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International Foundation Courses and English Language Studies

IFCELS Summer Courses FAQs

  • Can I take English language skills course in blocks 1 & 2?

    Yes, because these classes have different levels you can progress through.

  • When will I get a CAS Issued if I need one?

    Once we have sent you an offer of a place, you need to send back the acceptance form and full payment. You will then be issued a CAS only if you are going on to take a Pre-Master's programme in September/October with IFCELS. The CAS can be faxed or e-mailed (scanned) to you. 

    If you are taking just a 3, 6 or 9 weeks Summer option, we will not issue a CAS, but send you a registration letter to enable you to apply for a Student Visitor Visa. 

    The student visitor visa route is not part of the 'Tier 4' Points- Based System, so students are not obliged to meet the UKBA’S English language standard. They must however, meet our own minimum programme requirements. 

    Main points of a Student Visitor Visa:
    • The student’s stay in the UK cannot be extended
    • No work (whether paid or unpaid) is allowed
    • Suitable for short- term stay of 6 months or less for people age 18 or above
  • What is the latest time I can start a course?

    You will not be able to take up your place if you arrive more than 2 days late for a 3 week course and 4 days for a 6 week course. It is your responsibility to allow enough time for your visa application to be processed.

  • Will I have to attend all the classes for my subject?

    Yes. On all the summer courses there is a minimum attendance requirement of 85%. We do this because we want to deliver a good course for you that you will enjoy and benefit from. Erratic attendance leads to poor learning.

  • Will I get an attendance certificate at the end of my course?

    Yes.

  • Will I be in a class with mainly students of my nationality?

    No. At SOAS we have a wide mix of nationalities in our classes. In the last summer course we had over 20 different nationalities attending.

  • If I am going to attend an IFCELS Foundation course in September, do I need to take an IELTS course?

    No. We do not need you to take IELTS. We want you to further your skills with the other options.