University of Greenwich

1. University of Greenwich

2. Cecilia Wu – International Recruitment Officer Located • Avery Hill Campus – Fry Building • Student/Staff Drop-in Office Room 061 Queen Mary, Greenwich Campus

3. Number 6 in the UK – International Fee Payers (HESA Statistics 09.10) • Number 1 in Bangladesh, Ghana, Mauritius, Nepal & Sri Lanka • Number 2 in India, Nigeria & Kuwait • Number 5 in partnership students in China • Top 10 in Vietnam & Thailand

4. Services • International enquiries – email, phone, face to face • Assessment of International (including EU) Applications – Quick turnaround, greater conversion • Provide specialist in-country knowledge of qualifications and education systems • Tier 4 Visa advice, including CAS and ATAS • Research and advise to Schools and Departments • Marketing of university to International Students

5. Services • Management of Agent Network – Intake 10.11 65% registered students through our Agent • Email offer letters • Target individual and specific groups of applicants • In country pre departure meetings • Meet & Greet • Identifying International links/partnerships

6. Overseas Activities • Exhibitions • On the Spot Admissions • Agent Visits • Institution Visits • Alumni Events • Other Promotional/ Networking Events

7. Academic Entry Requirements Determine and continually evaluate overseas qualifications against University entry requirements NARIC A useful tool but does not allow for regional variations within country and differing entry requirements of UK Universities.

8. English Language Requirement Minimum IELTS of 6.0 or 6.5 or equivalent UKBA Secure English Language Tests UKBA require: Under Degree level minimum CEFR of B1 in all 4 components Degree level or above minimum CEFR of B2 in all 4 components

9. Tier 4 – Student Visa 40 Points required Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) = 30 Points Proof of Funds = 10 Points

10. Tier 4 Student Visa/ Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Once an international student fulfills all academic conditions and the pre registration deposit has been paid the university will arrange with the UK Border Agency for a CAS Number. This is an electronic reference number which international students require for their student visa.

11. Tier 4 Student Visa/ Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Requirements for CAS include: • Level of Qualification used for Assessment, i.e. Bachelor of Science • Awarding Body of the Qualification, i.e. University of Greenwich • English qualification used for assessment

12. Tier 4 Student Visa/ Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) • The International Office arrange CAS for new students • Student Centre arrange CAS for continuing Student • Partner Colleges arrange CAS for students studying at the Partner Colleges

13. Challenges facing International Student Recruitment Continual changes to Tier 4 since introduced in October 2009 Latest changes April 2011 include: • Proof of English Language requirements tightened • Closure of Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa • Only students studying Postgraduate programs or are sponsored by their Government can bring family to the UK

14. Tier 4 Student Visas • Tight timeframe for student visa applications • As the UK tightens visa regulations – USA, Canada & Australia are becoming more welcoming to International Students.

15. January Intake • Majority of major competitors have their second intake in early February • With the University of Greenwich intake we have continual problems with students who do not obtain their visa in time to commence the programme. University & High Commissions closed over Christmas & New Year • The later the January intake start date the better • Undergraduate programmes commencing in January • Coventry & Bedfordshire have 4 entry points a year

16. Contact Information Cecilia Wu: c.h.y.wu@greenwich.ac.uk Website: www.greenwich.ac.uk/international