Visa

If you are coming to study to the UK as an international student you are likely to need a student visa: Tier 4 General Student Visa.
You must score 40 points in the points assessment while applying for your Tier 4 visa, consisting of:

• 30 points for a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS), which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a 'Tier 4 sponsor'); and
• 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.

CAS

A confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is a 'virtual document' similar to a database record. It is assigned to a student when the education provider gives them an unconditional offer of a place on a course. Each CAS has a unique reference number, and contains information about the course of study and the student's personal details.

Once you meet the conditions set by Inverness College UHI admissions office we will provide you with your CAS reference number and some further information such as the course details, the documents we have used to assess your suitability, and the course fees. You will need this information when you apply for your visa.
A CAS is valid if it:

• contains the same details as are in your passport; and
• was assigned no more than six months before you apply to us; and
• has not been withdrawn or cancelled by your education provider

Money

To score 10 points, you must show that you can pay your course fees for your first period of study (or for your next period of study, if you are applying to continue a course) and living costs for up to nine months.
You will not have access to most state benefits (also known as 'public funds') during your stay in the UK, and the amount of work you can do is limited.
 
 
Visas for Study Abroad students

Student visitor visa
Under current immigration rules, if you are not a visa national (for example, US citizen or Canadian), you do not have to apply in advance if you are coming for less then six months as a student visitor. You will however not be allowed to work, undertake unpaid placements or voluntary jobs.

If you are a visa national you will have to apply for a student visitor visa in advance. Check UK Border Agency website to find out more.

Adult student (general) visa: Tier 4
If you are a visa national, or if you are not a visa national but you are coming to study for more than six months and/or planning to work while studying, you will have to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
Note that immigration rules are subject to change and you should always check current regulations before you travel: UK Border Agency website
 
Links:
UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.co.uk
UK Council for International Student Affairs: www.ukcisa.org.uk
British Council Canada: www.britishcouncil.org/canada
British Council USA: www.britishcouncil.org/usa


Fees and Scholarships

Tuition fees:

Highers courses: £ 1,080
National Certificate courses (level 6): £4,960
Higher National Certificate: £6,000
Higher National Diploma: £6,000/year
Degree in Arts: £8,000/year
Degree in Science: £9,500/year
 
Fees are payable in advance each academic year.
International students benefit from a ‘no increase’ guarantee for up to four years continuous undergraduate study.
Please note that no refunds will be made on tuition fees paid except on the production of the visa rejection letter.

Inverness College Stem Scholarship

Award: £6,000 deducted from tuition fees over the duration of the course (£2,000 annually)
 
Eligibility:
Scholarships are available for full fee paying students who meet the following academic criteria:

• IELTS 6.5 ;
• secondary school results equivalent to 4 Highers at B

 Details of award:

Applicants will be considered once they have received and firmly confirmed an offer of a place on the following programmes:
BSc Architectural Technology
BEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
BSc Sustainable Forest Management
 
Deadline: 15 June

How to apply: please submit the application form along with your application for study at Inverness College UHI.

Scottish Saltire Scholarship

Award: £2000 towards the tuition fees

Eligibility: 

To be considered for the scholarship you must meet eligibility criteria:

• be a national of one of the following countries: Canada, China, India, United States of America
• you will have applied to UHI for a place starting in September 2012 and have firmly accepted the offer, either conditional or unconditional, by the 1st of June
• your course must be at an Undergraduate, Masters or Phd level and it must fall into one of the priority subject areas: creative industries, life sciences, technology, financial services, renewable and clean energy (see Talent Scotland website for the full list) . Please note that HNC/D courses are not eligible.
• you must be able to demonstrate that you can meet the costs of living and the remaining tuition fees

Deadline: 1 June

How to apply:

A completed application form , copy of your conditional or unconditional offer letter and one academic reference should be e-mailed to:
international@uhi.ac.uk
or posted

International
University of the Highlands and Islands
3 Longman Road
IV1 1SA
Inverness
United Kingdom

To fully complete the application process you must email a copy of your application to

ScotlandsSaltireScholarships@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Cost of living

The three main costs that you will need to take into account are: tuition fees, the cost of living in the Highlands and Islands, and your transport needs.

While the cost of private accommodation in the Highlands and Islands is often lower than cities in the UK, other living costs may be higher than in your own country. You should also take into account your own expenditure with regards to lifestyle, social life and travel plans within the UK. Remember to budget for expenses to cover books & stationery, travel, telephone calls and most importantly food!

The following links will help your calculations: 
www.studentcalculator.co.uk
www.educationuk.org
www.ukstudentlife.com