Europe

What do I need to consider before I apply?

Finding the best fit for your training

We encourage anyone who is thinking about coming to International Christian College to explore our website thoroughly in order to ascertain whether or not the kind of training we offer here at ICC best fits your own personal development and unique ministry situation – the sections about study and learning zones will be particularly helpful.

While we are happy for international students to visit the college, we realise that this is not always possible and are happy to discuss your questions by e-mail (enquiries@icc.ac.uk) and telephone.

Visa requirements for study in the UK

EU citizens do not normally require a visa for study in the UK

Non-EU citizens will require a visa.

If you are already in the UK on a visa you will need to inform us what kind of visa has been issued to you. You may still need to apply for a student visa in order to remain in the UK or to commence study at ICC.

If you already hold a student visa you will be required to apply for a new student visa in order to remain in the UK and commence study at ICC. We are happy to advise you with regard to your personal situation.

The immigration authorities normally only grant visas for full time study in the UK.

ICC is accredited by the British Accreditation Council. Visa authorities will require written confirmation from sponsors and students that all costs can be covered without needing to work. This will include letters from sponsors with original signatures backed up with bank statements.

The UK Border Agency uses a points system for overseas students who require a visa.

Students requiring a visa must score 40 points: 30 points from the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies which the college issues when the applicant is offered an unconditional place; 10 points for Maintenance and Funds test, which proves the applicant has sufficient funds to cover all costs of living and studying in the UK.

As well as the cost of college fees, the UK Border Agency require that applicants must prove they have funds for living which amount to at least £600 per month for 9 months. Students wishing to bring their dependants with them will need to show that they have a further £400 per month, for at least 9 months, for each dependant that they bring with them.

Full funding for college fees and living expenses will need to be available in the applicants own bank account at least 28 days before applying for a student visa. It will no longer be acceptable for sponsors to pay support costs in installments.

Written confirmation that these funds are available must be provided to both the college and the visa authorities in the form of a letter backed up by appropriate bank statements.

Further regulations to Tier 4 student visas were announced at the end of March 2011, which will directly impact the availability of places for non-EU applicants at International Christian College.

It was announced that students requiring a Tier4 student visa, applying to an independent college, will not be able to work whilst studying nor bring their dependants with them. We already have accreditation with the University of Aberdeen and the British Accreditation Council; we have Highly Trusted Sponsor status with the BAC but we are now required to obtain further accreditation. Until that is in place, the number of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) we can allocate has been capped.

Application Deadlines

It is recommended that applications from non-UK citizens be returned to us no later than the end of March.

Funding

The estimated cost of studying at ICC for one year can be found at the bottom of this page, as well as details of the current fees.

Bursary Funding

The College does have a bursary fund however, as it is very limited, it is unfortunately never possible to cover all of a student’s costs. If a bursary is offered a student would still need to have significant funding in place before a bursary request could be considered. Bursaries are normally only offered to students who are being supported by a church or an organisation who wish them to train in order to return to work with them. Bursary application forms can be requested once an application to study has been received. Each application for bursary is considered on its own individual merit, and is dependent on demand in each year.

English Language Requirements

ICC welcomes applications from overseas students. Applicants whose first language is not English will have to demonstrate they have reached an acceptable standard of proficiency in both written and spoken English before entering the programme. The usual standard required is a score of 6.5 on the IELTS scheme or a TOEFL score of 6.0. To find your nearest IELTS test centre click here.

You may, if appropriate, be asked to submit a piece of written work in order to help us assist you to ascertain whether or not you are ready to undertake one of our programmes.

Working in the UK on a Student Visa

It is possible to work whilst in the UK on a student visa, but you will need to obtain a National Insurance number on arrival in the UK.

You And Your Family

If you require a student visa, obtaining one can be harder if you wish to bring your family with you as the visa authorities will want to be convinced that you will return to your own country on completion of your studies. There is not any family accommodation available in the College, so there is considerable extra expense in bringing a family.

Accommodation

The top floor of the ICC building houses 24 study bedrooms. Details of accommodation costs can be found on our Dates & Fees Sheet.

We do not have any accommodation for married couples or families in the College however ICC holds a list of rented accommodation in the Glasgow area. Contact us for further details.

Attachment	Size
ICC Dates & Fees for 2012-2013	441.56 KB
Costs of Study BA Theology (Europe / non-visa) - April 2011	38.76 KB
Costs of Study BA Youth & Community Work with Applied Theology (Europe / non-Visa) - April 2011	35.23 KB
Costs of Study MTh Biblical Interpretation (UK, EU, non-visa) - April 2011	33.86 KB
Costs of Study MTh Ministry in an Urban World - April 2011	31.91 KB
Costs of Study Research Degrees (Europe / non-Visa) - Jan 2011	36.02 KB