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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get information on courses?

We have a wide range of courses at various levels – including Foundation, Bachelors, Masters’ and PhD. For information please use our Course Finder, which allows you to easily search our courses by subject area, course level, or by searching for specific terms. Our education consultants can also help.

How do I apply?

We have tried to make the application process as simple and fast as possible for international students. To apply now, or for further information, click here.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants should meet our academic requirements and English language requirements. Applicants should refer to the Course Finder for details of specific course requirements. Please see our guidance on international entry requirements. Students who do not meet our English language requirements may wish to join one of our English language courses.

How do I get a visa?

Students from many countries require a visa to study in the UK. For more information on visas please visit the UKvisas website.

UK Immigration – The Points Based System

Following a major review of UK immigration by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA), 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 tiers 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 having a valid Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) from an authorised sponsoring institution
  • 10 points for meeting the financial requirements

The CAS

The University of Salford is a registered sponsor with the UKBA and is authorised to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) to applicants intending to study here. You can see the Full register of Sponsors here , the university has been awarded an A Rating. The CAS 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 is correct before submitting your application to the Embassy or High Commission.

It is important that when you apply for your visa you do so using only the CAS 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.

The CAS will remain valid for six months from the date of issue, if you do not apply for a visa before it expires or you choose to defer you will need to request a new one.

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 one year programme at the university you will need to show the tuition fees plus £5,400 for cost of living. Please check the UKBA website for updated requirements.

This can be shown by:

  1. The university will confirm any tuition fees paid to date; UKBA will take this into account when calculating what amount the students in then required to show by:
  2. The funds being in a bank account in the students name or a joint account that the student is named on. The funds should have been available for at least 28 days prior to the visa application.
  3. Students can use money held in accounts owned by their parents, but must show evidence they are related, and have permission to use these funds to support their education.
  4. A loan from a recognised financial institution in the students name
  5. An official letter of sponsorship. Please check with UKBA that your sponsor is recognised before submitting your application.
    If sponsorship is tuition only you will still be required to show funds available for cost of living as detailed above.

For students already in the UK, information on how to extend your visa will be available from iSite the student services department here at the university.

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.

Where is The University of Salford?

Manchester city centre is just one and a half miles (3km) from our campus. Manchester is one of Britain’s most exciting cities and is the largest city in the north of England, 2 hours 5 minutes from London by train. Our campus includes Salford Crescent train station with direct links to the city centre and Manchester International Airport, making us an ideal location if you want to explore the UK or Europe during your stay. We are the closest university to Manchester United FC (10 minutes).

What are the tuition fees?

Tuition fees differ according to the course you study and your fee status. When you apply we will assess your fee status – if you are applying from outside the European Union you will probably pay the international fee. The standard fees for September 2010 entry are £11,250 for higher band courses and £9,750 for lower band courses. Most postgraduate courses in our Business School are £9,750. Our International Foundation Year is £7,280. The standard fee for EU citizens is £3,225. The fee for your course will be confirmed in your offer letter. Paying your fees can be done in various ways. List of 2010 International fees by programme.

Payment of fees system for international applicants

If you are not a British Citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need an entry clearance before you travel to the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is placed in your passport or travel document. Unfortunately because of high demand and other factors, it can be difficult in some countries to obtain a visa. In recognition of this, the University of Salford like many other leading UK institutions has introduced an advance fee deposit system for certain countries in order to assist applicants from those countries to secure their visas.

If you are required to pay an advance fee deposit then you will be notified of this in your initial offer letter. We will also give you clear instructions on how best to make this payment.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

The University of Salford will continue to require a deposit in order to release your unconditional offer letter. Students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nigeria will pay a deposit of £4500. All other nationalities will pay a deposit of £2000.
However, all international students will be required to pay 50% of the total course fees (including your deposit) at or before registration (see below).

What are the payment terms?

For September 2010 entry onwards you will be required to pay 50% of your course fees at or before registration. The outstanding balance (net of any scholarship awarded) must be paid at or before the start of semester 2, in early February.

Is there a reward for paying all of my fees in advance?

If you choose to pay the full balance of your fees at or before registration, you will qualify for a prompt payment discount of £500. This applies for tuition fees over £9,000, regardless of bursary of scholarship awarded. Please note that the prompt payment discount applies to programmes commencing in the academic year 2010/11. It is subject to change for students applying for deferred entry or commencing programmes in academic year 2011/12.

Why do I have to pay 50% or 100% in advance?

These changes will help you to satisfy the financial requirement of the new Points Based System for entry to the UK. All payments received by the University will be shown in the unconditional offer letter. Once the initial payment has been made there is nothing to pay until Semester 2 unless you want to make additional payments.

In addition the new system means that everyone now pays 50% of fees in advance, making the process simply and more fair for all applicants.

What is the cost of living?

We advise students to budget a minimum of £7,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate study, in addition to tuition fees. This amount should cover accommodation, food, entertainment, transport, books, insurance, laundry etc. Some students will require more than this amount, some less - much depends on lifestyle. You can calculate your own living costs using The International Student Calculator.

What support services are available to students?

Once here, students have access to a range of resources such as the Student Life - Advice & Support, Careers Service, Academic Learning Skills and an assigned personal tutor to help get the most out of the university experience. In addition to the many clubs and societies run by our Students Union, we are pleased to be a member university of the International Society, which offers our students the opportunity to make friends with students from other universities in the Greater Manchester region. Members of all religious denominations are welcomed at The University and there are many places of worship on campus and in the Greater Manchester area.

Is accommodation guaranteed?

We guarantee accommodation to all new students applying by 1st September. All rooms are single occupancy with free broadband access, contents insurance and membership of the University’s leisure centre. There are also rooms designed for disabled people, those with special needs and families. University accommodation is within easy reach of the campus and is connected by a free bus service. You can find out more on our accommodation website.

What are the semester dates?

You can view all our semester and vacation dates until 2011 so you can plan your flights well in advance. Please make every effort to arrive for the International Welcome Week.

Can I work in the UK?

Yes. Many students supplement their income by working part-time or working during holiday time. Our Careers Service can help you find part-time work and offers advice about managing a part-time job while you study.Most international students will not be allowed to work in the UK more than 20 hours a week while they are studying.

All international students studying at Salford can now remain in the UK to work for two years after graduation as part of the UK government’s Post Study Worker scheme. All Chinese students graduating from a degree, Masters or PhD at Salford will be eligible for this scheme, no matter what subject they are studying at Salford.

Working after your studies Information Sheet
Policy guidance on the UK Border Agency website

If you have a question that is not answered above please Contact us

Keeping in touch

If you apply to study with us, we will keep in touch with you about your application and about scholarships and events of interest to you via our special vip@salford.ac.uk email address. To make your application process as quick and smooth as possible and to make sure you receive everything you need from us, please make sure you add this address to your trusted sender list.