Payment of tuition fees

The tuition fees you will be required to pay and the programme of study you have been offered is included in the letter of offer you have received. To guarantee your offer of a place on the programme of study you must pay 50 per cent of the tuition fees either direct to HIBT or through our local representative. If you are applying to HIBT through an HIBT overseas representative they will advise you with regard to making payments to HIBT. If you are applying direct to the college you can arrange to pay your fees to HIBT by any of the following methods:

Bank transfer

You can transfer your fees direct from your bank to HIBT’s bank account. This is a safe and secure way of transferring your money to the UK.

• you should tell the bank that you wish to pay in sterling (GB pounds)
• you should tell the bank the exact amount you wish to pay
• you should provide your bank with the college’s bank details which are as follows:

Bank name: HSBC
Bank Branch: Hertford
Bank Account number: 41443283
Bank Sort Code: 40 24 13
Bank Account Name: HIBT Ltd

Please make sure that the bank includes your HIBT Student ID on the transfer (this can be found on your offer letter and will be something like ABCDB61)

You should make sure that when you come to the UK you bring the original document your bank gives you that confirms transfer of money to HIBT. You can show this to the HIBT Business Manager when you register for your programme.

Personal, Company or Banker’s Cheque

You can pay your tuition fees by International Banker’s draft made out in sterling. You should send the cheque to the HIBT office:

HIBT College
University of Hertfordshire
Lindop Building
College Lane
Hatfield
Herts
AL10 9AB
UK

Currency

Cash

You should make sure you bring a small amount of cash with you for your day-to-day expenses until you have registered at HIBT and opened a bank account. WE RECOMMEND £200

We do not advise carrying a large amount of cash when you travel to the UK. Whatever amount of cash you bring with you, make sure:

• You bring sterling (GB pounds) – in the UK you will not be able to use dollars or any other currency to pay for things, you will need to change other currencies into sterling when you arrive, a charge will be made to do this.
• You should ensure that you keep the cash on your person when travelling, use a body belt or similar, do not under any circumstances place money in your hold baggage.
• If you have a large amount of cash, you should inform a member of the HIBT staff so that you can place the cash in the college safe until you need to pay your fees and other expenses.
• If you have a large amount of cash you should contact the HIBT office, they will advise you on how to open a bank account. In the UK you will not normally be able to open a bank account until you have registered with the college as a student and arranged permanent accommodation.

Please note that the college cannot take responsibility for cash lost by students. It is your responsibility to keep it safe, this is why we recommend that you do not bring large amounts of cash with you.

Travellers’ Cheques

Travellers’ cheques are a good alternative to carrying cash as they can be converted into cash as you need it. Unlike a personal cheque you do not need to have a UK bank account in order to use them. If you lose them or they are stolen you can apply to have them replaced. You should normally try to get sterling Travellers’ cheques as these are the easiest to cash, if you bring dollar Travellers cheques most banks and exchange bureaux will make a charge for converting dollars to sterling. Sterling Travellers cheques can be used to pay for purchases in larger shops in major towns and cities, but not all local shops will accept them. When travelling make sure you keep details of your Travellers cheques and your passport separate from the cheques.

Credit card

The college can accept payment for tuition fees and accommodation charges via most major credit cards. Make sure that your credit limit is sufficient to allow you to make this payment, check with your bank or credit provider before you leave home. You should also make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your credit card account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish to make a payment to the college by credit card before you leave home you should contact the HIBT Business Manager on telephone: +44 1707 285590.

Debit or switch card

If you have a debit card (Maestro or Cirrus) you can use it to pay your tuition fees and accommodation charges. Make sure you have sufficient money in your account to allow you to make this payment, check with your bank before you leave home. You should also make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your bank account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish to make a payment to the college by debit card you should contact the Business manager on telephone: +44 1707 285590.

Cost of living

The cost of living varies from one part of the UK to another. Generally it is more expensive to live in London, England, and cheaper elsewhere. The University is situated just outside London in the South-East of England.

Typical Basic Living Costs

At HIBT you should estimate your average living costs apart from tuition fees could be approximately £500 per month. This covers accommodation, food, travel, books and entertainment costs.

It is unlikely that you will be able to secure sponsorship for your studies once you have arrived in the UK, so you must make sure that you have made suitable financial arrangements before you start your degree programme.

If your family is giving you the money for your studies you must discuss with them the implication of their commitment to pay for you to live and study in the UK. You must think about the things that may affect their income and cause difficulties in the future. You and your family must ensure that you are fully aware of the consequences of being unable to continue funding your studies. You should think about what alternatives you would have if an economic downturn or currency fluctuations affect your country and your family, and plan your strategy accordingly.

If you find you have financial difficulties once you have started your studies you may be advised to halt your studies if it is established that you do not have sufficient financial resources. If you are no longer able to attend the college to study because of financial problems you will be advised to leave the UK until your finances can be sorted out. Under the terms of UK Immigration Legislation you are not permitted to remain in the UK if you are not studying. Problems with financial arrangements are one of the commonest reasons for international students failing to complete their degree programme. It is vital to get your financial situation organised before you come to the UK.