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 be considered for progression 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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Location in the UK
Where in the UK will I be studying?
The International Foundation Year is taught on the campus of the University of Wales, Newport. Newport is a large city in the south of Wales, near the border with England. Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. See map of the location in the UK.
When you progress to your university degree, you will continue to study in Wales at one of 11 University Partners.
Why study in Wales?
Wales is a very affordable place to study: it has a low cost of living. Students in Wales enjoy a high quality of life, access to outstanding natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage. The country is especially suited to international students – Newport was recently voted top in Wales for International Student Satisfaction.
How far is the campus from the city centre?
The campus is 4 miles from Newport city centre, a 10-15 minute bus ride away from the central bus station. See campus map and location page for more information.
How far is the University from the nearest major city?
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is less than 15 miles from the campus and only a 12 minute train journey from Newport station. Find out more on the BBC Cardiff city website.
What is the nearest city like?
Newport is a historic city, dating back to Roman times. Now it is a modern, forward-thinking city and caters for everything a student could wish for including shopping, entertainment, sporting facilities, cinemas, restaurants and a thriving music scene.
Newport is growing and has seen major investments in recent years. Find out more: Newport life on the BBC and Newport on Wikipedia.
What is there to do in Newport?
If you like sport there are plenty of opportunities to watch Rubgy - the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is also home to regular football and other sporting highlights. Newport is home to hundreds of art, music, cinema and comdey events, they can all be found on the Newport Arts Forum website.
What is the area around Newport like?
The Newport campus is just outside the quiet riverside village of Caerleon. To the south of Newport is the Wetlands Reserve an important site for birds and wildlife. To the north are the Brecon Beacons a beautiful National Park.
The Visit South Wales website is a good place to find out more about local attractions: Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle are definitely worth exploring.
What is the cost of living?
The cost of living in Wales is very low – Bangor, for example, is the second cheapest place to study in the whole of the UK.
As a rough guide for international students, your basic living expenses are likely to be in the region of £3000 - £4000 per year (or £60-£75 a week). This includes £1500 for food, £400 for books, £600 for travel within the UK, and £1000 for entertainment.
The Wales International Consortium calculates an average annual student living cost (including accommodation) of only £6,500 in Wales, compared with about £12,000 a year in London.
How far is Newport from London?
The University is 140 miles from London. Newport has good transport connections to the English capital and a direct motorway link. It takes about 2 hours to travel to London by car, and only 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.
What is the nearest international airport?
Cardiff and Bristol have International airports and they are both less than an hour away. London Heathrow airport is two hours away by train, or there is a direct coach service.
Where is the nearest shop?
There are shops both on campus and very close to campus, which sell everything you’ll need to help you settle in.
What is the postal address of the International Study Centre?
Wales International Study Centre
Top floor, Kegie Building
University of Wales, Newport
Caerleon Campus
Lodge Road
Caerleon
NEWPORT
NP18 3QT
UK
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Accommodation
Is accommodation guaranteed while I study at the ISC?
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 for your first year.
Is accommodation guaranteed throughout the rest of my degree?
Only your first year of accommodation is guaranteed. However, subject to availability, rooms are available in the on-campus residences on a first come, first served basis for returning students.
What type of accommodation is available to me?
Rooms are offered to ISC students on a first come, first served basis. The University has 661 self-catered, single study bedrooms, with a choice of standard or en-suite facilities, on campus. See our Accommodation page for more information on the residences.
Where is the accommodation?
All accommodation is based at the Caerleon campus, a short walk from the university and the ISC building where you will be studying. See a map showing the location of the ISC and accommodation.
How much is the accommodation?
See accommodation prices for the weekly rent payable for University-managed accommodation.
What is included in the accommodation fees?
All accommodation is self-catering. Fees include utilities (e.g. gas and electricity).
Is there internet access in my room, and is it free?
Every bedroom is fitted with an internet connection. For a small annual charge you can receive high-speed internet access in your study bedroom.
Are there cooking facilities in the accommodation?
Each en-suite flat has a fully fitted kitchen equipped with cooker, fridge/ freezer, microwave oven, electric kettle and toaster. If you are in a standard room you will share a kitchen with about 15 other students. The kitchen is equipped with 2 cookers, 2 fridge/freezers, a microwave oven, a kettle and a toaster. Standard bedrooms also contain a mini-fridge.
What furniture and fittings will my bedroom have?
All bedrooms are centrally heated and fully furnished with a wardrobe, desk, chair, shelves, curtains and bed.
What other facilities do the residences have?
There is a communal television lounge in each standard hall. There are internal telephones in each flat/corridor and they accept incoming calls. Pay phones for outgoing calls are located throughout the campus. There are 2 laundry blocks on the campus. Both are fitted with coin operated washing machines and driers.
Where is the nearest shop to the accommodation?
There is a shop on campus that will cater to your day-to-day needs. Newport city centre has a wide range of shops and is only a 10 minute bus ride away.
Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge?
If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable. If you would like to stay on Campus during the summer holiday, arrangements can be made with the Accommodation Office.
Can I opt to make my own accommodation arrangements?
Students over the age of 18 years can arrange private accommodation. See the University's private accommodation pages or the Newport StudentPad for accommodation options.
However, if you have not pre-booked accommodation in university residences, we are unable to confirm your place at the ISC until you provide contact details of where you intend to stay or details of the arrangements you are proposing to make. This must be completed pre-arrival. Students under 18 years of age are strongly encouraged to stay in University-managed accommodation.
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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: Most students studying at the international study centre will be at least 17 years old at the start of the course. Students under the age of 17 who are well qualified for the course will be considered on a case by case basis. Students under the age of 17 who are starting a course in September will be expected to turn 17 during the first term of the course and students starting in January will be expected to turn 17 before the start of the course.
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: How can I find out my English Language level?
A: We can assess your English level if you complete our English Test. Contact us about taking the test. You do not need an IELTS or TOEFL grade.
Q: 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 term 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 3.5.
Q: How long does English Preparation last?
A: One term for students with IELTS 3.5+.
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 in pounds sterling (GBP) are shown on the fees page.
Q: When do fees increase each year?
A: Fees for the academic year 2009/10 come into effect on 31 March 2009. If you confirm your place before this date, you will be able to pay 2008/09 fee levels, as long as full fees are received a month before the start of term.
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. Visit the website of the University partner you are interested in studying with 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 tuition fees can be either be paid in instalments, 1 month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred.
An Accommodation Confirmation Payment of £2,000 is required with the first instalment of tuition fees, due one month before term starts. This payment is used towards the cost of your rent. The balance of your accommodation fees must be paid directly to the University, after arrival, in line with their payment terms.
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 and ELP term dates?
| Term |
2009/10 academic year |
2010/11 academic year |
| Autumn |
21 September to 11 December 2009 |
20 September to 10 December 2010 |
| Spring |
11 January to 26 March 2010 |
10 January to 25 March 2011 |
| Summer 1 |
12 April to 18 June 2010 |
11 April to 17 June 2011 |
| Summer 2 (Foundation & Pre-Masters) |
21 June to 20 August 2010 |
20 June to 19 August 2011 |
| Summer 2 (English Language Preparation) |
21 June to 03 September 2010 |
20 June to 02 September 2011 |
Q: Can I go home during the holidays?
A: 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.
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 2009 or January 2010, you will start your degree in autumn 2010.
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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 programme. 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.
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
Read about the next steps in the application process.
Q: 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. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.
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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Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel 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 do I get to University of Wales, Newport?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.
Q: Can I arrange airport collection and how much is it?
A: You can request an airport pick-up during the application process. This means that a taxi will pick you up on arrival and take you to campus. A fee of £45 will be charged for a one-way transfer from Cardiff (CWL) airport, or £60 from Bristol (BRS) airport.
Q: When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.
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. 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 and download the latest pre-arrival information ( , 2.2MB).
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Contacting us
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 Wales.
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.
Q: 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.
Q: How can I get in contact with current students at Newport?
Wales International Study Centre is on Facebook. Join our Facebook community to connect with ISC students and staff, ask questions and leave messages.
Q: 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
Q: 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.
Q: 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. Find your Local Agent.
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