1. Introduction
Applications from international students for admission for postgraduate research or taught courses are handled in the same way as those for home and EU students with minor modifications as outlined below. Every effort is made to fast-track these applications, which are not in competition with home or EU applications, because of the increasingly competitive market-place for international students and the associated fee income. The main differences are as follows:
1.1 Modified guidance notes, specific to non-EU applicants, are provided with the application form.
1.2 Modified guidance notes are sent with offer letters for research and taught programmes.
1.3 When offers are or become unconditional and have been accepted by candidates, a certificate of acceptance is provided automatically to enable visa and other requirements to be fulfilled.
1.4 An information pack, including a Student Accommodation Handbook, International Student Handbook, details of the orientation programme for international students, methods of payments for fees and other relevant matters, is provided in late July to all candidates holding unconditional offers. Packs are also sent to late candidates accepted after this stage.
2. English language requirements
Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English are asked to produce evidence of their competence in English such as an IELTS or TOEFL score. This would be included as part of any conditional offer. For candidates whose English language score falls slightly below the requirements, the English Language Support Unit provides pre-sessional courses and IELTS tests. Information and application forms are provided with the offer letters.
3. Qualifications
The University receives applications from candidates from many different countries offering a wide variety of qualifications. While there is considerable expertise in schools, Admissions Office staff will provide guidance on the acceptability of international qualifications on request.
4. International Office
The International Office may contact candidates who have received offers of admission from the University to encourage them to accept them. The Admissions Office provides information on request so that candidates can be contacted by International Office staff when on missions to various countries overseas. Arrangements are also made from time-to-time for pre-departure meetings organised specifically by Queen? or by the British Council in the country of origin.
5. Immigration requirements
The International Student Handbook, which is sent to all live international candidates in July, provides guidance about immigration requirements and candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the procedures to be undertaken in order to obtain the required clearance for entry to the UK.
6. Working in the UK
The International Student Handbook also provides information about permitted part-time employment.
7. Tuition fees and financial support
Students from outside the European Union are required to pay tuition fees at the overseas rate. Information about the financial arrangements for international students are included in the guidance at all stages and in the information provided to students in July. Details of the different methods by which fees can be paid are also enclosed.
8. Orientation Programme and Registration
The orientation programme for new postgraduate students takes place over a three day period in early September. The International Office makes arrangements for candidates to be transported from the airports to their accommodation provided they have notified the University of their arrival details. Registration and enrolment is part of the orientation programme. As with home students, those accepted for taught courses are registered by the school and those accepted for research are registered by the Postgraduate Office. Special arrangements are made for students unable to attend the orientation programme.