International and EU Prospective Students
These Q&As are updated regularly to reflect the latest official guidance
Coronavirus Q&As for Prospective International & EU Students
Staff are working hard to maintain service levels whilst working remotely and you can continue to contact our Admissions Team if you have any questions or concerns about your application. Please email international.admissions@swansea.ac.uk or use Live Chat (during UK office hours). For students who are starting their studies with The College, Swansea University, please email the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk
The current situation is moving fast and we are reacting to it as quickly as we can. We understand that these are challenging times and will make necessary allowances depending on the situation in your country.
Message to Students from the Vice Chancellor
APPLICATIONS
Can I attend an Open Day?
Yes, we are running on campus and online open days throughout the year.
You can register for upcoming events here:
Our open days give you the opportunity to speak to students and academic staff about studying at Swansea University.
You can also chat to current students and staff now through UniBuddy.
Who do I contact if I have a question specifically about my country and my admission to Swansea?
We understand that the current situation varies by country, and you may have a question specifically relating to you and where you are from. We have regional focussed teams who are here to help.
Find out who to contact for your country. You can get in touch to arrange a one to one chat too.
Can I defer my offer to next year?
The current guidelines on deferring offers still stands. You can find more information about the current guidelines on deferring offers. The University is proactively working on the constantly changing situation. The current advice is that a deferral is not needed, unless absolutely certain you cannot make it for the intake applied for, and for other reasons.
My school/college/university is likely to close, or has closed, so I can’t sit my final exams, will this affect my offer to study?
We are aware that the way many international students receive their formal grades will be affected by this situation, with possible assessment delays and some awarding bodies basing final grades on predicted grades or prior attainment. In this instance we will accept formal grades from awarding bodies as usual.
We will be monitoring institution closures in the UK and around the world and following UK and overseas Government and exam board advice on appropriate admission processes. Swansea University will be flexible and do all we can to support students and ensure they can progress to university.
We will be updating this page regularly and will be in direct contact with offer holders who this may affect. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances, please get in touch with the admissions team or your regional contact, whose email is provided on your offer letter.
Learning and Teaching Experience 2022/23
Can my programme be studied online?
Although some current teaching is taking place online, by September 2022, we expect all teaching to be face-to-face. Please continue to check our website and your emails for updates on teaching.
When should I arrive if I cannot study my programme online?
You will need to plan to arrive in Swansea in time for the start of your programme. Enrolment details for 2022/2023 can be found here.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
What if I can’t take my IELTS exam as tests have been cancelled in my country?
We understand that prospective students and offer holders are finding it difficult to provide proof of their English Language levels without being able to sit an IELTS test. To help with this, our own SWELT tests (Swansea English Language Tests) is now offered online and is FREE to Swansea University offer holders. You can find out more information about Swansea English Language Tests here.
Swansea University will also be delivering all Pre-sessional programmes online and these programmes are available for you to apply to if you have an English Language condition in your offer or you need to prepare for academic study. You can apply via the ELTS webpages.
We accept a range of approved English Language tests and are reviewing alternative tests in light of the situation. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances, please get in touch with your regional contact or our admissions office, whose email is provided on your offer letter.
Can I still do my pre-sessional English Training Course?
Yes, Swansea University will be delivering all pre-sessional programmes either on campus in Swansea or online from your home country.
You can apply via the ELTS webpages.
Our online teaching software will enable you to join a virtual classroom for the live sessions.
You will be able to send messages and files and also, interact via audio and video link.
The online Pre-sessional programme will be able to prepare you for UK academic study by:
• teaching in small groups
• face to face interaction online with classmates and teacher.
• opportunities for 1:1 live interaction with a teacher.
• guided learning tasks for you to complete in your own time.
• regular personalised feedback on your work and progress in online tutorials
• flexible self-study (work at your own pace and fit around your schedule)
If you have any questions about ELTS at Swansea University please email elts.admissions@swansea.ac.uk.
Do Swansea offer an online English Language test?
Yes! Our own SWELT test (Swansea University English Language Tests) is now offered online and is FREE to Swansea University offer holders. You can find out more information and book a SWELT test here.
FINANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Can I apply for Scholarships?
Yes, our scholarships are still open.
International applicants can find more information on our International Scholarship page.
Can I defer my International Excellence Scholarship or other University award?
Unfortunately you are not able to defer your International Excellence scholarship.
The University is currently reviewing the terms and conditions of other scholarships and bursaries. If you have been made an award, you will get email updates if anything changes.
ARRIVALS AND ENROLMENT
TRAVEL
I am unable to travel to Swansea, what should I do?
We continue to recognise that it might be difficult for you to get to Swansea due to travel restrictions or covid-related issues. The recent change to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) regulations means that if you are unable to travel to the UK by the start of term, you can enrol and engage with your programme online and then join us as soon as you are able to. Once you arrive you will then move to in-person learning and teaching or research. You must arrive by June 30th 2022 under the regulations, but we very much hope that you will be able to join us much sooner in-person.
There are a small number of programmes for which this is not possible and this has been communicated to those of you due to enrol on these programmes.
LIFE IN SWANSEA
What will the student experience be like?
Our students are back enjoying a full range of social and sporting activities with few restrictions due to Covid. Swansea offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, including a lively nightlife with the usual bars, restaurants and shopping experiences. Our location is perfect for water sports, walking, running, climbing and you can choose to take part in many different sports at Swansea Bay Sports Park and beyond.
We look forward to welcoming you onto campus in the future.
Can I apply for accommodation?
Yes, applications for University accommodation are open.
Visit the accommodation website for all the details of how to apply. We strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible to give you the best possible chance of securing accommodation on the campus of your choice.
What social distancing measures will be in place?
Swansea University is following Welsh Government guidelines. Please visit their website for the latest information.
Can I get medical treatment for coronavirus as an international student, would I have to pay?
International students studying a course longer than six months will have paid an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. This means you can access free National Health Service (NHS) medical care while you are in the UK. Please follow the guidance, if you think you have symptoms, you would be entitled to the same treatment as UK citizens.