Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline to enrol?
Typically, students enrol for the Autumn (Oct) and Spring (Feb) semesters. However, since our Biomedicine and Naturopathy courses are built around a modular system, new students can join a course throughout the year.
International students - please bear in mind that visa applications take an average of 12 to 14 weeks. Check with your local British Mission for waiting times. Since our courses are built around a modular system, you can join our course at different periods during the year.
Can I work part-time in the UK while I am a student?
If you are from a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you can work in the UK without permission.
If you are from outside the EEA and you are on a course lasting more than six months you can work up to twenty hours per week during term-time and full-time in vacations. Permission is automatically granted for you to work. Consider that your main reason for being in the UK is to study and our courses are very demanding, particularly if English is not your first language. If you want to study full time and combine courses such as Medicine, Naturopathy and Specialist Training, you should consider very carefully whether you have time to take employment and you should not put your chance of success at risk.
What do the course fees cover?
The course fees cover teaching, assessment, examinations, and graduation.
The course fees do NOT cover the costs of any fieldwork, additional residential courses, travel, books, stationery, media, accommodation, or general living costs.
How do I pay my course fees?
Fees are payable in full at the beginning of each academic year of your course. If you are an EEA citizen, it is possible to pay your course fees in monthly instalments. For non-EEA citizens, the UK government require you pay at least your first year of study; the following years may be paid by instalments.
I have been asked to pay ‘enrolment fees’ - when should I pay these?
Enrolment fees must be paid within 7 days of your enrolment being approved. The enrolment fee is a one-time payment and is non-refundable. Once you have enroled, if you wish to take additional courses you will NOT have to pay any additional enrolment fees.
I cannot afford to pay the course fees - will I be eligible for a loan?
The CNM can not make loans to students to pay course fees, and it is difficult for an international student to get a bank loan in the UK. If you need to take out a loan to pay your course fees, you are advised to make arrangements for this before you leave home.
Non-European Economic Area students are required to pay at least one full year in advance. The subsequent years can be paid by instalments, providing you show enough evidence to the British Mission that you can fulfil your agreement without requiring government funding.
European Economic Area students may apply to pay by installment from the first year of study - for more information please contact info@naturopathy-uk.com.
For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.
Will I be eligible for free NHS health care?
If you are on a course of study that lasts six months or more, you are automatically entitled to free health care from the National Health Service (NHS) relating to any condition which occurs after your arrival in the UK. This means you may register as a patient with an NHS doctor, known as a General Practitioner (GP), and dentist. If a doctor prescribes a course of medicine for you, you may have to pay the prescription charge and you may have to pay for dental treatment.
What does it cost to live in the UK while I study?
Below find some approximate costs for basic needs.
- Accommodation: £300 to £400 for a basic room, per month
- Heat and light (if not included): £20 to £40, per month
- Food (if not included) £100 to £120, per month
- Textbooks and study materials: £40, per month
- Laundry: £20, per month
- Personal hygiene, haircut, cosmetics, etc: £20 to £40, per month
- Restaurant meal (without drinks): £5 minimum, £12 average, per person
- Travel fares (quite close to place of study): £4 to £8, per day
Do I need to register with the Police?
If your visa states “Register with UK police on arrival” or “Register with the police within seven days”, you must do this within the time limit stated.
Can I drive a car in the UK?
If you drive a car in Great Britain you must make sure that the car is registered, taxed and insured for your use. It is against the law to drive without all the documents relating to registration, road tax and insurance being fully up-to-date.
If you have a full driving licence from an EEA country you are allowed to drive in Great Britain for as long as your licence remains valid.
If you have a licence issued by a non-EEA country you are allowed to drive in the UK for 12 months after your arrival using your international licence, but after your first 12 months in Great Britain you must have a full GB licence.
Can my spouse work in the UK while I am a student?
If your spouse is from a European Economic Area (EEA) country, they can work in the UK without permission. If your spouse is not from an EEA country, they should be able to work without needing permission provided they entered the UK as your dependant and you have permission to stay in the UK for twelve months or more. If you have children between the ages of 5 and 16, they are entitled to free education in the UK during the course of your stay.
