Will there be any other overseas students on my course?
Yes. We are a multicultural college and this will give you the opportunity to meet students from many other countries
How many hours a week must I study?
If you need a student visa then you have to study in class for at least 15 hours per week; further study in your own time will be required to pass the exams.
When does my course begin?
All ABE and ABP Courses for our next intake begin on 21st March 2011. However, we hold an induction week where you can arrive, enrol, meet the other students from your course and find accommodation. This takes place during the first week of course start date.
How long will it take for my application form to be processed?
If all the relevant documentation is enclosed with your completed application form, it will be processed in 1 to 2 working days. However, in some cases (very rarely), the student’s documents need to be checked with respective organisations, awarding bodies, financial institutions or our partners, which may delay the processing time by 3 to 4 working days.
What IELTS / TOEFL score do I need?
Irrespective of UKBA requirements, we require an IELTS score of minimum 5.0 band overall with a 4.0 to 5.0 minimum score in all four levels (speaking, reading, writing and listening) for admission into our Postgraduate, Advanced Diploma and Diploma courses. Alternatively, TOEFL IBT score of 70+ or Pearson Test of English score of 65 would also be considered. This is because our courses are taught in English and we want you to enjoy them as well as being challenged when studying with us. What happens if I do not achieve the necessary IELTS score as stated in my conditional offer? We are trying to ensure that all students reach the required level, whether it is with an IELTS test or another UKBA recognised English Language qualification.
Can I receive any help with my English during my course?
Yes. We are part of Spinnaker College which also runs an excellent language school, just 5 minutes walking distance. They provide both one-to-one tuition and classes that are focused on Business English. We can also help you improve your IELTS if you want to apply to University.
Do I have to pay my fees in advance?
Yes. We require the fees in advance of you receiving your visa and CAS letter, in order to be confident that you will be coming here to study.
How much does it cost to live in the area?
Below is a list of typical prices to rent a property in Portsmouth:
- Studio Flats: £467 per person
- 1 Bed Flats: £554 per person
- 2 Bed Flats: £359 per person (based on two sharing)
- 3 Bed Flats: £261 per person (based on three sharing)
- 2 Bed Houses: £328 per person (based on two sharing)
- 3 Bed Houses: 265 per person (based on three sharing)
- 4 Bed Houses: £203 per person (based on four sharing)
UKBA also expects that students living outside London will require £600 per calendar month for living expenses.
Will I be met at the airport?
We can arrange a private taxi transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Please ask for this service when you fill in your application form. We will book the taxi for you, but please remember you will have to pay the fare. There are good bus and train services from all the airports in Southern England to Portsmouth.
Am I guaranteed accommodation?
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee you accommodation, but during your registration and induction week we will provide you with a list of accommodation providers in the local area. The induction week will be the perfect time to meet other students to live with and decide on accommodation for the duration of your course.
Are there any shared rooms?
Yes. The accommodation will be a mixture of shared houses or flats. They can be shared rooms or your own space. They can be single or mixed sex; it is entirely up to you.
Can I work whilst I study?
If you have a Tier 4 (General) Student visa then you are allowed to work 10 to 20 hours per week during term time. However; you are allowed to work full time during the school vacations.
How can I apply to the Business School?
There are several ways to apply to one of our courses. In most countries we have agents in who will guide you through the admission process. However, if you want to apply directly then you can download an application form directly from our website, please fill it in as per the instructions and send us scanned copies of all the relevant documentation requested.
When is your next intake?
Our next intake is in March 2011 for all our ABE and ABP courses. We are currently accepting applications for admissions.
How is performance measured by ABE or ABP?
Performance is measured by ABE by carrying out written exams in its London Centres. ABE will provide you with the details for these centres once you become a member. ABP exams are carried out in-house and the results are assessed internally but verified externally.
How is my performance measured by Spinnaker College?
Your performance is measured with tutorial sessions, group work, various internal and external testing that ensures that our lecturers are aware of your progress.
Which Courses do you offer and how much are the fees?
We offer the following ABE accredited courses: Diploma, Higher Diploma, Graduate Integrated Diploma and ABP Post Graduate Diploma. Our fees for international students range from £3600 to £5400 depending on which course you choose to study. For further details please see the specific course pages.
How old do I have to be to study an ABE or ABP Course?
To study any of our ABE or ABP Business courses you need to be over 18. These courses are not open to minors.
Is there any Career Guidance in place?
Yes, we provide you with information about local employers and agencies that can help you find work whilst you are studying.
Can I have a Scholarship?
Yes, Scholarships are open to all students at all levels subject to a criteria involving merit.
Do I have to register with the Police?
This is dependent on your nationality. When you enter the country your passport will be stamped to inform you that it needs to happen. When you arrive at Spinnaker College we will advise you on the process required. Your police registration needs to take place within the first 7 days you are in the country.
What are your entry requirements and admission process?
The entry requirements and admission process are explained in the relevant sections available in the left menu of the business school website.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you will need a visa if you are applying as a Tier 4 Applicant. If your course is starting in the summer months you need to submit the required information at least 3 months before the start of your course to ensure you receive it in time.
How do I get a visa?
If you have applied to our courses through an Agent they will be able to take you through the process. You will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. You will need to show evidence of a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from us and also that you have enough money to cover your course fees and living costs. The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa currently costs £250 (approximately) if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. You will still need a visa if you have CAS as this will give you entry clearance into the UK.
For further guidance please look at the UKBA website www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Are there any exemptions from the English requirements?
We treat each application individually, so we may offer exemptions if we have proof that the applicant has studied in the UK at a reasonable level prior to applying for our courses.
How far is it from Portsmouth to London?
It is easy to travel between Portsmouth and London as there are several transport links in the city. The average journey time with National Rail from Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station to London Waterloo is about 90 minutes. National Express Coaches travel from the Hard Interchange and travel to London Victoria in about 90 minutes. There are also Megabus and Matrains running regularly between Portsmouth and London and also Greyhound Coaches which can travel between the two in just under two hours.
Where are the closest Train and Coach Station? The closest Train Station to Spinnaker College Business School is Portsmouth and Southsea, just one minute’s walk around the corner! It’s right in the heart of Portsmouth and trains go direct to both London and Cardiff, as well as linking up with the rest of the country. The closest Coach Station is at the Hard Interchange, near Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth Harbour station. This is 10 minutes walk from Spinnaker College Business School.
