English Competency
---
All International students, whose native language is not English and they do not hold IELTS (5.5 for Undergraduate and 6.0/6.5 for Postgraduate) will be asked for an “English Language Competency Check” upon joining SIRM in UK. If they are unable to satisfy during the interview, they would require doing an English Language Framework for the minimum of 3 months in order to start the main/proposed course. SIRM has made an arrangment with "East London School of English (ELSE)" to provide English Language classes to our students. ELSE is accredited by British Council (ABLS).
---
Coming to UK
---
Overseas (non-European) nationals are advised to contact the British Embassy/High Commission in their own country to obtain an entry certificate before traveling to the UK. To enter the UK as a student, you will be asked to demonstrate that you have been accepted on to a full-time course; that you have sufficient funds to pay your course fees and support yourself without working in the UK or claiming welfare benefits; that you are qualified to take the course; and that you intend to leave the UK on completion of your studies. All international students are required to join the school at least one week prior to the commencement of course start date to complete the registration process. In case of late joining, please inform us one week before the course start date with a valid reason for late joining. Please be aware that late joining is only allowed if you inform the school and gain approval.
---
On Arrival
---
SIRM is now providing Pick & Drop service from Heathrow and Gatwick to those students who require this service. They have to contact to institute authorized agencies or admission offices to get this service at least 2 weeks before their arrival date and provide your arrival date, arrival time, Airline name and flight number along with the charges. Delay in payment or in-correct information may cause the delay or cancellation of the service. Students must submit their service charges to our authorized agencies or admission offices in your area, as the institute does not accept any payments direct from the student. Please note that the institute will not bear any loss or delay in service in case of wrong or in-appropriate information given by the student. Following charges will be applicable to avail this service:
---
Airport
---
£100 - Pick up from Heathrow and drop at Institute
£120 - Pick up from Gatwick and drop at Institute
Immigration
---
Students must have their passports and all their immigration documents handy during their journey as these will be required by the Immigration Officer at the check out desk on arrival.
Accommodation
---
SIRM is providing accommodation services to our potential students. Those students who require this service must contact institute's authorized agencies or admission offices at-least 1 1/2 weeks before to get this service and provide your arrival date and time along with the charges. Delay in payment or in-correct information may cause the delay or cancellation of the service. Students must submit their service charges to our authorized agencies or admission offices in your area, as the institute does not accept any payments direct from the student. Please note that the accommodation will be arranged for four weeks from the date of arrival. Following charges will be applicable to avail this service:
---
Single Room - £400 per month ---
Shared Room: £250 per month---
---
In both options, kitchen, bathroom and utility rooms are always shared. Students can extend the stay if they are happy with the accommodation.-
---
SIRM is the member of International Student House (ISH). They provide affordable accommodation to our International Students. You can avail their services once you are in the UK and enrolled with us. For more details please log on to www.ish.org.uk ---
---
Finance
---
Students must ensure that they have sufficient money to support their studies and maintenance. Arrangements to transfer funds to the UK should be made prior to leaving your home country. Living in London can be expensive and it is extremely important to budget properly and keep track of your spending.
---
Opening a Bank Account
---
Once you are in London you will need to open an account so that funds can be transferred from abroad into your account. To open an account, you need to complete an application form from the bank. You will need proof of identity (your passport), UK address (e.g. gas or electricity bill) and your student status (e.g. institute enrolment letter). You may also need to show evidence of income (from a sponsor/family) or savings, and to make an initial deposit into the account. It is also advisable to bring references from your bank at home if you already have an account.
-
Work
Recent changes in legislation make it easier for overseas (non-European) students to undertake part-time work while they are studying. Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during vacations.
---
Health Care
---
For many overseas students the effects of an unfamiliar climate and the pressures of living far from home and family can give rise to medical problems. On arrival students are advised to register with a doctor as soon as possible. They are also advised to register with a local dentist as it is far easier to get emergency treatment if they are registered.
Extension of Your Student Visa
---
When you enter the UK, you will be given 'leave to enter' in the UK for a specified period. If you wish to stay longer, then it is important to apply to the Home Office for an extension of stay before your visa expires. You will need to complete a form, and enclose documents including your passport; letter from the institute confirming enrolment and progress; and evidence that you have sufficient funds.
--------------------------------
Changes to student rules - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) 13 November 2007
From 30 November 2007 the academic technology approval scheme (ATAS) will become a mandatory requirement within the Immigration Rules for students intending to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months to undertake postgraduate studies or research in certain designated subjects.
The ATAS will also apply to you if you are enrolled on an overseas course which is similar in subject matter to those covered by the ATAS and you intend to come to the UK for more than 6 months in order to undertake a period of study/research, which forms part of your postgraduate overseas course.---
If you wish to come to, or extend your stay in, the United Kingdom for such a purpose you will, from 30 November 2007, be required to provide a valid ATAS clearance certificate with your application for an entry clearance or an extension of stay. Failure to provide a valid clearance certificate will result in your application being refused.
This should not take you any longer than 30 minutes to complete. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) aims to respond to applications within 3 weeks from the date of receipt. Most will be resolved within 5-10 working days. The FCO does not charge for this service.
