Q: How much does the International Foundation Programme cost?
A: For the year 2011/12 the cost will be £8500.

Q: What is the English Language requirement?
A: IELTS 5.5 (Academic), or an equivalent English qualification recognised by the UK Border Agency. We cannot accept students with less than this English language entry requirement.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Complete an overseas application form and return it to the International Office. You can downloaded the form from the website, or we can send you one if you email us your full name and postal address. Completed application forms and supporting documents can be sent back to us by email, post or fax as detailed below:

Q: Can I join in January?
A: No. Our programme starts in September and runs until the following July. It is not possible to join in part way through the year.

Q: What do I need to send with my application?
A: Copies of your passport, all your academic qualifications, your English Language qualification, academic reference and personal statement. These documents should be in English. We will acknowledge that your application has been received and let you know if there is any more information we require before we can make you an offer. There is no fee for applications

Q: I don’t have an IELTS or an equivalent English qualification recognised by the UK Border Agency can I still apply?
A: Yes. If the rest of your application is satisfactory we can give you a conditional offer. Then send us evidence of your English result as soon as you have it.

Q: If I am offered a place, when do I have to pay?
A:If we make you an offer of a place you will need to pay us a deposit of £1000 plus £100 if you require accommodation when you decide to accept. Our offer letter will tell you how to do this. You must pay the rest when you start the course. We do not accept instalment payments for tuition fees.

Q: When will I get my CAS to apply for my visa?
A: When you have met all the conditions of your offer and have paid the deposit towards your tuition fees and accommodation (if required), we will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Information about your acceptance at the College, including the course details and fees already paid will be sent direct to the UKBA using its electronic system. Once we have completed this we will e-mail you a CAS letter so you can see the details we have given to the UKBA. The letter will include the CAS number which you will need to enter onto your visa application form. You do not need a paper visa letter, just the CAS number.

Q: Will I get my deposit back if I can't take up the offer?
A: If you are not able to come because, for example, you do not get a visa, we will give you back the tuition fee deposit less a £100 administration fee. But we will require you to send us evidence before a refund is agreed . However, we are sorry we cannot refund your depositif you change your mind and decide not to come for any other reason. Unfortunately we cannot refund the accommodation deposit if you do not come to York to study.

Q: If I successfully complete the Programme, will I be guaranteed entry to the University of York?
A: No. Although the Programme is accredited by York University, you will still need to apply through the UCAS system when you arrive. Although you have a good chance of going to York University, we cannot guarantee a place there because the decision is made by the University.

Q: Can I come and do an English Language course before starting the International Foundation Programme?
A: Yes. You can come and join our English Language classes on almost any Monday throughout the year. Talk to us about a suitable starting date if you are interested.

Q: Would an A Level course be more suitable than the International Foundation Programme?
A: Probably not, unless you want to study medicine or dentistry. Overseas students tend to find A Levels quite difficult as these courses are designed for English students. You would also need to spend two years studying A Levels so it will be longer before you can progress to University. For most students we recommend the International Foundation Programme, but occasionally an A Level course may be appropriate. Talk to us if you are not sure.

Q: Can I work while I an studying?
A: Yes. Students can work up to 10 hours per week and additional hours during college holidays, but work should not interfere with your studies.

Q: What about accommodation?
A: We can help you to find somewhere to live in York. Most students prefer to live with a homestay provider at first, especially if this is their first time in the UK. You will be required to pay a £100 deposit to secure your homestay accommodation which will be deducted for the first month's rent. The cost for this is approximately £125 per week. We can help you to make other arrangements if you wish. We will ask you about this when you have accepted our offer of a place, so that we can make arrangements for you. Follow this link for more information.