It’s easy to apply to study at West London College. You can apply online for most of our courses – simply follow the three steps below.
We know applying to study at college is a big decision and we would like to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve collated the questions we get asked most and listed them, with answers, below.
If you’re not a national of the UK (and Republic of Ireland), or a national of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, and don’t already hold a UK visa, you may need a study visa to study in the UK. West London College is currently unable to sponsor international students for Student Route Visas (previously known as Tier 4 General Student Visas).
The Short-Term Study visa route is only for students who apply for entry clearance to do an English language course between six and 11 months long. You must be 16 years or older on the date of application.
For study of up to six months, you may be able to undertake this under the Standard Visitor visa route. Students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and non-visa national countries do not require a visa to study for up to 6 months.
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals coming to the UK after 1 January 2021 will also need to apply for a study visa if they wish to study in the UK for more than 6 months.
Further guidance for EU/EEA and Swiss students can be found here.
We recommend that you consult the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for further information.
We have a wide variety of courses for school leavers (16-18 year-olds) and adults (19 and older). Most of our students are full-time, studying vocational study programmes. We do not prioritise applicants who live closer to our centres, but we recommend that you check out your journey to and from college.
No – please apply directly to us. All you need to do is find the course you’re looking to study, and click ‘Apply’. Follow the steps to complete the online application form.
If you are having trouble completing the online application form, please contact us and we can arrange a timeslot for you to complete the form with us over the phone or in person. You can also come to one of our open days, where our staff will be on-hand to help you apply.
We accept applications throughout the year, but recommend that you submit your application early, as we receive large numbers of applications for our courses – you do not need to wait on your exam results before applying.
Yes – if you would like to change the course you have applied for, please contact us, telling us which course you would like to change to and we will update your application.
Yes – please contact us, and we will rearrange your interview. Please do this as soon as possible so that your slot can be offered to another applicant.
Interviews allow us to meet and get to know each other, so that we can ensure that your chosen course is suitable for you. We look at your academic potential and predicted grades, references, journey to college, contribution to your current school or place of employment, etc.
Any visitors including parents/carers will be asked to wait at reception during your interview. If your parent/carer would like to see the facilities and meet our teachers, they are more than welcome to attend an open day.
Different subject areas hold interviews at different centres, and at different dates and times. We receive a large volume of applications and spread interviews throughout the year. Some courses do not require an interview, and some will be scheduled at enrolment.
We aim to let everyone know the outcome of their application as soon as possible. This should take no longer than 10 working days.
Our offers are usually ‘conditional’ or ‘unconditional’. Most of our offers are conditional based on your GCSE results. Depending on the course, we may also ask for a portfolio of artwork or written work. If your qualifications are from overseas, we are able to check the comparability and advise which course level is most suitable for you. Our offers are based on the entry requirements of each individual course – you can find these on the our course pages. We may also offer you an unconditional place, if you have prior qualifications. In some cases, we may refer you to another course. Rarely, we are unable to offer a place and will write to you with the explanation and referral to speak to our team for information, advice and guidance.
Based on your application or interview, we may feel that an alternative course, or different level, would be more suitable than your original choice and make you an offer accordingly. We can often review this at enrolment.
If you do not achieve your predicted grades, we will offer you a place on an alternative course or level that is more suitable for you.
If you wish to withdraw, please contact us as soon as possible. We are then able to offer your place to another applicant.
Most enrolment takes place in July and August for courses starting in September. If you’ve already applied, we will invite you to come and enrol, and send you details of what to bring with you.
Courses can fill up quickly during enrolment so ensure you attend your enrolment appointment to guarantee your place.
We also have ‘open enrolment’ in August, if you’ve not already made an application to study with us. We operate a ‘first come, first served’ system during this, so make sure you come in as soon as you can to avoid disappointment – please remember this when booking any summer holidays.
Please contact us as soon as possible, and we will do our best to help you change onto a different course; this will depend on space availability and entry requirements.
If a course is under-subscribed, or there is a significant change to how a course is funded, we may have to withdraw the course. This happens rarely but, in such cases, you will be offered advice on the availability of alternative courses, both with us and with other local education providers. However, the offer of a place cannot be guaranteed.
