Arrival

Pre-arrival in the UK

Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not need a student visa or an Entry Clearance to enter Britain.

For example, visas are required from citizens of Ghana, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Please check with your Embassy/High Commission if a visa is required, well before you make your travel arrangements.

Other Commonwealth citizens who do not require a tourist visa might find it useful to obtain a student visa as it will ease their entry into Britain on arrival. Most airlines will also need to see that you have acceptable immigration documents as they can be heavily fined for carrying passengers without the leave to enter the United Kingdom.

To obtain a student visa, you will be required to produce the following documents:

• A valid Passport
• Evidence of Enrolment onto a full time course of study (At least 15 Hour daytime study per week) at an approved British school, College or University.
• A certificate to prove that you possess the minimum academic qualifications for your chosen course of study.
• Evidence of your ability to meet the cost of your tuition and living expenses in UK for the duration of your course.  UK fee regulations look for £600 a month living expenses in Leicester. This compares favourably to London, where expected monthly living expenses are set at £800 a month.
• The Entry Clearance officer will also need to be satisfied that you intend to leave UK upon completion of your studies. Students are strongly advised not to attempt to enter UK with a visitor (tourist) visa with a view to applying for a change of status at a later date.

Arrival

Be sure to carry the Certificate of Enrolment and evidence of financial support as the immigration officer at the port of entry may wish to see them. You should also bring sufficient cash or travellers cheque in Sterling Pound, Euro or US dollars to meet your expenses on arrival, such as transport, meals and temporary accommodation (Say £ 300 in cash + supply of travellers cheques).

If you have not reserved accommodation, we suggest you arrive in Leicester during normal office hours on a weekday and report to the college between 9.00 am-5.00 pm to seek assistance in finding accommodation. MABT is accessible from St. Margaret’s Bus Station, Railway Station, and City Centre by Bus No’s 16, 17 and 54. Taxi Service is also available from all the locations.

If you require someone to collect you from an airport, please contact the college at least three working days prior to your departure from country of origin. Note that there is a charge for this service.

Immigration Regulations

Once you have been allowed into the country, make sure you understand the conditions attached to your stay, i.e. the period you are allowed to remain and restrictions on taking up employment. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Midlands Academy of Business & Technology office along with your passport and ask for assistance.

Accommodation

We can provide you with accommodation should you need this. Please inform us of your requirement well before the start of academic year. We encourage students for whom English is not a first language to choose a home stay for at least the first term, which we can assist in arranging.

Cost of Living

In addition to the tuition fees, students may expect to incur living expenses ranging from £400 to £ 600 per month for such items as accommodation, food, travel, books etc. The average rent for accommodation ranges from £ 175 to £ 260 per month on single room basis.

Part-Time Employment

Although part-time employment may sometimes be undertaken, students should not rely on this source of income, but should make arrangement to have sufficient funds remitted from their country for a full year’s expenses. You should note that Border Authorities do not take any earning potential into account.

Legal Status

Midlands Academy of Business & Technology Limited is registered in England No. 5273420.
The registered address is Melbourne Centre, Melbourne Road, Leicester LE2 0GU.