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?
SIC courses start in throughout the year. The main intakes are in September, January and May, but we do have start dates at different times of the year for students studying courses with Pre-sessional English.
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 us. 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 two working days. 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.
Our Personal Education Planners are able to help you make the right decision and help you through the application process and even offer Visa counselling via email or on the phone at no extra charge.
If you feel more comfortable to speak to someone in person, you can use a local representative. Students in Nigeria, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, India, Vietnam and Mongolia could meet directly with our office in country. Please contact us to find out more.
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?
KIC is able to accept students who are 17 years old and will also consider applications from students who are 16 years old, following an interview to assess their suitability.
The KIC admissions process for all students who are under 18 is slightly different as it reflects the fact that under the law of England and Wales anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a minor (a child) and in Scotland some legal restrictions apply to under 18s.
Parents of all students who are under 18 are sent an Information Sheet which answers frequently asked questions, and explains about appointing a guardian for their child while they are studying with us. Parents are then required to complete an Underage Consent Form which has to be received by KIC before a CAS can be issued for their child.
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.
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.
Fill in the online 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 2 - Offer letter
Within 2 working days of your application, you will be contacted by a Personal Education Planner who will let you know if we require any further documentation from you or if we are able to offer you a place at our college.
Any conditional or unconditional offers will be emailed to you.
Step 3 - Acceptance
If you choose to accept your offer to study at SIC and The University of Sheffield, we will produce a CAS statement for your Visa on receipt of your course deposit. Details of deposit amounts and payment methods can be found on our terms and conditions page.