Latin America, Africa & Asia

What do I need to consider before I apply?

Finding the best fit for your training

We encourage all overseas students to first think seriously about training opportunities available in their own country or on their own continent before applying to ICC. A helpful website to do that is BibleCollegeGuide.com

If you decide to apply to International Christian College, you will need to enclose a letter with your application explaining why you wish to study in the UK, rather than in your own country.

It may be however that you would like to consider studying at ICC through our Distance Learning programme.

While we are happy for international students to visit the college, we realise that this is not always possible and are happy to discuss your questions by e-mail (enquiries@icc.ac.uk) and telephone.

NOTE: BA in Youth Work with Applied Theology – This programme is taught to specifically enable people to work in a UK environment and therefore may not be the best route for students from outside the UK. If you are interested in training for this kind of ministry please contact the college staff to discuss whether the programme will suit your training needs.

Visa requirements for study in the UK

You will require a visa to study in the UK. Non-UK residents will normally need to apply for a student visa in order to study in the UK

If you are already in the UK on a visa you will need to inform us what kind of visa has been issued to you. You may still need to apply for a student visa in order to remain in the UK or to commence study at ICC.

If you already hold a student visa you will be required to apply for a new student visa in order to remain in the UK and commence study at ICC. We are happy to advise you with regard to your personal situation.

The immigration authorities normally only grant visas for full time study in the UK.

ICC is accredited by the British Accreditation Council. Visa authorities will require written confirmation from sponsors and students that all costs can be covered without needing to work. This will include letters from sponsors with original signatures backed up with bank statements.

The UK Border Agency uses a points system for overseas students who require a visa.

Students requiring a visa must score 40 points: 30 points from the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies which the college issues when the applicant is offered an unconditional place; 10 points for Maintenance and Funds test, which proves the applicant has sufficient funds to cover all costs of living and studying in the UK.

As well as the cost of college fees, the UK Border Agency require that applicants must prove they have funds for living which amount to at least £600 per month for 9 months. Students wishing to bring their dependants with them will need to show that they have a further £400 per month, for at least 9 months, for each dependant that they bring with them.

Full funding for college fees and living expenses will need to be available in the applicants own bank account at least 28 days before applying for a student visa. It will no longer be acceptable for sponsors to pay support costs in installments.

Written confirmation that these funds are available must be provided to both the college and the visa authorities in the form of a letter backed up by appropriate bank statements.

Funding

The estimated cost of studying at ICC for one year can be found at the bottom of this page, as well as details of the current fees.

Bursary Funding

The College does have a bursary fund however, as it is very limited, it is unfortunately never possible to cover all of a student’s costs. If a bursary is offered a student would still need to have significant funding in place before a bursary request could be considered. Bursaries are normally only offered to students who are being supported by a church or an organisation who wish them to train in order to return to work with them. Bursary application forms can be requested once an application to study has been received. Each application for bursary is considered on its own individual merit, and is dependent on demand in each year.

Other Funding Sources

Most students raise funding through savings, or sponsorship from friends, church or a mission agency or similar organisation. Funding for the first year’s fees must be in place when a student begins the programme. It is a condition of your student visa that you have this money available. We therefore ask you to apply only when you know that you have some additional sponsorship.

The following may offer some help with funding:

- The British Council has advice about some scholarship programmes and funding, but remember International Christian College is a private independent college, not part of the state sector.

- A number of reference books such as The Directory of Grant-Making Trusts list possible sources of funding. Your nearest British Council office should have a copy of these publications.

- Directory of Social Change offers a searchable database of possible funders.

English Language Requirements

ICC welcomes applications from overseas students. Applicants whose first language is not English will have to demonstrate they have reached an acceptable standard of proficiency in both written and spoken English before entering the programme. The usual standard required is a score of 6.5 on the IELTS scheme or a TOEFL score of 6.0. To find your nearest IELTS test centre click here.

You may, if appropriate, be asked to submit a piece of written work in order to help us assist you to ascertain whether or not you are ready to undertake one of our programmes.

Working in the UK on a Student Visa

It is possible to work whilst in the UK on a student visa, but you will need to obtain a National Insurance number arrival in the UK.

You And Your Family

Obtaining a student visa can be harder if you wish to bring your family with you as the visa authorities will want to be convinced that you will return to your own country on completion of your studies. There is not any family accommodation available in the College, so there is considerable extra expense in bringing a family.

Accommodation

The top floor of the ICC building houses 24 study bedrooms. Details of accommodation costs can be found on our Dates & Fees Sheet.

We do not have any accommodation for married couples or families in the College however ICC holds a list of rented accommodation in the Glasgow area. Contact us for further details.