We have compiled a list of questions which are frequently asked of us by our international students. If your question is not answered please email us at info@lams.ac for further information.

Applying to study at the College

1.	What Are the Entry Requirements? Applicants should meet our academic requirements and English language requirements. Applicants should refer to the courses section of the website for details of specific course requirements. Students who do not meet our English language requirements may wish to join one of our English language courses.
2.	How do I apply to the Academy? This is a very simple procedure, please complete the application form which you can download from this website from ‘Admissions’, attach your academic results so far and any work experience letters you may have, along with a copy of your passport. Arrange for the application form to be sent:   Admissions Office, 9th Floor, Wentworth House, 350 Eastern Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6NN   Scan application form and all the other relevant documents and send by email to info@lams.ac (this is the preferred method)   Or you can fax the application details to 0044 208 554 3227 If you are successful we shall send an offer letter to you usually by email. Once you have accepted the offer we will send the visa documents to you.
3.	How long will it take to process my application? We aim to process all applications within 72 hours, provided we have all the relevant information during busy times of the year this can take up to 10 working days. If you have not heard from us within 10 days please email at info@lams.ac on doing so please provide us with your full name and tell us which course you applied for and which date you applied to us.) If we have received your application form and provided you are eligible for the course, we shall email you an offer letter. If you decide to accept the offer you should arrange for payment of your tuition fee, as advised on the offer letter. On receipt of payment we shall arrange for the visa acceptance letters to be sent to you, which can be used to apply for your visa. It is advisable to apply for a visa as quickly as possible, visa processing times can vary depending on office, and time of year. We recommend that you allow yourself a minimum of 8 weeks for your visa application to be processed.
4.	Do I have to pay an application processing fee? The Academy does not currently charge any fees for processing an application form. However after making tuition fee payments if you are refused a visa from overseas we will refund fees minus an administration cost.
5.	When is the deadline for making an application? Normally the deadline for applications is one month before the course start date. However, if we have vacancies on any courses we are happy to take you on to the course up to a maximum of one week after the course has started Students who are applying for a visa from their home country should make enquiries at their local British Embassy / British High Commission to find out how long a visa application takes. Then work backwards to calculate how late they can apply for a visa to secure entry to the UK in time for the semester start date. In some countries the visa process scan can be longer than others and there maybe extra steps such as taking a Tuberculosis test.
6.	Where can I get help with making an application? If you are a student applying from overseas we can put you in touch with student consultants, many of whom we have long established relationships with and have many years of experience in assisting students with visa applications. Alternatively we can guide you from the UK. If you are in the UK then it is much simpler, you can come to the College and we will guide you through the process of applying for a visa extension or application. There is no need to make an appointment. The College is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. We are usually able to provide course information and an offer letter on the same day that you visit.
7.	Do I need to take an English Test? Applicants whose first language is not English will need to achieve a good level of competence in both written and spoken English. At an undergraduate level we expect you to have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or equivalent, and at a postgraduate level we expect you to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or equivalent.
8.	Do you offer English Courses? We offer an English Language programme that is designed to meet the needs of our students. Some courses are intensive and last one month, others can last upto a year. We only offer English to those students who have not been able to prove their language abilities or those who have not met satisfactory minimums.

1.	How can I pay my Tuition Fees? Tuition fee scan be paid by cash, debit card / credit card / bank drafts or transferred into our account. With recent changes in visa rules, the Academy has decided to request all students to pay full tuition fees if they are applying from overseas. If you are a student currently in the UK it may be possible for you to pay fees in instalments depending on the course you intend to apply for and when your visa extension falls. Paying full tuition fees in advance assists the immigration officer issuing your visa to be more inclined to trust that you are a genuine student coming to the UK to pursue a course and have the means to complete the course. To pay by credit card or debit card please visit the College, we use the chip and pin service to ensure that your payment is processed securely. If you intend to pay by credit card and the payee is overseas we may be able to accept it provided:   The card holder must have the same surname as the person applying for a visa, if the name is different we cannot accept the card, this is to deter credit card fraud.   The credit card holder will need to download and complete the ‘credit card authorisation form’ along with a copy of both sides of the credit card before we process payment.
2.	Are any Scholarships Available? The Academy does not offer any scholarships at the present moment. We advise that you contact organisations in your country and perhaps the local British Council office may be able to assist with any schemes that they may be aware of.
3.	Will I get a refund if my visa application is refused? If you are refused a visa we shall refund your tuition fee minus the administration fee of £150 for each time you apply. We aim to refund fees as quickly as possible the maximum refund time is 12 weeks but often it is given within 4 weeks. The refund procedure: If your visa is refused, the British immigration authorities will issue you with a 'Notice of Visa Refusal'. This is normally a two-page document that states the reasons for refusal. You should immediately send us the original refusal letter along with the original acceptance letters and a cover letter requesting a refund along with your account details. The account details should include the account name and number, bank name and address, swiftcode and / or iban.

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What should I expect in terms of spending money? The answer to this question will depend on your lifestyle. However we do appreciate that most students will be leading a frugal lifestyle and on the basis of this we have calculated the following per month:  Accommodation  Single Room in East London with all bills included excluding food  £300  Travel  Buss pass for all London Zones  £36.90  Others  Food and spending money  £200 Please note that when you arrive here you will need more money as there are a number of things that you will need initially to settle down in the UK including, warmer clothes, bedding and essentials including cutlery. However, as you gain experience you will increasingly be able to take advantage of student discounts that are available on a wide range of items. Also, most students supplement their income by taking a part-time job. However, you might not find the 'right' job straight away. It might take a matter of weeks or longer so be prepared to wait if necessary.

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What types of accommodation can the college arrange? London is a major world city, host to many generations of visitors and students. The range of accommodation is vast by many standards. Students can choose to stay in hostels, with host families (also known as Home stay) or renting a flat or house and sharing with other students. The majority of students will probably end up renting a shared flat/house. Students often feel that this type of accommodation represents the best value for money, particularly as they are able to exercise choice when it comes to facilities and location. Hostel Accommodation The College can arrange hostel accommodation. Hostel accommodation is popular because it is good value, all-inclusive and the hostels are conveniently located. Hostels provide a clean, secure living environment and are ideal for students who are new to London, but they can be expensive and you may have to stay for a long period of time. Below is a list of useful website addresses from which you can find out more about hostels, their room rates and availability   London Conference for Overseas Students   International Student House (ISH)   IES Student Residence Hall   Christian Alliance Housing Association   hostellondon.com: Booking site for short term accommodation The following websites will give you some ideas about what type of accommodation is available. In addition, LAMS students regularly advertise rooms and houses on notice boards.   moveflat.com: Search for flats and flatmates   spareroom.co.uk: Another flat-share site   thegumtree.co.uk: Online community advertising accommodation   easyroommate.com: Register a profile to find flatmates

1.	How Many hours am I expected to study and where do I get my timetable? Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm. You are expected to attend a minimum of 15 hours a week of lectures. Outside of class you are expected to undertake a number of hours of self study, we recommend a minimum of 15 hours private study per week. This is needed to complete assignments, private reading, revision and exam preparation. The timetable for classes will be given once you arrive to the UK during enrolment. Please note that all students are given time to arrive late, normally this is two weeks after the course start date. If you do arrive late you will have missed classes and this will add to the pressure of moving away from home. The classes that have been missed will not be repeated for you, however teachers will advise you on what has been missed and provide you with notes.
2.	Am I able to work in the UK? Most students have permission to work in the UK, and many chose to do so. Working in the UK whether it be voluntary or paid is a way to meet new people, earn extra money and acquire experience. However, being on a student visa means that there are some restrictions placed on you regarding work and working hours    Overseas students coming to the UK to study for a course of more than 6 months are permitted to work for up to 20 hours a week during term-time. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work during periods of holiday    There is a minimum wage applied in the UK which is dependent on your age. For people aged 22 or over it is currently £5.73 per hour. If you are aged between 18 and 21, the minimum wage is £4.77 per hour. However many employers (and especially in London) pay more than the minimum wage. For example, typical wages for working in a West End store, restaurant or hotel are £5.70 per hour.    There are lots of part-time jobs available in London. You will be able to find something that fits in with your study and is right for you. However, you might not find the 'right' job straight away. It might take a matter of weeks or longer so be prepared to wait if necessary.    The College is not able to find a job for you. However, we are able to advise on CV and interview techniques, presentations skills etc.    Remember, to meet the Immigration Rules for entry to the UK as a student you have to show that you have enough money to pay your course fees and your living expenses without needing to work.    For more information about working during your studies take a look at the UKCISA (The Council for International Students) web site.
3.	What options are available to me regarding staying in the UK after completing my course?    If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EU plus Norway and Iceland) or Switzerland you are entitled to live and work in the UK indefinitely and do not need a work permit.    If you are an overseas student who has completed either a Bachelors degree or a masters degree you will be eligible under the Points Based System (PBS), to apply for a Post Study Work visa. The application is to be submitted to the UK Border Agency . This visa will allow you to work in any job for two years after you graduate.    Other Schemes that allow you to stay in the UK after completing your studies include the following:  Work permits  Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

1.	Do I need a visa (entry clearance) before I travel to the UK? If you come to the UK as an International student you must obtain entry clearance before travelling You apply for entry clearance from your nearest British diplomatic post (Embassy or High Commission). You can find contact details of your nearest diplomatic post on the UK Border Agency's Visa Services website    If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EU plus Norway and Iceland) or Switzerland you do not need a visa.    If you are a British National (Overseas), you can apply for a visa on arrival in the UK. However, this visa will only be valid for six months and will prohibit you from working. If you want to work alongside your studies you will need to apply for entry clearance before you travel. For further information see the UKCISA (The Council for International Students) web site.    If you are an 'overseas student' (non-EU, EEA or Swiss) and you intend to follow a course of more than six months then you must apply for entry clearance from your local British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission.    For more information and advice about visas take a look at the UKCISA (The Council for International Students) web site and the British Government's UK visas web site.
2.	Where Can I get Information on Immigration Issues Information advice can be found:   UK visas Website   UKCOSA - Council for International Education   British Home Office
3.	What are the UK Immigration Rules? UK Immigration – The Points Based System Following a major review of UK immigration by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) in 2009, the immigration rules have changed, with the introduction of the Points Based System (PBS). The information here is provided for reference only, please check the UKBA website before submitting any visa application for up to date guidance. The system is made up of 5 tiers or categories and applies to all individuals who require entry clearance to enter the UK. The tier relevant to international students are:   Tier 1 – Highly Skilled Migrants – includes post study work   Tier 4 – Students – came into force 31 March 2009 If you are only intending to be in the UK for no more than six months for study alone, you may be able to apply for a student visitor visa; more information about this route can be found on the UKBA website. To be awarded a visa under Tier 4 students must achieve a score of 40 points. Points are awarded as follows:    30 points for showing a valid ‘visa letter’ from an authorised sponsoring institution    10 points for meeting the financial requirements The Visa Letter The London Academy of Management Sciences is a registered sponsor with the UKBA and is authorised to issue a ‘visa letter’ or Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) to applicants intending to study here. You can see the Full register of Sponsors here, the Academy has been awarded an A Rating. The visa letter will provide the visa officer with relevant information with regard to your intended studies and the basis on which the offer has been made. Please check that the information in your visa letter is correct before submitting it to the Embassy or High Commission. It is important that when you apply for your visa you do so using only the letter of the institution you intend to study with. Your visa when issued will be linked to the institution, and you are not allowed to change institutions either before arrival or when in the UK without first applying for a new visa through UKBA. Failure to do so will be a criminal offence leading to the cancellation of your visa. Financial Requirements You will be required to show that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and live in the UK, Information on these requirements can be found here. For a student coming to study a programme at the university you will need to show that you have paid the tuition fees plus £5,400 for cost of living. This can be shown by:    The visa letter will show tuition fees paid to date; UKBA will take this into account when calculating what amount the students is then required to show by:    The funds being in a bank account in the students name or a joint account that the student is named on or in the students parent’s account. The funds should have been available for at least 28 days prior to the visa application.    A loan from a recognised financial institution in the students name More information about PBS is available from the UKBA website. Here you will find the Guidance for Applicants and application form. UKCISA – The UK Council for International Student Affairs also provides advice to student applying to study in the UK.
4.	Can the College help me get a visa? The visa letter supplied by the Academy fulfils these criteria. To apply for a visa you need to prove that you have been accepted on a course provided by a recognised academic institution (an organisation on the UKBA sponsorship register which lams is on with an ‘A’ rating, and that you have the financial means to support yourself without the need to work or receive support from the UK government. The visa letter supplied by London Academy of Management Sciences states how much of your course fee and living expenses have been paid to the College, and in this respect it may also help when it comes to meeting the second requirement. (The more you have paid to the College the less the likely it is that your financial viability will be called into question.) In addition, at the time of applying for a visa you are required to demonstrate you have funds for living costs which is currently calculates as £5400 for Colleges outside of Central London. Provided you have the College letter and the appropriate amount in your bank account for living expenses there is no need for the Academy to contact the immigration authorities.

1.	What is ATAS? The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a new scheme introduced by the British government on 01 November 2007 for certain applicants. The scheme will require non-EU/EEA (including Switzerland) nationals planning to undertake study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines to acquire an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a Visa, Entry Clearance or Extension of Stay. For further details of ATAS please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
2.	Do I need an ATAS Certificate? None of the courses offered at London Academy of Management Sciences currently require you to apply for an ATAS certificate.
3.	Do you collect students from Heathrow? We can arrange to have a taxi pick you up from Heathrow or Gatwick airport. Provided we are given at least 4 days notice and you know where you wish to go. The taxi driver will stand outside the airport with a sign stating your name. If we have arranged your accommodation then the taxi will take you directly to the accommodation place unless you arrive between the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday in which case you will be brought to the Academy.
4.	What should I carry in my hand luggage? We recommend you carry the following in your hand luggage:    Passport (with your student visa if required)    Letter from the University confirming your admission    Evidence of financial support (for example details of your scholarship or bank statement)    Address of your accommodation in Reading if known    Money - we suggest bringing about £200 in UK sterling in a mixture of cash and travellers' cheques for your immediate needs
5.	Do I need a chest x-ray? No this is not something you have to bring with you. However, sometimes students will be required to undergo screening for TB on arrival in the UK. Selection is random on arrival and not everyone will be asked to do this. This can be a lengthy process and you may be able to bypass this procedure if you already have a chest x-ray with you in your hand luggage.
6.	Do I need to be screened for TB? Nationals from the following countries are required to undergo TB screening prior to applying for a visa to come to the UK: Bangladesh, Ghana (which also takes applications from Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Niger), Kenya (which also takes applications from residents of Eritrea and Somalia), Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Thailand (which also takes applications from Cambodia and Laos).
7.	Can I open a bank account before I get to the UK? Usually you will not be able to open a bank account until you have arrived in the UK. To open an account you will need a letter from the Academy confirming you are registered as a student. This letter is provided during enrolment. You should assume that it will take at least four weeks to open a bank account. Therefore make sure you have access to the money that you will need during this period by making financial arrangements similar to those you might make if you were a tourist.
8.	Do I need to take out health insurance? Provided your course is for more than six months you will be covered by the UK National Health Service (NHS). Students staying for six months or less should be sure that they are covered either by the European Union (EU) reciprocal arrangements (for EU students), or by their home university, or by private insurance arrangements made before they arrive in Britain.
9.	Do I need to register with the Police? Some nationalities need to register with the police when they arrive in the UK. You only have to register if the sticker in your passport or your ID card says this but you must do so within 7 days of your arrival in the UK. If you have permission to stay in the UK for less than six months, you won't need to register. The address to register with the police at is: Overseas Visitors Records Office Ground Floor Brandon House 180 Borough High Street London SE1 1LH You will need to take the following with you for registration:    Your passport or travel documents    Letter from the Academy confirming your admission    Two current passport-sized photographs of yourself    £34 (cash only and you must have the correct amount) for the fee (rate correct at June 2009) The registration Opening hours are between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. The telephone number is +44 (0)20 7230 1208 and the nearest tube station is Borough (on the Northern line). It is a criminal offence not to register with the police if you are required to.You will need to inform the overseas records office each time you are granted an extension of your permission to stay in the UK. You also need to inform the police if you change address but you can do this at any local police station.