Monday 10 August 2009: Essay competition winner Adel Shutova, 17, returned to Kazakhstan this week after enjoying four weeks free English lessons courtesy of Wales International Study Centre (WISC) at the University of Newport.

The competition, run earlier this year, asked students to write an essay and personal statement on why they think Wales is a good place for study. Adel's winning essay impressed the judges with the research she had undertaken into the education system and subjects offered.

Commenting on her time studying in the UK, Adel said "I'm very sad that today is my last day at WISC and the UK. I really enjoyed these four weeks at the Study Centre. These were the best days of my life!! I met here different students from all over the world and it was the best time to make friends and I really liked it. Also I improved my English language skills that would be useful in my future. I liked all the teachers at the study centre but my favourite teacher was Jane Park because I spent most of the time studying from her."

Adel concluded "At the end I would say that I hope to come back again to the UK and study at WISC, my foundation course."

We are pleased to announce a Bursary Scheme for the Wales International Study Centre in 2009.

The bursary gives a GBP 2,000 reduction in tuition fees for the International Foundation Year, lowering the price from £8,295 to £6,295 for a full academic year of University preparation.

Combined with the current favourable exchange rates for international students wishing to study abroad at a UK University, and the low cost of living in Wales, this represents an excellent offer. The Wales ISC gives you an on-campus experience combined with a choice of Universities across Wales.

There is a limited number of places on the scheme. Contact us now to apply.

Please note:

• Bursaries are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
• Confirmation payment must be made within 2 weeks of receiving an offer of a place
• The discount is applied after all the Foundation Year fees are paid

Monday 15 September 2008: The Wales International Study Centre opened its doors to the first group of Foundation Year and English Language Preparation students today.

We are pleased to welcome students from four continents and 15 countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, UAE, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Vietnam.

"This is a very exciting time to be at WISC" said Centre Head, Vernon Dando. "Our first group of students have arrived and there is great enthusiasm among the staff and among the students. Not only do I want our students to develop the study skills and the knowledge to be successful at university, I want them to be confident students who are fully involved in the life of the university and in life of the community in which they live. I want our students to look back in 10 or 20 years time and think: 'I am so happy I chose to study at the University of Wales. It is the best decision I ever made'."

After settling into their new home in the University's residences, and exploring the campus over the weekend, the students began their induction programme on Monday. Later in the week, classes start and students will need to work hard immediately, with homework and class tests on the horizon.

We wish all the students well in their studies and look forward to seeing them progress through the academic year.

Thursday 5 June 2008: A high profile event at the Senedd, home of the Welsh Assembly Government, marked the launch of WISC. The Senedd is located in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, just 20 miles from the International Study Centre in Newport.

The launch was attended by members of the Welsh Assembly, representatives from Universities in Wales, the British Council, staff involved in the creation and running of WISC, international students and the local media.

Dr Peter Noyes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport, welcomed everyone to the launch and introduced the keynote speakers.

The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, explained that the WISC will "create an opportunity for students to study in a safe beautiful, and cost effective environment, where they can familiarise themselves with the 11 partner universities and make informed decisions." He highlighted the importance of urging international students to consider universities outside London and Oxbridge. "We know they get a great student experience and a very good degree that will serve them well wherever they choose to practise their career, as a result of Higher Education in Wales". 

Executive Chairman of Study Group, Arvid Petersen, agreed that WISC will support the promotion of Wales as a quality international study destination in its own right.

This new University access centre for international students launches at a time when Wales is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. It offers low living costs and a high quality of life. The Wales International Consortium calculates an average annual student living cost of only £6,500, compared with about £12,000 a year in London.

Pictured enjoying the launch are current University of Wales, Newport international students. From left to right: Harithriza Abdulrasid (BSc e-Business Management), Isa Wasa Francis (MBA), John Hassan Oyinaka (MBA), Vindya Vincent (MBA).

May 2008: The University of Wales, Newport has been voted first in Wales in an independent poll of international student satisfaction.

The International Student Barometer (ISB) measures the learning, living, support and arrival experience of international students and compares it to those of other Universities throughout the UK. It revealed that international students in Wales are happier than their peers in the whole of the UK in almost every aspect of their university education.

Newport, the home of WISC, was placed 1st in Wales and 13th out of a total of 84 UK universities. The survey was carried out in autumn 2007 and involved over 67,000 students.

The survey showed that areas of the international student experience in which Newport excels include the library and technology facilities, the living experience including earning opportunities, visa advice, friendliness and the quality of university accommodation.

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