Supporting information that you and your students may find helpful

English language courses

Most universities and colleges will offer English language courses and other forms of support to help your students with their studies. The British Council also provides information about English language support.

Your students may want to take English classes when they arrive in the UK. Your students can get further information on English classes in the UK from EnglishUK. If they are also interested in improving their academic listening skills, EASE (Essential Academic Skills in English), may be able to help. In addition, they may find Prepare for Success useful. This is a website which provides information on preparing for many aspects of academic life in the UK.

Helping your students avoid financial difficulties

Before starting their course, your students should plan their budget carefully. For precise information on course fees, they should contact their chosen universities or colleges. They can also get information which will help them work out accurate costs from the international offices of universities and colleges, UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) and the British Council. If your students have friends or relatives who are currently studying in the UK, they may be able to help.

Many students studying in the UK supplement their income with part-time jobs. The government has recently made changes to ease restrictions on international students.

Working in the UK at the end of their studies

The following information has been extracted from the UKCISA website - see www.ukcisa.org.uk for full details.

From 30 June 2008, the International Graduates Scheme and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme ceased to exist. They have been replaced by Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) under the new Points Based System. The relevant Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules has been published (see paragraphs 245V-245ZA under the heading Tier 1 (post study work) migrants for the basic provisions) although the more detailed guidance is not yet available. Students must have successfully completed their studies in the UK, as before, and they must have studied with either student or dependant immigration permission. They will also have to provide some financial guarantees.

View the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.

Student loans and financial support

If you have a student who is British but lives outside the UK, or is an EU national, they may be able to get a student loan and other help with their fees. If your students would like to know more about the financial support that they might be able to get, you should refer them to Student Support:

Student Support Contact Team
Mowden Hall
Podium 38
Staindrop Road
Darlington
DL3 9BG
UK

Tel: +44 (0)8456 020583
Email: ssin_queries@slc.co.uk

Unistats

Unistats is a website for students who want to research subjects and universities before deciding where to apply.

Students are able to compare subjects, universities, colleges and UCAS points as well as look at student satisfaction ratings and explore the figures about getting a graduate job after completing a course.

Unistats has the results of the National Student Survey and also statistical information on universities, colleges, subjects and teaching style and is a useful source of information for you to pass on to your students.

Other useful websites