How to Apply for an education offer from SIC
We will be delighted to receive your application to Sheffield International College and look forward sending you an eduction offer letter.
You should apply directly using the Sheffield International College application form. There is no application fee.
Although there is no application deadline, there are deadlines for guaranteed accommodation on the campus and for the Early Acceptance Bursary, so you should apply as early as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Making an application
- English Language
- Finance
- Underage students (under age 18)
- Student visas
- General
Making an application
When do the courses start?
The courses start in September, January and May.
All courses start in September; only two term courses start in January. Selected two and three term courses start in May. Details of your course length will be given in your education offer.
What are the application deadlines for my course?
There are no application deadlines - we accept applications and issue education offers until our courses are full.
However, we recommend you send your application in as soon as possible. This will give you time to use the education offer to prepare your visa application and take advantage of our Early Payment Discount and accommodation deadlines.
Can I apply for an education offer if I haven't finished the course I am currently studying?
Yes. If you are currently studying, you don't have to wait for your final results to apply for an education offer from Sheffield International College.
We will make a conditional education offer reflecting our minimum requirements. Then, when your results come out, as long as you have achieved the required grade, your education offer will become unconditional.
Do I have to fill in all the boxes on the application form?
Yes. In particular make sure you include an email address and mobile phone number so we can contact you if we have any queries about your application.
If you have any problems with the student visa application, we will need your passport number to make inquiries on your behalf.
What documents do I need to submit with my application in order to receive an education offer?
Along with a fully completed application form, you will need to provide copies of your academic transcripts and examination results.
These must be translated if they are not in English. Work references and a CV can also be useful if your experience is relevant to your application and education offer.
You will also need to show your English language qualifications (for example IELTS and TOEFL certificates) if appropriate. If you do not have any evidence of English language, please contact the Application and Admissions Centre. We may be able to arrange an internal English language test in your country.
Do I need to send the original transcripts and certificates with my application?
No. Copies of your educational documents (which must be translated if not in English) will be enough for us to make an education offer.
However, you will need to bring the originals when you enrol at college.
How long will it take to process my application?
Every complete application will be sent a decision letter within 48 hours. If any additional documents are required for an education offer, we will contact you.
If you haven´t heard from us within two working days, you are welcome to contact us to check that we have received.
What if I want to defer my entry into the college?
If you want to defer your entry, you need to write to the Application and Admissions Centre and we will send out a new education offer letter for the next intake.
However, if you have paid your deposit, we will need to see a copy of your visa refusal letter before we can defer your place.
Do you recommend applying through a local representative?
We will accept your application directly or through one of our representatives overseas. You may find it easier to use a representative as they can provide up to date local advice on applying for a visa.
If you are from China, Nigeria, India or Pakistan you can also apply through our office in your country. Details can be found at the bottom of this page.
Can I use my Foundation/Graduate Diploma to apply to another university?
Our Foundations and Graduate Diplomas are not stand-alone courses. Although they may be accepted by many other universities, they are specifically designed to prepare you for a degree at our partner university.
Don't forget, your progression to the partner university is guaranteed with your education offer, as long as you successfully complete the course at the required grade.
I have already studied a similar course. Can I be exempted from any of my studies?
No. Our courses are specifically designed to work in partnership with our partner universities so exemptions are not available.
English Language
What is the difference between two term and three term courses?
We make the education offer of a two or three term course based on your English language ability. The three term course includes a term of extra language support.
Your course length will be specified in your education offer.
Which English language qualifications do you accept?
You will need to show proof of English language ability - usually an IELTS test (or equivalent). A higher IELTS score means your programme will be shorter and you can progress to the University of Sheffield more quickly.
A more descriptive list of the SELT's required for UKBA visa purposes can be found here:
Secure English Language Tests.
Finance
When will I pay my tuition fees?
If you are applying for a two term course, you will normally pay your fees in two instalments. If you are applying for a three term course, you will normally pay your fees in three instalments.
For both courses, you will normally pay the first term's tuition fee as a deposit.
Can a sponsor pay my tuition fees?
Yes. If your studies will be funded by a recognised sponsor (eg government, Ministry of Education, multinational company etc.) we will accept a financial guarantee on letter headed paper addressed to the college. Please contact the Application and Admissions Centre to check the recognition of your sponsor.
If your fees are paid by friends and family you will be classified as `self-funded´ and the deposit must be paid in advance.
Underage students (under age 18)
What is the minimum age for entry to the college?
The minimum age is 17 years. If you are under the age of 18, your parents/guardian will need to complete an underage consent form before we can make an eductation offer.
You will also need to have a guardian (who is resident in the UK) before we can issue your visa letter or enrol you at the college. If you do not have a guardian, we can put you in touch with organisations which provide this service.
What if I am under 18 and don´t have a guardian?
If you cannot find anyone to act as a guardian you will need to use a company called Students International Ltd.
Student visa
What type of visa do I need?
All non EEA nationals require a student visa to study in the UK. Some visa offices will only accept applications online.
If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF 3 - Student).
What do I need to take to the British High Commission/Embassy to apply for my visa?
You will need to complete an entry clearance application and submit this with your passport and passport photos. You will also need to take documents which show that you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you can defer your place to the next intake and we will help you to reapply for your student visa. Alternatively, you will be entitled to a full refund of your deposit.
To apply for a refund, send a copy of your visa refusal letter to the Application and Admissions Centre. You must request a refund within four weeks of the start of the course (published date), otherwise we reserve the right not to refund the deposit.
General
Can I visit the college campus before I enrol?
Yes, you are welcome to visit the college during opening hours. However, please let us know you are coming so we can arrange a campus tour and meeting with members of staff.
email : Contact us to arrange a visit
Application procedures
Applying is easy – it takes just three simple steps:
Step 1
Complete fully and sign an application form.
Step 2
Attach copies of the following supporting documents:
- Academic transcripts and examination results
- English language test results (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable
If your transcripts are not written in English you will need to include certified translations with the originals.
Step 3
Send your application to:
Sheffield International College
Application and Admissions Centre
Shepherds Building, Charecroft Way
London W14 0EE
Tel: +44 20 7045 4925
Fax: +44 20 7881 0710
email : sic@kaplan.com
Or send your application to one of the Kaplan International Representative Offices:
China
Kaplan International Colleges
Office C313
Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center
No. 50 Liangmaqiao Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100016
P.R.China
Tel: +86 10 64608373
Fax: +86 10 646664189
email : china@kaplan.com.
For more information about this office, please click on the link below:
Nigeria
7th floor
South Atlantic Petroleum Towers
Plot 98
Adeola Odeku Street
Victoria Island
Lagos
Tel 1: +234 (1) 7401 572
Tel 2: +234 (1) 4181 372
email : nigeria@kaplan.com
Pakistan
Office 29
3rd Floor
Al-Latif Center
Main Boulevard
Gulberg III
Lahore
Tel: +92 42 578 1573-4
Fax: +92 42 587 1524
email : info@kaplan.org.pk
India
Nanhi Mann
Regional Director
Mobile: +91 98 9911 2046
email : nanhimann@kaplan.org.in