Will I need to do an IELTS test?

You may need to do an IELTS test. To find out if you do, you need to contact the international applications section of the education institution you wish to apply to. Contact information can be found on individual education institutions' websites.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is a test of English language proficiency. It is a method of assessing the English language used by non-English speakers who want to study, train or work using the English language. IELTS tests either general language skills or academic language skills.

Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study or who are seeking professional registration.

General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes. For further information, please visit www.ielts.org

Where will I live while studying in the UK?

Student accommodation varies from halls of residence to privately owned houses. Institutions usually provide information about accommodation available to their students and will normally have an accommodation office. In most cases accommodation will be arranged for you by your institution's accommodation office. If you have any questions about this, you should contact your university directly for information.

Questions you may want to ask your university include:

What types of accommodation are available?

Will I be offered accommodation each year?

Will I have to leave my accommodation during the vacations?

Will I have to provide my own bed linen, towels and kitchen utensils?

How much does the accommodation cost and what is included in the price?

Will accommodation be available for my family? (if you are travelling with your family).

The information above is produced in full by UKCISA. You can download their guidance note Accommodation at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm

How do I apply to university in the UK?

If you plan to follow an undergraduate course at a university in the UK, you should make your application through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). There are several ways to apply including online applications. You can find more information on UCAS on their website at www.ucas.com

If you plan to study at a post graduate level in the UK you should apply to your intended university directly.

If you are not in the UK and you require a UCAS form, your local British Council office can send one to you. You can find the contact details for all British Council offices at www.britishcouncil.org/where

Useful information on applying to UK institutions can be found in the British Council Education Information sheet, Applications at www.britishcouncil.org/education/resource/infosheets

Am I entitled to free health care?

EEA Nationals can receive National Health Service (NHS) care while in the UK. If you are in the UK for more than six months you will receive free treatment from NHS hospitals. If your stay is for less than six months and you hold form E128 you can receive free NHS treatment. Form E128 is available from the relevant health authority in your home country and must be issued before you leave your country.

If your stay is for less than six months and you do not hold form E128, you could be charged for any treatment from a doctor at a hospital for a pre-existing condition (i.e. a condition that you had before coming to the UK).

Leaflets explaining your rights to NHS health care are available from Social Security offices, hospitals, doctors, dentists and opticians and from the Department of Health website: www.doh.gov.uk

You can download the UKCISA guidance note Keeping Healthy at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm

Can my family come with me to the UK?

EEA Nationals are free to enter the UK. If your spouse (husband or wife) is an EEA national they can live with you in the UK. If your family are not EEA nationals, your spouse and your children will usually be able to join you as your dependants. You should contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your home country to apply for an EEA Family Permit. If you are not sure about your family's status or need further advice, please contact UKCISA (see useful contacts).

The information above is produced in full by UKCISA. You can download their guidance note EEA Students at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm

Can I claim welfare or benefits while studying in the UK?

Usually full time students are not eligible for state benefits, whatever their nationality. Most EEA nationals are not eligible for the following benefits:

Jobseekers Allowance (income-based) and Income support

Housing Benefits

Council Tax Benefit

There are some exceptions for example, if you are a single parent you may qualify for some of these benefits.

The information above is produced in full by UKCISA. You can download their guidance note EEA Students at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm This information also includes details of Child Tax Credit and Contribution based benefits.