FAQs
How to apply
We welcome applications from students who have completed at least one year in full-time higher education by the point of intended entry to Stranmillis University College.
We also work with the Institute for Study Abroad (IfSA) who offer a complete study abroad package for students. Students can contact them directly via their website: https://www.ifsa-butler.org/
You should be in solid and good academic standing with your home institution, with an accumulative US GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) or equivalent. We will require a copy of your Transcript of Records.
To Study at Stranmillis University College you require a good level of English. Our courses require a minimum of B2 level of English, equivalent to an IELTS overall mark of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 5.5. Students from non-English speaking countries will be required to provide a recent copy of their IELTS Certificate (achieved within the last 2 years).
Stranmillis is affiliated with Queen’s University of Belfast who offers an in-sessional English Language Programme. The in-sessional programme provides English language classes aimed at helping International and Erasmus students whose native language is not English. These classes are offered to incoming QUB/Stranmillis International and Erasmus+ students at preferential rates. For more information, please email international@stran.ac.uk.
First, your home university must nominate you to Stranmillis University College by contacting the International Office, providing the relevant information (name, contact details, length of stay, subject area). We will e-mail you directly with information about our online application process. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the application deadline.
An application is only considered complete when we have received the following:
- a nomination from a partner institution
- completed Stranmillis University College application form
- CAS request form – as all students travelling from North America will require a Student Visa
and copies of:
- an up-to-date and official academic transcript (in English)
- personal details page of your passport, including photograph
- evidence of your English proficiency (IELTS certificate), where appropriate
- travel and health insurance cover
- police clearance certificate
- evidence of financial standing
If you are applying through IfSA you should use their application form and follow their procedures.
Application
Please email our International Team directly via international@stran.ac.uk You should also discuss your plans with the Global Education Office at your home institution.
Semester One (Fall) or full academic year
Nomination Deadline: 31 May
Application Deadline: 30 June
Nomination Deadline: 1 October
Application Deadline: 15 October
Students should review the course information provided and discuss their choices with faculty at their home institution. Learning Agreements must be completed before arrival at Stranmillis and changes can only be made in exceptional circumstances. Please make sure to double check that you have the correct amount of credits required.
On completion of your study period, the Transcript of Records containing a full and accurate record of achievements will be forwarded to the International Offices of University partners.
International Students on a Short Term Study Visa are NOT permitted to work (paid or unpaid).
International Students on a Student Route Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period. A ‘week’ is defined by the Home Office as a period of 7 days beginning with a Monday.
However, students should note that they are studying a full-time course and therefore care should be taken to allow sufficient time to complete study preparation, assignments, etc in order to complete the course.
VISA & IMMIGRATION
If you are studying under a Student Visa, you can complete a placement which may include school observations, teaching practice and voluntary work placements.
Students studying under a Short Term Student Visa cannot complete any type of placement.
Students from the European Union (EU) can arrive via any UK or Republic of Ireland airport or seaport and travel onward to Belfast and Stranmillis University College.
Students coming under a Student Visa should arrive into the UK with the exception of students coming from the USA, who can enter via Dublin, but all must retain their boarding pass as evidence of entry.
Further information regarding arriving via the Republic of Ireland is available on the UKCISA website.
Some students may be required to register with the police. Contact a member of the International Office for advice. Further information on the UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
TRAVEL
Stranmillis University College does not have an airport collection scheme. However, we do have a Student Buddies who are Stranmillis students who volunteer to support incoming Erasmus+ and International students and will be in contact prior to your arrival in Northern Ireland to ensure your safe arrival at College.
Belfast is within an hour of all major UK cities by plane and Dublin Airport is just a couple of hours drive away. Belfast is served by two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport which are both linked to the city by regular bus services. Dublin International Airport is located approximately 100 miles to the south.
Bus: The Airport Express Bus Service (Service 300) operates a regular service on weekdays and weekends. The bus leaves from the bus stop located opposite the terminal exit.
Taxi: The International Airport Taxi Company, official taxi operator for the Belfast International Airport, are available for hire 24 hours a day 7 days a week outside the right hand door of the airport Exit lobby. Only taxis approved by Belfast International Airport are permitted to use the taxi rank. A list of sample fares is displayed in the exit hall of the terminal building. A taxi share scheme to Belfast is available for those who wish to use it. For bookings, contact the Belfast International Airport Taxi Company on +44 (0)28 9448 4353.
Bus: The Airport Express Bus Service (Service 600) operates every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 40 minutes on Sunday from outside the airport to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre adjacent to the Europa Hotel, in the heart of the city. The service, Airport Express 600, operates between the hours of 0545-2125.
Train: A shuttle bus service operates between the airport terminal and the rail halt at Sydenham. Please go to the information desk and ask for the service. You’ll be instructed to wait by the taxi rank where the shuttle bus will collect you. This service runs every 20 minutes Monday – Saturday between the hours of 0600-2300 and hourly on Sundays (0900-2200) to Victoria Street Station (beside the Europa Bus Centre).
Taxi: Approved taxis operate from the Airport taxi rank outside the terminal building. Wheel-chair accessible taxis are available. The approximate cost of a taxi to Belfast City Centre from Belfast City Airport with our approved taxi provider is £10.00 (including £2 surcharge). All fares are subject to a £2 surcharge).
There are regular bus services (Airport Express Service X1) which run between Dublin airport and Belfast Europa Bus Station. The pick up point is outside the main terminal. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or alternatively online at Translink airport services
Students travelling on a visa must ensure they are eligible to travel via Dublin which is in the Republic of Ireland – See Visa and Immigration Section.
ACCOMMODATION
Stranmillis University College offers the only fully catered package for students in Belfast in our Halls of Residence. The College grounds provide a beautiful and peaceful rural setting in the heart of the university area of the City. We encourage all our visiting international students stay in Halls and be part of our community.
For further information on cost and application procedure, please email Stranmillis Halls Accommodation at halls@stran.ac.uk
Keys are available from the Halls Office, Monday-Friday, 0900-1700. If arriving after 1700 or at the weekend, please inform the Halls staff prior to arrival to make alternative arrangements.
MODULE CHOICES
Students can select modules from the following degree programmes: BEd Primary, BEd Post Primary, BA Early Childhood Studies and BSc Health, Physical Activity and Sport. For the list of available modules please see course information section.
Students should select from one pathway only. A variety of options are provided which have been designed to make the selection process as simple as possible within each pathway. The options are sent to students once nominations have been received.
The module options provided are design to help students to select modules. Students should select modules for a maximum of 60 CATS/30 ECTS per semester or as per home university requirements. Most modules carry 20 CATS/10 ECTS/5 US but some carry 10 CATS/5 ECTS/2.5 US.
Students should consider carefully their modules choices as these cannot be changed except by the International Office due to unforeseen circumstances such as timetable clashes. The chosen modules must be submitted as early as possible and before arrival.
Stranmillis uses the CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points system, which is a UK recognised method of quantifying credit for a particular course within higher education. CATS equates to the European grading system (ECTS) and USA credit grading system as follows:
20 CATS – 10 ECTS – 5 USA credits
Full Year of Study: 120 CATS – 60 ECTS – 30 USA Credits
One Semester of study: 60 Cats – 30 ECTS – 15 USA Credits
A number of modules have integrated placement requirements and international students (except EEA / Swiss citizens) taking these modules must have a Student Visa and provide a Police Check/Clearance Certificate.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
There is plenty to do and see on-campus, Belfast and beyond. Northern Ireland is a truly beautiful place, rich in history and culture, with stunning coastlines, beautiful towns and villages and inspiring scenerary. Visit Discover Northern Ireland to find out more.
While staying in the Halls of Residence you will receive breakfast and dinner every day. However there are numerous places to eat or have a coffee within walking distance of the College – on the vibrant Lisburn Road, Queen’s Quarter and the Ormeau Road. There are also a number of supermarkets close-by to purchase any essentials.
Belfast is a small city and it is possible to walk to the city centre from the campus. The Metro bus service covers greater Belfast. Ulsterbus and trains will take you elsewhere in Northern Ireland. Check the Translink website for more information and student discounts. The best route for Stranmillis students to the City Centre (and back!) is the Metro 8a.
There are also Belfast Bikes which you can hire to take you to different parts of the city. Currently, the closed bike station is located at Queen’s University.
Stranmillis University College Students Union has an on-site Scholars bar and social space, which is the place to meet and socialise and there are different events planned every week. A twenty minute walk will take you to the Queen’s University Students Union as well as many venues in the Queen’s Quarter, all within walking distance.
Further in the city centre, a short taxi or bus journey away, is the thriving Cathedral Quarter with lots of venues to choose from.
A good website to visit for lots of ideas and an insight into what Belfast can offer is www.visitbelfast.com
The College has a small gym with a nominal charge – the Students’ Union can provide more details when you arrive. Queen’s University has a much larger facility which you can have access to as a student of Stranmillis. Further details: www.queenssport.com
The Stranmillis Students’ Union run a variety of sport and non-sport clubs and societies such as football, rugby, GAA, Christian Union, drama, music and volleyball. Students are also eligible to participate in Queen’s University clubs and societies as well.
Students will have many opportunities to travel within Northern Ireland and beyond (subject to any restrictions for those travelling on visas). However, students must attend all timetabled classes and placement activities.
Other Useful Websites
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s national advisory body supporting international students and those who work with them. They provide advice, guidance and information about all aspects of the international student experience, from immigration and fees to mental health, culture shock and orientation.
Their website has a wealth of information to help students as they prepare to study and live in the UK.
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice
This site will provide information about studying in Northern Ireland.
This is the UK’s Home Office website which provides information and advice in relation to visas required and entering the UK as a student.
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Study Abroad tuition fee rates for classroom-based courses are as follows:
| DURATION | 2023-24 – (£ STERLING) |
|---|---|
| Full Year | £16,000 |
| Semester One | £8,000 |
| Semester Two | £8,000 |
Single semester students are required to pay the full amount on arrival, before completing registration.
To study at Stranmillis University College, we require evidence that you can support yourself financially while abroad. This can be in the form of a financial guarantor agreement, funds via a bank statement, or student loan letter. You should always research these costs before you apply to study abroad and budget accordingly.
Please note too, that for those students who will need to apply for a student visa, please be aware that costs will vary from each country and often with an admin fee attached to the process.
The Financial Aid Office at your home university will need to liaise with the International Office at Stranmillis University for confirmation of the costs of the Study Abroad programme (email international@stran.ac.uk).
As well as understanding the costs associated with a study abroad placement, it is important to think about budgeting. We strongly advise you do your research thoroughly for information on things to consider before you go abroad such as opening a bank account abroad, avoiding scams and living abroad on a budget.
Remember to inform your bank about your placement year in good time before leaving the UK. This is to avoid your bank account being suspended for suspicious activity. It is important that you write down any important contact numbers. This is so that you are able to get in touch with your bank in case of emergencies while you are abroad.
