International Student Services
Our award-winning international student support begins long before you arrive at Sussex Downs College.
Sussex Downs International College holds the prestigious British Council Beacon award for its international student support. This was awarded to us in 2006 in recognition of our outstanding work in guiding international students and represents the value we place on our students’ happiness and success.
Before Your Course
Expert Admissions Service
Our experienced Admissions team will make sure that you are offered a course that is best-suited to your educational background and to your future study and career plans.
Visa Support
Sussex Downs College has been approved as a Grade A licensed sponsor for student visas under the Tier 4 Points-Based System by UKBA, indicating that that we fully meet the licensing requirements.
If you are a Visa National wishing to study in the UK, you will now be required to apply for a student visa under Tier 4 of the new Points Based System.
To apply for a student visa, you must first obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Sussex Downs College.
Student visas will be granted for full-time level 3 courses and above. (Level 3 qualifications include A levels, BTEC National Diplomas Awards & Certificates and International Foundation Year courses). Academic and vocational courses or English language courses at pre-intermediate level and above.
When making your visa application you will be required to show that you have:
•A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
•A proven track record in studying
•Sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test to show that you have at least £600.00 per month for living expenses
•Evidence that you have met the entry requirements for your chosen course
Accommodation
It is very important to us that you are happy where you live. Based upon your requirements, our Accommodation team will find you somewhere suitable to live. Find out more about our accommodation options here.
Preparing To Study In the UK
For most students coming to a new country to study can be a daunting experience. To help you adjust to life in the UK please take a look at these useful resources:
Your Finances
Student Calculator
This is free tool to assist you in planning and managing your money.
Studying In The UK
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has create an interactive website to prepare you for life and studying in the UK.
Insurance
Many students choose to take out an insurance policy to cover themselves and their possessions in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
Sussex Downs College recommends Endsleigh as a trusted provider of insurance for international students. Endsleigh is the UK's leading provider of international student insurance and has over 25 years' experience.
Visit the Endsleigh website to find out more and to get an insurance quote.
Mobile Phones
Before you arrive at Sussex Downs College we are able to provide you with a free SIM card with £10 of free credit. This will enable you to phone home as soon as you arrive in the UK.
We can post these to you in advance of your arrival at Sussex Downs College. However, to ensure that your SIM card reaches you in time, please contact us at least 1 month in advance of your arrival to the UK.
During Your Course
Life At Sussex Downs International College
As an international student at Sussex Downs not only will you study alongside other international students, you will also study alongside UK students. This multi-cultural experience will enable you to improve your English language skills outside of the classroom, as well as allowing you to make new friends from all over the world.
Student Facilities And Services
As Sussex Downs College is a government-funded Further Education college you will study in well-resourced learning environments and have access to a wide range of facilities and services. Both our Lewes and Eastbourne campuses have extensive I.T facilities, well-equipped learning centres, language laboratories and modern classrooms, all of which is designed to assist your learning.
We encourage all our students to take part in extra-curricular activities to make the most out of their time at Sussex Downs. You can choose from a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, allowing you to mix with UK students. Our Student Services Department will give you support in setting up a UK bank account, finding a local doctor and adjusting to life in the UK.
Education and Careers Guidance
We have qualified career and education guidance counsellors to ensure that you are on the right study programme and that you will be able to achieve your career or university goals. You will be able to make use of our expert guidance throughout your time with Sussex Downs.
Your Personal Tutor
A personal tutor will be allocated to every student, and you will meet with them at least once a week. Your personal tutor is there to support your learning and to help you with any study issues. If you are planning to study at a UK university your personal tutor will give you expert advice on the application and interview process.
Students’ Union
Sussex Downs College has a particularly active Students’ Union and all our international and UK students are encouraged to join. For our international students it’s a great opportunity to meet UK students and participate in extra-curricular sporting, cultural or academic activities to enhance your time here.
Social Programme
In addition to the Students’ Union Sussex Downs College organises a social programme to give our students more opportunities to explore British culture, meet other international students and participate in weekend excursions to places of interest in the UK. This is an optional programme and you can expect to visit places such as Oxford, Bath, The Isle of Wight and London.
After Your Course
Sussex Downs Alumni
Staff at Sussex Downs love to hear from our former students. We have a global network of former students on Facebook and LinkedIn for our alumni to share knowledge and their experiences. Here are just a few messages from Sussex Downs College international alumni.
