General Support

International Advice

UWS is a truly international university and every year we welcome hundreds of international students into our vibrant and diverse academic community. We do everything we can to help you prepare for life at UWS and support you during your studies.

Get the answers you need as an international student at UWS. The International Student Support Team offers information, help and advice.

Before you contact us, read the guidance on student immigration and Student visas and useful pre-arrival information. This includes guidance on living in the UK, working and travelling while you’re here, and bringing family to live with you.

We can help with:

Applying for a student visa
Protecting Tier 4/Student visa status
Bringing dependants to the UK
Working during and after your studies
Experiencing the history and culture that Scotland has to offer

Are you a new student? Read this quick guide to help you check what you need to do and who you should contact when starting your studies at UWS. Below, we have our Welcome Guide and an International Student Checklist, these are worth a look!

international-welcome-guide-t3-2023.pdf

digital-international-student-checklist-2023.pdf

Attendance Monitoring

UWS is required by UKVI to monitor attendance at all in-person classes as well as your engagement with the online elements of your course. Here are general FAQs for the AttendMe app:

What information will you collect about me?

The app will allow the University to collect attendance information for each on campus lecture and tutorial you attend. This attendance information will be linked to your name and Student ID number.

What will this information be used for?

The attendance information will be used by us to make sure we meet our UKVI compliance obligation to demonstrate your attendance and engagement on your programme of study.

How long will my attendance information be held for?

Your attendance record will be kept for one year from expiry of your visa or from when our sponsorship of you has been withdrawn

Does the app track my location?

No, the app does not track your location around the campus. The app registers your attendance at a class when you [press the Attend button on the app]. It does not record your location at any other time.

Do I have to download the app?

No, use of the app is not mandatory. Your attendance can still be registered by staff if you would prefer this however you will need to ensure you report to the School office to register your attendance.

Can I turn off the app?

The app can be switched off or deleted at any time. If you choose to do this, then you should let the School know so that they can start to record your attendance using the class register.

More Information

For our Pre-Departure Guidance and information for both Scottish and London campus' Click here to view:

Induction dates
Class commencing dates
Arrival advice
Pre-travel guidance

If my visa decison is delayed what should I do?

If you need visa advice on your particular situation, please contact the International Student Support team by making an appointment through The Hub on WhatsApp (+44) 0141 848 3998 or booking a quick appointment through their online bookings page.

If I am feeling lonely when i first arrive in the UK, is there anyone I can speak to?

When you arrive in the UK, we would very much like to give you a call to see how you are settling in and to check that you are aware of the support services within the University and how you can connect with other students online. In your pre-arrival information, you will receive information about a ‘Check in and Chat’ appointment which you can request before you travel to the UK. You will also be reminded of this when you arrive.

Just fill out the form at this link so that we can arrange a ‘Check in and Chat’ appointment with you when you first arrive. In addition, once you are enrolled, you will receive updates about the drop-in sessions arranged on a regular basis with the International Student Support Team

What should I do if my local English language centre is closed?

We’re aware English language exams have been suspended in some countries. If you can’t book an IELTS test, we may consider other English language qualifications. Please submit evidence of English language with your application and the Admissions Team will consider this

I have a stamp on my passport requiring me to register with the police within 7 days of collecting my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

The UK Government has abolished the Police Registration Scheme and it is suspended with immediate effect. Students who have been issued with a visa with the requirement to register with the police or who have previously registered do not need to do anything.

Contact Us

Do you have a general question about the visa process, travel or work? If you can’t find the answer to your question from our online resources, the quickest way to get a response from International Student Support is to join one of our regular online (Microsoft Teams) Q&A sessions. Contact the Student Hub team to request the booking link for our Q&A sessions. You will be able to select a slot on your preferred day, Monday to Friday.

During the Q&A, you will have a 10 minute slot to speak to a member of the International Student Support Team in private.

Book an appointment

If you have a more complex enquiry or wish a visa checking appointment, 30 minute appointments can be booked by contacting the Student Hub team (appointments are available on weekdays and are usually by Teams or in person).     

For Urgent Advice

If you need urgent advice and the International Student Support team are not available, visit the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website for information. You can also call the UKCISA Student Advice Line on 020 7788 9214 from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.