The following information, provided in the format of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is for the purpose of guideline only, and may not cover all concerns:

1. How do I apply for a Student Visa?
If you are an overseas student, you should contact the nearest British High Commission or the UK Embassy in your country. If you are in the UK, you may contact the Home Office/Border and Immigration Agency. You will need to complete an application form and perhaps other documentation. Applications must be made on the appropriate application form. The LSCI administration will assist you in applying for 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 School as proof of acceptance/enrolment at the LSCI.

2. How do I qualify to come to the United Kingdom to study?
You must show that you have been accepted for a FULL-TIME course of study at LSCI, be able to pay your tuition fees, made accommodation arrangements for yourself and for any dependant without recourse to public funds and intend to leave the UK on completion of your studies.

3. Do I need to have an IELTS or a TOEFL English Test?
Students must demonstrate English Language proficiency. Applicants who did not have English as the formal language of instruction are expected to demonstrate a reasonable command of the language by taking a TOEFL or an IELTS test (for a TOEFL a score of 500+ & written test score of 4.0+ in conventional is required; or a score of 200+ is required for a computer based TOEFL test; for an IELTS test a score 5.5+ is required). Applicants who don't have either the required score of TOEFL or IELTS can undertake intensive Pre-course English Language at LSCI.

4. What are the Academic Requirements?
Applicants to LSCI are assessed on an individual case-by-case basis, provided they have completed their A-Level or equivalent overseas qualifications. LSCI authorities may also consider your work experience in the relevant fields. Please also check the entry requirements of the course you are interested in before you apply.

5. What is the application process? (Overseas Student)
An application form should be completed and returned to the LSCI along with transcripts of results from your previous institution of learning. English translations must be provided, should it be relevant. An application may be assessed using faxed copies or photocopies of any of the above. Successful applicants may firstly be sent a Conditional Offer Letter within 1-3 weeks by either e-mail or fax confirming that the student has satisfied all the required criteria.

Students applying from abroad upon receiving such an offer letter need to send half of the tuition fees and all above mentioned documents in order to get an Acceptance Letter for visa purpose. This Acceptance Letter will also provide information about fees, refund policy and visa application. LSCI 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 LSCI 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.

6. What accommodation is available?
LSCI has teamed up with local Estate Agents and landlords to provide affordable accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged temporarily for the first 2 weeks and confirmation of accommodation can be sent for visa application support. You are required to pay at least £320 (£80 non-refundable) as a deposit for this facility. Once you are in the UK, we will help you in finding permanent accommodation.

7. Do I need Private Medical Insurance?
Medical Insurance is not a requirement for Student Visa in the UK.

8. What is the closing date for Applications/Visa Processing?
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 High Commission/Embassy in your home country for the latest visa processing times).

9. Am I allowed to work in the UK while studying at LSCI?
You may work up to 20 hours per week, 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 educational 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. • You must check the terms of your Visa carefully as the terms of your condition may differ.

10. Do you offer any preparation programs?
The transition from a foreign country to a School in London such as LSCI can be highly challenging, particularly when those studies take place in English. LSCI recognises the need for helping international students to make this adjustment. We organise a preparation course in the months prior to the commencement of academic programs so as to familiarize students with the special skills required to study for specific professional courses offered at LSCI.

11. What do I need to know before travelling to the UK?
General Information about the UK

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

The course of British history from the time of its imperial expansion to its current Euro-centric identity has been such that its own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Great Britain is still home to those seeking asylum or simply choose to emigrate here. London, especially, is highly cosmopolitan and 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 is 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). More detailed information is available on the BBC (the national news service)www.bbc.co.uk/weather

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 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.

• New Year's Day - 1st January. • Good Friday and Easter Monday - this can occur between mid-March and the end of April. • Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May. • Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May. • Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August. • Christmas Day - 25th December. • Boxing Day - 26th December.

Health: If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitor’s visa to look at different institutions of learning 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 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/GP. 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, along with your proof of address.

You can get more information from the Department of Health:

Website: www.doh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7210 4850
E-mail: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk

Public Transport: In London there is an extensive public transport system - trains, buses, underground trains and docklands light railway (DLR).

If you use a taxi in London, it is best to use the well-recognised London taxis known as "Black Cabs". They will usually provide a guide to the fare and operate under a proper license. However, public transport is much cheaper!

The Greater London area is divided into six travel zones. Zone 1 covers the main business and shopping precincts in the centre of London. LSCI is located in E1 but belongs to Zone 2. This may sound complex but the LSCI team will be happy to explain how the travel system works. You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel cards, which either gives you, access to the buses or to both buses and underground trains. For monthly travel cards, you will need a photo card and you can also apply for student discount rates.

Useful information about public transport in London can be found on http://www.londontransport.co.uk/ and http://www.thetube.com/

Outside of London public transport varies from area to area. Cities will have regular bus services but smaller towns may not. Most major towns and cities are linked by both air and railway.

Internal flights also operate between major cities.

Social Customs and Leisure: British people are in the main friendly but reserved who 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 Great Britain, students are advised to use their common sense and be respectful of all beliefs and customs.

Smoking is illegal in public places, transports, bars, pubs, restaurants and all public buildings. Please respect this and refrain from smoking to avoid prosecution.

In London there is a wide range of activities available to suit all budgets you can afford. You can experience food, music and entertainment from many countries/cultures. You can enjoy a variety of sports and events in the city's large arenas such a range of world famous "West End" shows, carnivals, New Year celebrations, visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions to suit all tastes.

12. Will my qualifications from LSCI be recognised internationally?
Yes. LSCI certificates are awarded by world-recognized bodies e.g. University of London, ABE, LCM etc.

13. What are the starting dates of the program?
Generally, the starting dates are January, May and September of each year. Please check the course you are interested in before applying. You may also apply in advance so as to ensure your placement.

14. Does LSCI provide any scholarships?
Yes, LSCI may consider providing special scholarships for well-deserving students, normally not in the first year of study but from second year.

However, the UK government offers a limited number of Scholarships through the Chevening scheme - http://www.chevening.com/

A scholarship search is available through the British Council site - http://ukscholarshipsdatabase.britishcouncil.org/

Your own government may offer scholarships for international studies. For more information contact your local British Council offices: www.britishcouncil.org/where/index.htm

15. Will LSCI help me in extension of my visa?
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 us.

16.May I bring my spouse and children with me?
YYour 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.

17. Is my spouse allowed to work?
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.

18. What if I invite any family member or spouse while I am studying at London School of Commerce & IT?
LSCI provides you full assistance in lodging visa applications and helping the student. We also will assist you if you want to invite someone to your Graduation ceremony.

19. How much money do I need to show to the British Embassy/ High-Commission?
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/leave to remain 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.

20. How much is the estimated Living Expenses?
We suggest to our students a model cost of living for one year, which is approximately £6,000 to £9,000, inclusive of accommodation, travel and exam fees.

Travel: as a student you will get discounted travel on London buses and the underground train system so (depending where you live) your month travel card will cost about £25 to £45.

Food: you would expect to spend about £30 / £50 per week on food for one person.

Exams: membership fees and exam entry fees are variable subject to the terms of the professional/awarding body.

Books: there is a recommended reading list for students. Tutors may also suggest additional books, which may be helpful. We would suggest budgeting about £100 to £300. You also must buy your own stationery (pens, paper, etc).

Accommodation: We have teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide students with affordable accommodation. We can arrange host family accommodation for you at a cost of £60-£100 per week. Many of our students will do this as a short-term option and then arrange to share accommodation with fellow students (this usually works out a cheaper).

21. What do I take into consideration when applying for a student visa?

Applicants Profile
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 testify to that in a letter or if there is a job guarantee the letter should state that on completion of the proposed course the student will be offered a higher pay or be provided facilities such as meeting all course costs or offered a promotion. 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 etc.

Consistency within application
None of the details within the application or its supporting documentation should be of a conflicting nature, e.g. the proposed length of stay on the application form should not conflict with the verified course acceptance. Change of status full details of course duration should be disclosed in the initial application in so far as they are known.

The following details must be supplied to allow the request to be considered and applications that do not supply all the required documents will be refused:

• Itemised details of payment of relevant fees;
• Details of the course of studies proposed;
• Accommodation arrangements made;
• Evidence of financial self-sufficiency;
• A copy of the passport exhibiting the original visa must be lodged.

22. Do I need to apply via UCAS?
No. Please apply directly to the LSCI.

23. Do I have to pay home or overseas student fees?
If you need to apply for a student visa from abroad to study in the UK, you will be categorised as an overseas student and overseas fees will only apply to you for the first year of your study. However, LSCI has certain fee exemption schemes for students who are already residing in the UK on a student visa or other forms of permanent residency permit to be considered for Home Student status for the purpose of calculating their tuition fees. Please contact the LSCI Admissions Department for further detail.