International students
A world-class experience
At The University of Nottingham we are understandably proud of our long-standing reputation as a world-class university, welcoming students of all races, cultures and religions thanks to the high quality academic and pastoral facilities we offer. Our aim is to provide the finest possible environment for teaching, learning and research, and our record of success is well known.
A global community
We have a thriving international community of around 7,500 students from more than 150 different countries. The key to the University’s appeal is that we make every effort to help students feel truly integrated into the experience of higher education in the UK with their fellow British students.
We have campuses in Malaysia and China; we are a founder member of Universitas 21 – an international association of universities – and have links with employers and academic institutions across the globe.
The International Office has extensive experience in working alongside international students of all backgrounds to ensure that studying at The University of Nottingham is an affirming and life-changing experience.
The International Office
The International Office is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of our international students. The team has extensive expertise in matters such as visa and immigration support, and members of staff regularly travel to different countries to meet prospective students and offer advice on academic entry requirements and studying in the UK.
The team would be delighted to hear from you should you have any questions – these might range from an enquiry about entry requirements to advice about what you should pack when coming to the UK. Whatever the case, they are happy to assist you at every stage of your studies, and can even arrange a tailor-made visit programme if you are unable to attend an open day.
Information is available via the International Office website on a variety of subjects such as immigration requirements and working and living in the UK, on the International Students Website.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from many different countries with a variety of qualifications. However, if you are not suitably qualified for the course you wish to pursue, a foundation programme may be available in your chosen subject, at our overseas campuses as well as in the UK. We also work closely with a number of colleges in the UK and overseas which provide a route to undergraduate study at the University.
Every application is considered by an academic selector in the School to which you have applied and decisions are based on academic ability, your personal statement and references. As qualifications vary significantly from country to country, it is impossible to cover every variation in this prospectus, so we would urge you to contact the International Office if you have any questions about qualifications and routes for entry to the University.
English language support
English language support, courses and a virtual learning centre are available to international students prior to and during your studies through the Centre for English Language Education (CELE). See CELE for more information.
Fees, scholarships and living costs
We provide a number of University scholarships to international undergraduate students, details of which can be found if you click here.
Academic Schools also offer scholarships - you are advised to check individual School websites for further details.
Living in the UK
The way of life in the UK may seem unfamiliar or even overwhelming when you first arrive, but you will soon become accustomed to student life. The International Office and International Students’ Bureau will be happy to provide you with information about issues such as banking, shopping, international food retailers, transport etc. Some information is available online on the International Students Website.
Accommodation
We understand that for many international students, accommodation is a vital consideration, particularly if this will be your first time away from home. At The University of Nottingham, students who are categorised as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are entitled to a special guarantee of University accommodation for the first three years of their studies. There are more than 8,000 rooms to choose from, all of which are situated close to or on one of the University’s campuses, and range from modern self-catering residences to traditional halls of residence.
Most importantly, by guaranteeing accommodation to international students, we are able to provide you with a safe, secure and comfortable base from which to start your student life. We will also work with you to ensure that any dietary, religious or cultural requirements you have are met.
For more information about University Accommodation, please see Accommodation
Working in the UK
International students are generally able to undertake paid employment for up to 20 hours a week during term-time and full-time during official University holidays. Students undertaking full-time work placements as a necessary part of their course are able to do so providing the placement was advertised as a possibility in the University’s prospectus and is entered into with the University’s agreement. Please check with the International Office before you apply.
Students who successfully complete a degree course are able to work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Further information can be found at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/
Before arriving in the UK
Staff from the International Office visit many countries
throughout the year in order to give potential students
the opportunity to speak to a representative from the
University in person. A list of forthcoming visits is given
on the International Office website. Once you have received
an offer from the University, you will be sent detailed
information about preparing for your departure, arriving
in the UK and registering as a student. Please see the International website for details.
On arrival in the UK
Our aim is to make the transition into student life as easy
as possible. With this in mind, we offer a free coach pick-up
service for new international students from London
Heathrow Airport on certain days prior to the start of term,
which means that you will not have to organise your own
transport. However, should you arrive at another airport or
port, Nottingham is easily accessible by rail and road and is
within easy reach of many of the UK’s major cities. Directions
from most major airports can be found online.
The International Office will be happy to give you information
about emergency contacts and arrival procedures such as
customs, passport control and luggage collection, should
you have any questions.
International Students’ Bureau
As an international student, you will automatically become a member of the International Students’ Bureau. This is part of the Students’ Union and is run entirely by and for international students.
The International Students’ Bureau organises various social, cultural, educational and sporting activities throughout the year with the aim of encouraging a lively international community.
You can become as involved as you like and there are events to cater for most tastes. The social highlight of the year is the International Evening, when students come together to share their cultural heritage – in music, drama and dance – with the rest of the University community.
Your support services
We believe that students are entitled to support that not only safeguards their education but also their physical, personal and spiritual well being, which is why we offer a range of student support services. These services extend across the University from the International Office to the Students’ Union, which offers 75 sports clubs and more than 190 societies to cater for a range of interests.
The University provides a counselling service, enabling students to talk in confidence with a professionally trained and experienced person about any problems they might have.
Members of all religious groups are free to practise their own beliefs in the UK. There are already groups of the world’s main religions within the University, and University chaplains can give advice on places of worship off-campus, as well as other spiritual matters. To find out more, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/chaplains.
If you are intending to bring your partner or family to the UK with you, support and information is available with reference to matters such as health services, childcare and schooling in the UK. Please contact the International Office.
Visit the International Office website for a full list of the University's overseas offices and contact details for official representatives.
Careers advice
The University of Nottingham has one of the most successful records for graduate employment in the UK. Before returning to your home country or seeking employment, you may wish to take advantage of the resources available through the Centre for Career Development.
Life after graduation
It’s probably very hard to imagine what life will be like after you graduate, especially as your student years may not have started yet. However, our International Office takes great care to provide a reorientation programme for homeward bound students, all of whom leave the University to join a worldwide community of alumni.
Further information
The International Office
Tel: +44 (0)115 951 5247
Fax:: +44 (0)115 951 5155
Email: international-office@nottingham.ac.uk
www.nottingham.ac.uk/international
Details of authorised representatives for each country can be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/international. You may also wish to visit the British Council website at www.britishcouncil.org.