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
Q: What degrees can I study at University?
A: Students successfully completing the Foundation Year can progress to University degrees at 11 partner institutions across Wales. The subjects available at each University can be seen in the progression table.
Q: How long are University degrees in Wales?
A: Wales operates a 3 year degree system as England. 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 University?
A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your foundation year, you are guaranteed a place at the University of Wales, Newport. You also have the option to apply for undergraduate study at one of our many partner institutions throughout Wales.
Q: How do I choose the degree that I want to study?
A: During your first term at WISC you will be given advice about degree courses available in the universities and colleges around Wales, including those at your host university, Newport. You then choose three degree courses offered in Wales for which you would like to apply. You may be given conditional offers and will then need to choose a first (or firm) choice and a second (or insurance) choice. Your final exam and coursework grades will determine which of your two choices will be open to you.
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 non-Welsh university?
A: If you take your Foundation Year at the Wales International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at one of our partner institutions:
In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study at University in Wales.
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The Foundation course
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: The University of Wales.
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for non-UK students who have completed High School with good grades, but whose academic qualifications do not yet meet University 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.
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 Newport's Caerleon campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the heart of the campus in the Kegie Building - a modern state-of-the-art facility.
Q: What subjects can I study?
A: You can choose from two 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 and 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 10 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.
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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 4.5 or TOEFL 450 (133 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 normally 17 years-of-age on commencing 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 UK, EU or EEA students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from Home/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.
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English Language Preparation
Q: What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the Foundation Year entry requirement of IELTS 4.5?
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the International Foundation Year.
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 4.5 (or the equivalent).
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Fees
Q: What are the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation fees?
A: Tuition fees are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees are likely to 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 Universities in Wales ranges from £7,000 to £12,000. you should visit the website of the partner institutions you are interested in studying at for more information.
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 WISC
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.
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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 on the English Language Preparation page for start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.
Q: What are the Foundation Year term dates?
September 2008 start:
Term 1 – 15 September to 5 December 2008, Term 2 – 12 January to 27 March 2009, and Term 3 – 14 April to 19 June 2009
January 2009 start:
Term 1 – 12 January to 27 March 2009, Term 2 – 14 April to 19 June 2009, and Term 3 – 22 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 ELP dates: 22 June to 04 September 2009
Q: What date do I start my University degree?
A: You will start your degree in the October 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.
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Applying
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Subject to availability, we continue to consider applications up until the start of the Foundation Year porgramme. See foundation course start dates. Note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission..
Q: How do I apply for the Foundation Year and English Language Preparation course?
A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. Do not apply through UCAS. You can apply in four ways:
- 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.
- Download the application form (160KB,
 ), print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
- 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.
- 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: If my application is successful, 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.
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Other (insurance, visas, arrival information etc)
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 I am a student 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. 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.
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 £45 will be charged for a one-way transfer from Cardiff (CWL)airport, or £60 from Bristol (BRS) 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 and due fees. You can also download the latest pre-arrival information ( , 1.3MB).
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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