University Courses - International Students

Whichever country you come from we warmly welcome you. We receive applications from overseas students from all over the world and have a small international community at the College.

The College and the Taunton area provide a positive learning and cultural environment for students who come from overseas.

The environment at the College is safe and friendly, which is just what you need when you are coming to a new country.

Deciding to study at an overseas college is a big step and it is very important that you start to plan as soon as possible.

We can help you with your UCAS application and accommodation needs and will endeavour to provide the advice and information you will need to come and study with us.

Start by contacting your local British Council office, British Embassy, High Commission or other British education office in your country.

• Where are we?
• Studying in the UK
• Qualifications and Course Entry Requirements
• English Language Skills
• Tuition Fees
• Accommodation
• Gaining Entry to the UK
• Support whilst you are here
• How to Apply?

Where are we?

Somerset College is based in Taunton, the County Town of Somerset in South West England.

Click here for information on Somerset and Taunton and how to get to the College.

Studying in the UK

General guidance about studying and living in the UK is available from an organisation called UKCOSA.

They give wide-ranging advice to overseas students on all aspects of studying here.

Visit their website at www.ukcosa.org.uk for information on individual guidance notes on specific issues.

Qualifications and Course Entry Requirements<

In order to be successful in gaining a place on a course, you will have to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to undertake the course.

We have the facility to check how your qualifications compare to an equivalent UK qualification.

English Language Skills

One of the other requirements will be that your English language skills are at a certain level of competence.

There are tests you can take in your own country, which will indicate this.

Visit www.ielts.org for more information about the test and where you can take it.

This does not apply if you are coming to the UK specifically to learn English.

The College can also provide assistance in improving your English Language skills whilst you are studying other subjects.

Tuition Fees

If you are coming from overseas, it is possible that you will pay higher tuition fees.

To find out whether that is the case, we can send you a fee status questionnaire to enable us to decide whether you are eligible to pay fees as a 'home' or 'overseas' student.

If you would like us to send you a questionnaire, email us at admissions@somerset.ac.uk, phone us on 0044 1823 366 667 or write to the Admissions Office, Somerset College of Arts and Technology, Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5AX, UK

Gaining Entry to the UK

European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) Students

If you are from the EU or EEA, you do not require entry clearance documentation to enter the UK.

You will be required to show your passport or national identity card.

It would also be useful if you have our offer letter and course information available if you are questioned about your reasons for visiting the UK.

Other Overseas Students

It is likely that you will have to get entry clearance before you leave your country.  For more information visit the UKCOSA website at www.ukcosa.org.uk or visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk.  They will tell you their requirements and the evidence you may have to produce.

The basic requirements are evidence that you:

• have received an unconditional offer on a full-time course
• intend to complete the course of study
• have the necessary finances to cover both the cost of the course and living expenses whilst in the UK

Your country of origin will also have an impact on what steps you will need to take.

It is advisable to apply for a visa/entry clearance as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time to make your travel arrangements before the course start date.

How to apply?

Details of the courses we run can be found under the University Courses section of our website.

University courses

These are degree level courses and are run at the College through an agreement with the University of Plymouth

If you apply for a full-time University course, you will have to apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS holds course details for all University Institutes and is a useful source of information.

As an International Student, you can apply on-line through their website www.ucas.com. Our UCAS Code Name is SOMER and Code Number is S28.