Your learning experience : Giving you a step up
The international student experience
Since summer 2021 , international students who successfully complete a master ’ s degree are able to apply for the new Graduate Route Visa . This allows students to stay and work in the UK for two years after their studies . The Graduate Route will allow those that have completed a PhD to stay and work for three years .
QMU has a growing and vibrant international community that is sure to enrich your student experience .
We recognise that studying in a different country is often a completely new experience for students and we are keen to ensure that we make your transition to living and studying in a new country as easy , informative and welcoming as possible .
Our International Office staff will be your first point of contact at QMU if you are interested in studying with us here in Scotland ’ s capital city . You can meet the team at numerous events that they usually attend overseas and online each year . The team run regular webinars and can be contacted by email . The team members are approachable and responsive and want to ensure that you have all the information you need before you move to Scotland .
For more information on events that our International Office team will be attending during the forthcoming months , please visit our website at www . qmu . ac . uk / study-here / international-students /
Orientation programme and social events
Before joining us you will receive details of our onlineour pre-arrival guide . This is designed to answer any questions you may have before departure and also prepares you for your journey to QMU . To help ease you into student life and help you become familiar with your surroundings , we host an international students ’ induction before your course start date . This will include information on settling in and what you can expect during the year ahead , as well as an opportunity to meet some of your fellow students . We organise a tour of the City of Edinburgh , which is very useful and always great fun . To help you make friends and enhance your student experience , we also organise a programme of social events throughout the year . We recognise that studying in a different country may be a totally new experience for our international students .
Accommodation
Staying on campus is a great way to meet people and make new friends quickly . It also means that the teaching , learning , support and leisure facilities at QMU are easily accessible to you . We would recommend that you apply for a place in our accommodation as soon as possible . For more information on accommodation , see page 32 .
Visa and immigration advice
As an international student , depending on the country that you come from , you may require a Student Visa to study with us . The University can provide you with advice , support and guidance before applying for your student visa , as well as answering any questions that you may have during your studies . We can also provide guidance on extending your student visa if required and on the options if you wish to work in the UK upon completion of your studies .
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Employment while you study and after graduation
If you require a Student Visa to study with us , you will normally be allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holiday periods . We advise you to refer to any restrictions stated in your passport or visa documentation and check that the employment meets your visa criteria .
Since summer 2021 , international students who successfully complete a master ’ s degree are able to apply for the new Graduate Route visa . This allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years . For PhD students , this period allowed is three years .
QMU ’ s Careers and Employability Service is open to all students and provides help and advice about employment opportunities in Edinburgh . This includes assistance in obtaining a UK National Insurance number that you will need to work and pay tax in the UK . For more information on the Careers and Employability Service , see pages 18-19 or visit our website at : www . qmu . ac . uk / campus-life / careers-and-employability /