Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to begin. Choosing a path and program

How should I start?

Fill out our application form. It is important to answer all the questions in as much detail as possible because each case is individual, and in order to find the optimal path, we need to know your background.

I do not want to study! It would be more convenient for me to go on a work visa. How can I do that?

You can get a work visa only if you have a Job Offer, which is not easy to get remotely. If you already have a job offer, then we advise you to consult with our Kiwi Immigration lawyer for further steps.

To hire a foreign citizen, the employer must prove that there is no suitable specialist among locals, and this is a very time-consuming process. Employers prefer to take those who already have a work visa. That is why many people choose to come to the UK through training since there is a possibility of obtaining a work visa for a year or more afterwards.

What types of specialists are in-demand?

The specialists in-demand are designated by the UK government in a list that changes twice a year. According to the government, these are the specialists that the country needs at the moment. A separate list exists for Scotland. Skilled Worker visa: shortage occupations.

I have an in-demand speciality, I found it on the lists. What advantages does this give me?

The United Kingdom is open to professionals of all specialities, but being on the list means it will be easier to find a job.

If you meet all of the requirements on the list, you may consider looking for a job in the country while taking an English course. In your case, the employer will not have to explain why they are hiring a foreign specialist.

I already have an education, and I am already 35 years old. I did not plan to continue my studies. My main goal is immigration. Is it obligatory to study in my case?

In the UK, there are no age restrictions for study, but the visa officer will want to know why you suddenly decided to study again at 35 years old. However, in July 2021, the UK will change the immigration rules, which will allow every graduate of university programs to work or look for work for two years. This will allow you to get a very prestigious education, confirm your qualifications and get local experience. Immigration through studying at university remains the most reliable path to immigration at the moment.

I am considering studying in the United Kingdom and then immigrating. How do I choose a program and how long do I need to study?

To choose a field of study, you must take your previous work experience or qualifications into account. Training usually takes one year. You can choose programs lasting 1.5 and 2 years, but it often depends on your goals and financial ability.

Choosing an unfamiliar subject is undesirable since it can be hard to find a job after training due to the lack of experience. Moreover, you will face problems obtaining a student visa. The immigration officer won’t care about your reason for choosing a completely new field of study and will definitely decline a visa application. Our managers can help you with the program choice.

 

Can you explain the whole process from the moment I contact you to my arrival in the United Kingdom step-by-step?
  • You need to fill out an application form. It will help us study your case in detail.
  • Next, we will decide on a strategy and choose a program. Immediately after, you can start collecting visa documents.
  • As soon as you collect the documents, and the institute sends us an invitation to study, you can apply for a visa.
I was offered a job in the United Kingdom, so I plan to go immediately on a work visa. Who can I contact for help obtaining a work visa?

The Kiwi Education project is focused on consulting on student visas. For work and other types of visas, you can use the advice of specialists from our Kiwi Immigration project. You can find other services by following this link.

Do you offer any kind of support after a student arrives in the United Kingdom? Can I contact you if I need any help?

Of course, whenever possible, we meet our students and conduct free seminars on adapting to life in the UK.

Where else can I find information about the United Kingdom to help me plan my move and make my final decision?

All information is publicly available on the UK government website.

Education in United Kingdom

When can I start diploma programs and language courses?

The two main intake periods are in September and January. Some universities and colleges also have an intake in May. In language schools, training starts every week.

Why do the prices differ so much? There are programs for £10,000 and there are similar ones for £30,000. What’s the difference?

The cost of education depends on the type of education provider. There are universities, institutes of technology and private colleges.

Universities are the most expensive and the requirements are high, but the knowledge gained will also be high. Similar courses in private colleges are much more affordable, but it should be understood that low tuition fees influence teaching staff and other conditions.

 

Institutes of technology are the middle ground. You can get a good-quality education for a reasonable cost.

How do I enrol in a program? Do I have to take any exams?

You don’t have to take any exams except for submitting a certificate of any international English test (IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) Sometimes it’s necessary to provide other documents. For more information, apply to our managers.

What are credits?

They are points given for each subject (15-30 credits). To get a diploma of a certain level, it’s necessary to earn a fixed quantity of credits. A master’s program contains 180 credits.

I don't know English at all, can I take language courses in the United Kingdom?

Courses in the UK are taught in English. That’s why you’d better study the basics of English at home to understand everyday phrases and feel more confident during lessons. For more information about language courses and our tips, see our website.

How much do language courses cost? How long do they last?

The cost can range from £130 to 350 per week, depending on the school category and duration of the study. The longer the training, the lower the price per week. You can choose the duration of the course yourself, as well as the start date. For students with basic English, we recommend devoting 6 months (25 weeks) to studying at a language school. The maximum length of language courses in the UK is 2 years.

Where can I take IELTS to enrol in a program? Can I take an alternative test?

IELTS can be taken in any certified centre.

If you don’t like IELTS or it doesn’t suit you, you can take one of the other official tests, including PTE, TOEFL, CAE, etc.

I've chosen the program and I'm going to apply directly to the institution. I’ll certainly have an extra discount because the institution won’t have to pay a commission for me.

It doesn’t matter how you apply, the cost will be the same. It’s the policy of the institutions. You are more likely to get a discount if you apply with the help of Kiwi Education. Besides this, we help obtain a student visa and our work is free in 90% of cases.

Can I put off the start date if my plans changed after applying for a visa?

You can postpone training both before and after applying for a visa. But there is a chance that this will entail additional financial costs since some of the documents provided will have to be updated.

I'm an economist/ a manager/ an accountant/ etc., but I always wanted to be a cook/ a gardener/ a programmer. Can I retrain in the United Kingdom?

If you want to radically change your profession, you’ll have to study from the beginning, so the duration be at least 2 years. Thus, it’s important to understand that the drastic change will likely raise questions from an immigration officer.

So, think about possible proof of your interest in the new career. There can be some courses or contests you may have been involved with as a hobby. This can increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

I want to study an in-demand qualification because I'm a manager/ an economist/ a marketer/ etc. and I won’t be able to find a job.

If the occupation is on the skill shortage lists, it means that it’s easier to find a job. But it doesn’t mean all other specialists will be left unemployed. It’s really important to find the most logical path and your chances of obtaining a visa will increase.

Student visa

How long does student visa application processing take? When should I apply for a visa?

The average processing time for a student visa is 3 weeks. You can apply for a visa 6 months before the expected start date of your studies.

What documents are needed to apply for a visa?

The list of documents is rather long, and the exact list depends on your case. Therefore, we ask that you fill out our application form. If you have any questions concerning a visa, it’s better to contact specialists, since the UK Immigration website doesn’t contain all the information.

 

You can make a request by email info@education.kiwi.nz

Is it necessary to translate the documents to apply for a visa?

All the documents must be translated by a translation agency. They should be certified with the stamp and don’t need the apostille. Some documents can be provided in English, such as international certificates, diplomas, reference letters or bank statements.

Will there be an interview with an immigration officer or not?

An interview with a visa officer is usually provided.

What period is a student visa given for? When does it become valid?

The visa is given for the period of study. It usually allows people to enter the UK a bit earlier and stay longer after. This time depends on the officer. It can be either a week or a month before/ after study.

What will my visa be called if I go to study? Will I be able to work?

The Student Visa allows you to work 20 hours a week during your studies and 40 hours a week during vacations if you are studying for programs above the undergraduate degree.

I'm going to study English and then enrol in a diploma program. Can I get a visa for the entire period of study?

You’ll have to get two visas: one for language courses and one for a diploma program.

Should I leave the United Kingdom to apply for another visa?

No, but it will depend on the type of visa you want to switch to after completing studies.

There is a list of cities where it's possible to receive a chest X-ray and a medical examination. The nearest clinic is 1,000 km away from my place. Can I get the proper medical documents from another clinic?

A TB test can only be taken at one of the clinics listed on the UK government website.

Tuition fees and living costs

When do you pay the tuition fee?

You pay a study deposit to obtain a certificate of enrolment (£2,000 – 3,000). The visa officer can ask you to pay the full cost of training to verify your intentions. Usually, the full cost of the study is paid after obtaining the visa, but before starting studies.

Can I pay only part of a tuition fee?

Some universities allow students to pay in installment, but this option is not available for most international students.

Can I work while studying?

You can work for 20 hours a week.

What is the minimum wage?

UK minimum wage is £8.91 an hour.

Can I work off the books?

The United Kingdom is one of the least corrupt countries, therefore it’s desirable to avoid breaking the law. It can lead to deportation and you won’t be able to enter the country anymore. It can also create complications when visiting other countries.

Can I earn enough to pay for my education working minimum wage?

Earning minimum wage, you can cover part of your expenses for food and rental housing. But saving enough for education is practically impossible.

Are there any financial requirements to apply for a visa?

You must have sufficient funds in your account – £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London or £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.

What kind of bank statement do I have to provide?

It must be a bank statement with transactions for the last 6 months. If you had major funds deposited, you have to explain them.

 

Please, contact us by email at info@education.kiwi.nz or write to your Kiwi Education manager.

Can my relatives/ friends be my sponsors if I don't have enough money?

It’s possible, but your sponsor has to provide some documents.

Can I open an account with a UK bank to transfer money for the tuition fee?

Opening an account in the UK remotely is quite problematic.
To open a bank account, you need proof of address and proof of university studies. These documents can only be obtained after arriving in the UK.

What currency should I show in the account?

You can keep your money in your accounts in any currency. An officer will recalculate funds at current rates.

What expenses will I have to pay for before the tuition fee?

Insurance, visa fees, English exam and translating documents are the main expenses.

How much do I really need to live in the United Kingdom?

For a better understanding, read our article “The cost of living”. We hope it is helpful.

Moving with a partner and children

Can my partner get a visa if I move with my family? What kind of visa?

If your program is a master’s or higher, your partner can obtain a partner visa and come with you. If your program is lower than the master’s, then your partner will not be able to obtain a visa for your studies and will only be able to submit documents on their own.

When should we apply for a partner work visa?

It is better to apply for a partner at the same time as the student. Otherwise, the immigration officer may have questions about why the partner needed a visa later.

If I go with my family, how much should I pay for my children's school?

Education in public schools is free of charge, including meals at school. If you prefer that your children study in a private school, the cost of education will depend on the level of the school, its location and other factors.

Should I show funds for living costs for my family members if I move with them to the UK?

Yes, for one person, you have to show £ 45 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London or £680 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.

Residence

If I study in United Kingdom, when will I be able to get residence?

The issue of obtaining UK residency depends on the time of legal stay in the country. You can apply for residency only after 5 years of legal residence in the country, not including the time you spent studying. The term of a student visa do not count towards the term for obtaining a residence permit.

Can I quit the program and apply for residence if I find a job while studying?

Yes, but the university will not return your tuition fees, so it would be better to finish your studies and then look for a job on a graduate work visa.

Can I have a job in a career that is different from my UK diploma when I apply for residence?

Yes, it is possible, although not entirely consistent.

What should my partner and children do when I get residence? Can they count on the residence?

The family will be able to obtain residency after 5 years of residence in the country.

Kiwi Education work principles

How do I get a consultation?

Fill out the application form from the link.

 

Your application is sent to a manager who will answer within 24 hours. If you don’t get an answer, check your spam folder and contact us at info@education.kiwi.nz

How do you consult?

We consult online, using different means of communication such as email, Telegram and Skype.

Where is your office located?

Most of our consulting managers work remotely, so it’s easier to communicate with you through online consultations.

Are your services free of charge?

By helping students enrol, we get bonuses from education providers. Therefore, our work (in most cases) is free for students. For the full list of our services, click here.