How To Select a Desirable College When You Plan To Study at Colleges in London

If you are searching for colleges in London, it would not be surprising if you felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume on offer. Recent figures indicate that there were 426,175 students enrolled at universities and colleges in London. The UK Quality Assurance Agency, funded by the Government, strictly monitors the 60 public universities and colleges in London. Apart from the public universities and colleges of London are a whole host of Independent colleges some of which specialise in courses as varied as Diplomas in Fashion Drawing to Masters in Business Administration.

Locating the Best Colleges in London

As a prospective International student it is possible that you have found your chosen college in London using the internet. Please be cautious and do your homework before you make any payments!

Make sure the college is established to give out accredited qualifications. Unfortunately, fraudulent independent colleges in London attract many International students each year by purporting to be either accredited or of university status.

Recognised UK Degree Awarding Bodies

The UK Higher Educations' well-reputed status is sustained by mandatory rules of standardisation. In order for an HEI to be recognised as a university with awarding powers it is required to undergo review by ACDAP, a division of the UK QAA.

For a university to be able to issue its own certified qualifications, it must be both approved by ACDAP and registered as a Recognized Body by the DBIS.

Do Not be Deceived by Fraudulent Colleges in London

Independent colleges are not entitled to award their own UK degrees as a Recognised Body such as a university and are under legal obligation to be regularly quality assessed. The following points must be considered by prospective students from overseas applying to any of the independent colleges in London.

Flashing Hazard Lights

• Beware of any college which has not been reviewed by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), or a similar quality assurance agency for the private sector.

• Check that the college is listed on the register of Listed Bodies by the DBIS, and linked with a Recognized Body, or official university.

• Ensure that the college is partnered with an internationally recognized awarding body by checking on UK NARIC.

• Make sure the college offers accredited qualifications by a recognized awarding organization such as Edexcel or OCR listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications (OFQUAL).

• Do not choose a college which is not authorized by the UK Border Agency to enrol international students.

• Visa letters (CAS letters) can only be issued by registered colleges with a valid Tier 4 licence from the UK BA.

The infinite choice of courses and colleges in London provides an option for anyone wanting to broaden their horizons, however to make sure you do not get caught out and have the most beneficial time of your life it is surely worth asking a few more questions before deciding on that college.