the bottom of the form.
  4. Apply through your an educational representative in your country using the Find a Local Agent form.

Read about the next steps in the application process.

Q: When will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
A: Once we have received your £1000 confirmation payment (see the fees FAQ for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit this with your visa application.

Q: How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre?
A: 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.

Other

Q: Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
A: 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.

Q: Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
A: 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.

Q: Can I work while studying in the United Kingdom?
A: 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 and you must check with the University's International Office that you are allowed to work. 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. It is a very serious offence if you work without permission. For more information see the International Office pages.

Q: How can I arrange an airport pick-up and how much is it?
A: You can request an airport pick-up during the application process. A fee of £55 will be charged for a one-way transfer from London Gatwick and £80 from London Heathrow airport.

Q: What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
A: Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details. This will tell you where you should go when you arrive on campus and give details of your induction programme at the International Study Centre. Read general information for new students.

Q: If my question is not answered on this site, what should I do?
A: Contact a Student Enrolment Adviser by phone on +44 1273 339333 or using the online form. They will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.

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