FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q. Do I need to get a visa before I travel to the UK? A. If you are a national of a country that is on the 'visa national list' (see UK Visas website) it is compulsory to obtain entry clearance (known as a 'visa') before traveling. If your country is not on this list, we recommend that you get optional entry clearance (known as an 'entry certificate' rather than a 'visa') in the following circumstances: if you are coming to the UK as a student with your family, or if you are coming to the UK as a 'prospective student' or if you are coming to the UK to do a course of 6 months or less. You should apply for entry clearance (either in the form of a visa or an entry certificate) before you come to the UK by contacting the British Embassy or High Commission in your country Q. What conditions must I meet to be a student in the UK? A. The Immigration Rules require students who wish to study in the UK to meet certain conditions that relate to: the place where you wish to study, your course, your ability to follow the course, your finances, and your intentions during and after your studies. Q. Can I bring my family with me to the UK? A. Yes, but only your spouse and your children and if you can demonstrate that you are able to cover the cost of your studies and their living expenses in the UK. Your children must be under the age of 18 when they first enter the UK. Q. Do I have to write the GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS or any other related exam? A. You may be required to sit on an English Language Test such as IELTS or TOEFL before the COLLEGE will confirm your seat on the course. The IELTS is organized by the British Council and results take 2-3 weeks. The minimum scores usually required are 5.5 for IELTS and 550 for TOEFL. However this can sometimes be waived, if you personally meet representatives from the universities visiting your own country, who, depending on your fluency can make an unconditional offer without a formal test of English. Q. Can I work whilst I am studying in the UK? A. Most students on courses of more than 6 months will be given a passport stamp or visa sticker that allows them to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and any number of hours during the vacations. Note however that you cannot normally rely on expected income from part time and vacation work as evidence of your financial resources when dealing with the UK immigration authorities