1. Do I need a visa to study in England?
Non-EU passport holders now need a visa to study in the UK. For short courses you need a Short Stay Visitors visa. You must apply for this at the British Consulate in your country. With this visa, you cannot work in the UK and you cannot extend your visa in the UK. If you decide you want to continue your studies, you will need to return to your country to process a new visa.
For long courses, or if you want to work or extend your student visa in the UK, you need to apply for a full student visa. Many non-EU students can, of course, enter the UK as a tourist and so often they do not apply for a visa. We would always suggest that you seek advice from the British Consulate in your country before applying.
2. What do I need to apply for a visa?
To obtain either of these visas you will need:
Enrolment documents from the school. We will send these documents and invoices to you when you apply for a course and pay a deposit (if applicable – we will advise you if this is necessary or not).
Proof that you have accommodation in the UK. If we arrange accommodation for you, your enrolment letter will state “Accommodation booked. Accommodation details will follow once the student has confirmed receipt of student visa.” If you arrange private accommodation, you will need to provide contracts etc. If you are staying with a friend, they will need to write a letter of invitation (and possibly other documents. The British Consulate will advise you
Proof that you have enough money to pay for your course and to live while you are in the UK. They will ask you to present bank statements (yours and your parents/guardian/sponsor) for the previous 3-6 months.
It can take up to 3 months for a student visa to be processed so please be aware of this when you apply for your course. Be realistic about which date you will be able to start your course.
3. What happens if I do not get my visa in time to start my course?
Contact the school as soon as possible to arrange a new start date. We can amend our records and email/fax new enrolment letters. We will also send a letter to confirm that you have changed your course dates. The Consulate will accept these copies as long as you take your original enrolment letters also.
4. Can I take holiday while I am studying at Shane Global?
Students on a visa can take 1 week’s holiday for every 12 weeks’ of study. EU students have no legal restriction for holiday time. However, ALL STUDENTS must inform the school of any holidays they wish to take when they make their course application.
5. Can I work while I am studying?
Many of our students need to work while they study. There is plenty of work, available, especially in London.
If you are an EU student, you can work unlimited hours
If you have a Full Student Visa, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not work more hours. This is especially important if you want to extend your visa in the UK as the Home Office will ask for information from your employer.
Students on a Short Term Visitors Student Visa are not permitted to work. If you work illegally, you can get into serious trouble.
We understand that many students need to work during their stay, and it is an excellent way for students to practise their English. However, you should never miss class due to work.
6. If I have a student visa, do I need another visa to visit other EU countries?
If you are a non-EU passport holder, you will probably need a Schengen visa to visit any other European countries (including the Republic of Ireland). You need to apply to consulate of the main or first country you intend to visit. For the visa interview you will need:
Proof that you have enough money for your trip (bank statements for a UK bank account in your name)
Proof that you have booked and paid for accommodation
Plane/train/boat tickets (return) for each journey
Proof that you are studying in the UK (your enrolment letter)
You also need to pay a fee.
Please be aware, it can take up to 3 months to process a Schengen visa, especially from June to September. We recommend that you apply for your Schengen visa either in your home country, or with plenty of advance notice in the UK.
You will need to attend 2 interviews, one to present your documents and another to collect your visa. Usually you must wait 1 month between each interview. The consulate needs this time to check you have no criminal record in any other EU country.
For all EU consulates, you need to call a premium phone number to arrange the first interview. You will need to give you name, date of birth and passport number. The French consulate is the only one that permits you to book interview appointments online.
Some Non-EU passport holders do not need a Schengen visa. Please check before you arrive in the UK. The following countries currently do need a Schengen visa:
Colombia
Ecuador
Russia
Turkey
Korea
Ukraine
Kazakhstan
China
7. How many students from my country are currently studying at Shane Global schools?
Please see our weekly Nationality Mix information of each school
8. Can I get discounted travel if I am a student in the UK?
In London - If you are studying for more than 14 weeks, you can apply for a Student Oyster Card. This gives you a 30% discount on underground, train and bus fares. You will need:
To fill in an Oyster form (Student Services staff will give you this)
2 passport photos
A postal order or credit card payment of £5
Student Services staff will explain the procedure to you and will help you apply for you Oyster card.
9. I want to open a UK bank account. What do I do?
Speak to Student Services, who will advise you.
To open a UK bank account you will need the following
To be studying for a minimum of 3 months
Your enrolment letter from the school
Your passport
Sometimes you will also need proof of address
10. Does the school have disabled facilities?
No. Unfortunately, our school buildings are not adapted for disabled use. Both buildings have 4 floors with a lot of stairs. We do not have a lift.