Coming to the UK

Organising to go overseas to study can be quite stressful. The pre-arrival handbook is designed to answer all your questions on issues such as immigration, travelling to the UK, accommodation and finance. You will also find a list of useful contacts to help you with any additional queries.

The January 2013 pre-arrival handbook can be downloaded as a PDF version here:

International Students Pre-arrival Handbook

The September 2013 version will be available shortly.

Please remember that you should arrive for the International Students Induction Event on Sunday 8th September

Student Visa Procedures

We have produced a short guide to applying for your student visa. This can be downloaded here. Visit the UK Borders Agency website for further information on immigration. Alternatively, your local British Council can provide you with information on obtaining a visa. When you travel to the UK, you will need to bring the following documents with you.

Arriving in the UK

We have received information from Lothian and Borders Police relating to security procedures at Edinburgh Airport. If you are arriving at Edinburgh Airport please consult this information before you leave.

Security procedures at Edinburgh Airport

Uniform Policy for Health Related Programmes

If you have been admitted onto one of our Health related programmes which includes placement experience with the National Health Service, we wish to bring standard NHS advice to your attention with respect to dress code. For purposes of minimising the spread of infection and of cross contamination, this code includes the requirement that a short sleeved uniform is worn in many hospital and clinic contexts. Students are provided with the standard uniforms prior to going on placements. Full details are available on the Scottish Government website below

NHS Uniform Policy Guidance

Programmes covered by this policy include:

Undergraduate: Audiology – Diploma in Hearing Aid Technology; Speech and Language Therapy; Nursing; Dietetics and Nutrition; Podiatry; Occupational Therapy; Physiotherapy; Radiography (Diagnostic and Theraputic); Health Psychology

Postgraduate: Public Health Nutrition; Art Therapy; Audiology; Dietetics; Health Psychology; Nursing; Occupational Therapy (Pre registration only); Physiotherapy – (Pre registration only); Primary Care; Public Health Practice; Radiotherapy (and Oncology) and Speech and Language Therapy

Opening a UK Bank Account

You can find useful detailed information on how to open a UK bank account on the UKCISA website and also the website for the British Banking Association.

UK Bank Account from Abbey Santander: A Santander banking advisor will be at QMU during Freshers’ Week and will also be at Freshers’ Fayre, to help you open accounts and answer any questions you may have.

Payment of your tuition fees
The Finance Office will issue you with an invoice for your tuition fees for that year after you have matriculated. These are due to be paid, in full, 21 days after the invoice date. You can choose to pay these by instalments by Direct Debit. You must, however, hold a UK Bank Account to operate this system. Instalments start in October and run through to May the following year. No other form of instalment plan is accepted. You must complete a Direct Debit Mandate, which you will find on the QMU Portal as soon as you have your UK bank account details. For details of our Student Debt Recovery Procedure please download the document from the link below.

Student Debt Recovery Procedure

Students can pay their tuition fees in full on or before arrival. For tuition fees over £9,000, where the student is self-funding and the fee is settled in full prior to 31 October or within 7 days from the date of invoice, whichever is the later a 5% discount will be applied. The discount will be calculated at 5% of the net fee payable (i.e. after any scholarship). If you pay by Direct Debit instalments there will be no entitlement to the discount. All fees must be paid, in full, by March the following year.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Recruitment and International Liaison Office
Tel: +44 (0) 131 474 0099
Email: rilo@qmu.ac.uk

Accommodation Services
Tel: +44 (0) 131 474 0000
Email: accommodation@qmu.ac.uk

Effective Learning Service for International Students
Tel: +44 (0) 131 474 0000
Email: elsinternational@qmu.ac.uk

UKCISA (United Kingdom Council for International Student Affairs)
7 - 19 St Alban's Place London, N1 0NX
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7226 3762 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7226 3373
Email: enquiries@ukcisa.org.uk
www.ukcisa.org.uk
Advice Line: +44 (0) 20 7354 5210 (1pm - 4pm, Monday to Friday)

» The British Council

» Department for Education and Employment

» Foreign & Commonwealth Office

» The UK Border Agency

» Lothian and Borders Police

» University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

» The Scottish Tourist Board

» The British Tourist Authority

PRE DEPARTURE MEETINGS OVERSEAS
Some British Council offices overseas are organising pre-departure briefings for students coming to the UK to study. Please contact your local British Council office for details. Check out this website to find details of The British Council office nearest you:

CHECKLIST

• Accept the letter of offer from QMU
• Return lease confirming you want a room in university accommodation
• Valid Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Letter of Offer from QMU
• Your original school / academic certificates / transcripts / English Language Certificates
• Proof of financial status (for UK immigration and QMU)
• Air ticket (check dates and reconfirm flights)
• Travel Insurance (yourself and luggage)
• Medical insurance for Exchange and Study Abroad students
• Bank draft in pounds sterling, Travellers cheques in pounds sterling, Pounds sterling in cash
• Leave your contact details with someone at home
  
  ^ to top