Need a little help?
Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions. Hopefully, you should find answers to any questions you may have. If you have a question not covered here, or need further clarification then please contact us.
When do I need to apply?
Apply as soon as possible but only after you and your sponsor are sure you definitely wish to and are able to come to study in the UK.
Why do I need to involve my sponsor in an PFL interview?
It is your sponsor's money that is being spent on a sizeable financial commitment and it is important to us that they know what the money is buying for their son or daughter's academic future.
Why do I need to pay an Application Processing Fee?
PFL has overheads to cover in both your local country and in the UK. The Application Processing Fee helps to pay for the overheads of running your local office, as well as covering the costs of extensive communication and courier bills. Students will also be asked to pay a Visa Processing Fee (VPF). This will be asked of them prior to their visa guidance being offered. Students should check for these costs in their individual country.
What institutions does PFL represent?
PFL represents over 40 UK education institutions, most of which are at university level. As PFL is continually seeking to work with those institutions most consistently sought after by international students and parents, the actual content of the PFL client list is open to change. Please ask your Student Counsellor about current opportunities.
Why do I have to pay a deposit payment in advance of obtaining the offer documents?
This greatly helps PFL, our clients and the British High Commission when it comes to considering your intentions for applying to come to the UK. Such a sum of money is a sign of your commitment that you do intend to pursue a course of study at a UK education institution. All deposit payments are deducted from your tuition fees upon arrival and enrolment at the UK institution.
When does PFL pay my deposit to the UK institution?
Your deposit is only sent to the UK education institution accepting you when you have received your visa to come and study in the UK. If you are unfortunate enough to be one of the few PFL candidates to be rejected a visa to study in the UK, PFL Head Office will immediately return your bank draft to you in the next available courier parcel to your country.
Who do I make my deposit draft payable to?
You can make it payable to either the institution concerned or to ‘Preparation For Life Ltd’.
What types of subjects can I apply for through PFL?
Virtually any, though Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are incredibly competitive and expensive subjects to get into in the UK and PFL reserves the right to refuse all such applications (though not without prior counselling to a student offering possible alternatives).
How easy is it to get a student visa to study in the UK?
If you are a genuine student who has the financial sponsorship to do a course of study in the UK which is relevant to your personal career development, it can be quite straightforward to get a UK study visa. Help and guidance is given by PFL to all candidates applying to a UK education institution via its services. Part of any PFL Student Counsellor's job is to maintain links with both the local British Council and British High Commission to ensure up to date information is available to pass on to all of its clients.
What does it cost to study in the UK?
This depends on what course you are studying, at what level and at what institution. It can also depend on where you live in the UK as some places are more expensive than others. If you have family or friends you can stay with in the UK, this can help to save money. PFL has opportunities from A levels and degree foundation programmes to Bachelor degrees and postgraduate courses in many places all over the UK. Course fees will be discussed with you on an individual basis when you come to apply to your PFL Student Counsellor. If you are planning to stay in the UK on your own, please budget for accommodation and living expenses to be between £5,000 and £6,500 per year.
Can I get a scholarship?
There are virtually no undergraduate scholarships available in the UK to international students. Although there are a few at postgraduate levels, they are extremely competitive. If you are an outstanding candidate and at a level suitable for UK postgraduate entry, please consult your local British Council office for further information on postgraduate scholarship opportunities in the UK.
Can I pay my tuition fees by installments?
In most cases, yes. How many installments does depend on the individual institution concerned. A few institutions also offer discounts to sponsors who pay the whole of the first year tuition fees in advance of enrolment at their institution. Please ask your PFL Student Counsellor if this is important to you or your sponsor.
Can I defer my entry to a subsequent intake?
This is usually possible, but you should state your intention to do so in writing as soon as possible. This is irrespective of whether or not entry is being deferred with the same institution. Please note that a further application processing fee will be payable in these circumstances.
Can I change courses when I arrive in the UK?
It may be possible to change courses within the university or college in which you are studying but it will not normally be possible to change institutions except in exceptional circumstances. In that event PFL reserves the right to make an administrative charge for our service.