If you are overseas student, you should contact the British High Commission or Embassy in your country. If you are in the UK, you may contact the Home Office. You will need to complete an application form and perhaps other documentation. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The College will assist you in applying your student visa in the UK. If you need specific advice, contact your local British Council or High Commission. You should also include the documents provided by the college as proof of acceptance/enrolment.

You must show that you have been accepted for a FULL-TIME course of study at EPITOME ACADEMY. Also, you must be able to pay your tuition fees; accommodate yourself and any dependants without receiving public funds and intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies.

Students must demonstrate an English Language competency. Applicants who did not have English as the formal language of instruction are expected to demonstrate a reasonable command of the language by taking an IELTS test.

Applicants to EPITOME ACADEMY are assessed on an individual case by case basis - provided they have completed their A-Level or equivalent overseas qualifications. We may also consider your work experience in the related fields. Please also check the entry requirements of the course you are interested in.

You can apply online on our website. Alternatively, an application form should be completed and returned to the college along with transcripts of results from any school or college or University students have attended. An application may be assessed using faxed copies or photocopies of any of the above. Successful applicants may firstly be sent the conditional offer letter by e-mail or fax to confirm.

Students applying from abroad: If you have applied online, once you receive offer email from us you need to send the tuition fees and all above mentioned documents in order to get acceptance letter for your visa purpose. This acceptance letter will also provide information about fees, refund policy and visa application. Bank account details are provided with the offer letter/email. The student uses the Acceptance Letter to apply for a student visa/entry clearance.  Once the Student Visa has been approved, the student should notify the college of arrival details. This should be sent at least two weeks prior to arrival in the UK in order that the accommodation and airport transportation can be arranged

Is there any registration fee?
£ 150 is collected towards registration fees which is not refundable if visa is rejected.

EPITOME ACADEMY has teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide an affordable accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged temporarily for the first 3 weeks and confirmation of accommodation can be sent for visa application support. You are required to pay at least £300 (£100 non-refundable) as a deposit for this facility. Once you are in the UK, we will help you find the permanent accommodation.

Medical Insurance is not a requirement for the Student Visa in the UK.

Applications may be accepted up to the start of the Academic Year. For those applying from outside the UK, please allow sufficient time for visa processing (check with the British Embassy in your home country for the latest visa processing times).

You may usually take part-time or vacation work subject to the following conditions: You must not work for more than twenty hours per week during term time, except where your work placement is a necessary part of your studies with the agreement of your education institution.

You must not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of service as a professional sports person or entertainer.

You must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy.

General Information about the UK

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London covers an area of over 600 square miles and has an ever-growing population, currently over 8 million people.

Throughout it's history, Britain's own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times by those seeking asylum or choosing to emigrate here. London, especially, is home to many different nationalities which provides a fascinating variety of culture, food and entertainment.

Climate
The UK has a very varied climate. November to March are typically cold and wet with the possibility of snow on higher ground. Average temperatures are between 0º and 10º C (50º F). The temperature in summer (July and August) can reach up to 32º C (90º F).

Clothing
Whatever the time of year, it is best to have warm clothing with you. During the winter months, a warm waterproof coat is essential. If you plan to explore the UK during your vacations, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are travelling to the north of the UK.

Working/Opening Hours
Supermarkets are open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours a day.
In major cities such as London, there are many specialist shops selling a wide variety of food so you may still be able to cook up your favourite meal!

Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 (Monday to Saturday) with some shops opening later on certain days or open for a few hours on Sunday. In some smaller towns "half-day closing" occurs. On one day in the week most shops will close at lunchtime. This no longer happens in most larger stores and in cities. Offices hours tend to be 9:00 to 17:00. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30 (some Banks are opening on Saturday morning).

Public Holidays
There are 8 public holidays when colleges, offices and most shops will be closed.

1. New Year's Day - 1st January.
2. Good Friday
3. Easter Monday
   
4. Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May.
   
5. Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.
   
6. Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.
   
7. Christmas Day - 25th December.
   
8. Boxing Day - 26th December.

Health
If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitors visa to look at different colleges before applying, please remember to buy health insurance.

If you have come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK or are staying for more than six months, you may be able to obtain free medical or dental treatment under the NHS.

If you are a long-term student (12 months or more), it is advisable for you to register with a local Doctor. We can provide contact details for doctors in your area. You will need to contact the doctor to see if they are accepting new patients and you will normally need to have an appointment to provide basic information about your medical history.

Social Customs and Leisure
British people are generally reserved and value their privacy. It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, whether male or female.

Other physical contact is generally avoided with anyone other than family and close friends.

Good manners ("please" and "thank you") and personal hygiene are valued very highly.

With the wide variety of cultures in Britain, please use your common sense and try to respect all beliefs and customs.

In London there is a wide range of activities available to suit all budgets, you can: experience food, music and entertainment from many countries; see a variety of sports in the city's large arenas (which also host musical events);enjoy a range of world famous "West End" shows; visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions to suit all tastes;

Yes. Most of the certificates are awarded by world recognized bodies like
EDEXCEL and Kingston University.

Generally, the starting dates are January, April, June/July and September of each year. Please check the course you are interested in.

Yes.  If you have already been studying here you can apply for an extension of stay for further studies in the UK  provided you are enrolled on a full-time course with  the college.

Your spouse and any of your children under 18 may be able to apply to accompany you during your studies provided you can maintain and accommodate them adequately without recourse to public funds.

Your spouse may be allowed to work if you were granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more. You must check the terms of your spouse's Visa carefully as this may differ.

EPITOME ACADEMY provides you full assistance in lodging visa applications and helping the student.

Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in the UK, including emergencies, without recourse to the public funds. This must cover the total tuition fee and the living expenses such as accommodation, food, travelling, clothing, etc.  This is important as recourse to the public funds might have a detrimental effect on the person's future immigration prospects. Bank statements which clearly identify the holder together with a transaction and details of conversation rates at the approximate date of application are required.

We advise our students that the cost of living for one year is approximately £10,000 This includes accommodation, travel. These prices are an example:

The applicant's profile should appear to match the course of studies proposed. The applicant's prospects of obtaining a visa are enhanced by the submission of verified details of their profile, including family background, history of study, employment in the related fields of the course, fees paid etc.

If the applicant is in employment the employer must state that all course costs are being met by the employer or a job guarantee letter on completion of the proposed course with a higher pay. If the employee is meeting the costs, the employer must state that in the opinion of the employer the employee has the financial resources to meet all such costs the length of leave being granted to the employee and this must not differ from the stated duration of the course on which the Applicant has been accepted the purpose of participation in the proposed course of study the applicant's level of pay and the currency its received in.