Experience Higher Education with SGS HE Empower(ED)

At SGS Higher Education Empower(ED) we’re passionate about making higher education accessible and achievable for everyone. Through our Widening Participation and Outreach programme, we work closely with schools and colleges to inspire learners, raise aspirations, and break down barriers to progression into higher education.

Our goal is to help every student see that university-level study is not only within reach but can also be an exciting and rewarding step towards their future career.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We offer a range of interactive and engaging experiences designed to give young people a real taste of life at university. Visiting groups are invited to our University Centre, where students can take part in a variety of taster sessions, subject-based workshops, and campus tours.

Each event is designed to:

Introduce students to higher education and demystify university life.
Encourage learners to think about their future goals and possible career pathways.
Provide hands-on insight into the wide range of degree and foundation programmes available at SGS Higher Education.
Build confidence and motivation for academic and personal development.
Our sessions can be tailored to meet the specific interests, curriculum areas, or aspirations of your learners — from creative industries and sport to business, education, health, and beyond.

What to Expect on a Visit

A typical school or college visit might include:

A welcome talk introducing higher education, student life, and the benefits of university study.
Interactive workshops or taster lessons delivered by our academic staff in subjects such as Art & Design, Business and Leadership/Management, Games Design, Esport, Digital Media, Sport Coaching and Physical, Sport Conditioning and Exercise, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Education, Performing Arts, Specialist Make-up Design to Zoological Management.
A guided tour of our University Centre and facilities, giving students a feel for the environment and community at SGS.
The opportunity to meet current SGS students, ask questions, and hear first-hand experiences of higher education.

Useful Information

Applying to SGS as an International student

Applying for a degree level course in the UK is done by completing an application form through register and apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

In your application, you will need to give your personal details and details of qualifications you have achieved. You will also need to write a personal statement and get an academic reference.

‍Your Personal Statement is a chance for you to explain why you would like to study the chosen course. The skills, achievements and life experience you have obtained during your studies. More information about completing your UCAS application can be found here: https://www.ucas.com/applying/applying-university/filling-your-ucas-undergraduate-application‍

Supporting Evidence

‍Once you have submitted your application you will need to send us supporting evidence. This is what we require. Please send them to HEAdmissions@sgscol.ac.uk‍

A copy of a valid passport
A copy of your current highest qualification translated into English
An IELTS (English Language test certificate) for UKVI purposes score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill if necessary – please see here for current list of exceptions: Student visa : Knowledge of English - GOV.UK . More information about the UKVI IELTS can be found here: IELTS Home of the IELTS English Language Test
You will be required to show evidence that you have enough money to pay for the course fee.
You may also be required to show that you have enough money to support yourself during the academic year. The minimum amount you will need is £1,023 per month (£23,457 in total for nine months) Please see UKVI website for the most up to date information on financial requirements: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money

Interviews/Auditions

Some of our courses may ask you to attend an audition or interview. We feel it would be beneficial to attend in person, but we appreciate this not always possible, so if you require an online interview or Audition, please email HEAdmissions@sgscol.ac.uk to request and we will arrange this as soon as possible.‍

Offers

Offers are conditional - this means your offer is confirmed as long as you provide us with evidence that you achieved the results in your current studies, or in English Language tests that we have asked for as a condition of your offer and supply all the relevant evidence to obtain your visa. Once we have received all the evidence required, we will confirm your unconditional offer. It is a Home Office regulation that we cannot assess your eligibility for Student Visa Sponsorship, unless you have accepted an unconditional offer to study with us.

SGS do not have any firm deadlines, but some courses are competitive with a higher number of applications, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. You can only apply for your visa up to 6 months prior to the start of the course in September.

Application FAQs

What do I need to supply after I've submitted my UCAS application?

A photocopy of your passport
A photocopy of your academic certificates or transcripts, Proof of your English language level

What are English language qualification do I require?

We accept a range of English language qualifications equivalent to an ILTETS 6.0 (in writing).

How much is tuition as an international and EU student?

The current International Tuition Fee is currently (2025/26) set at £13,750 per academic year.
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International students will need to pay 50% of the course fee prior to the confirmation of acceptance is issued. The remaining fee can be paid in full or via a payment plan

When should I start my visa application?

Visa application will be available 6 months prior to the start of your course.

When should I apply for a course?

All our courses have a September start date and you should apply as early as possible to allow at least 6 months for your travel arrangements. You will need to apply via the online University and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS).

Financial Support

HE International Support Bursary

The HE International Support Bursary offers financial support to our international (non-EU) students wishing to study with us full-time. If you normally reside outside the UK and the EU and are starting your undergraduate course in 2024-25 you could be eligible for this reduction in your tuition fees for the duration of your course. The value of the bursary reduces your tuition fees to £10,000 (per annum) for the duration of your course and will be automatically applied for eligible non EU students.

HE EU Support Bursary

The HE EU Support Bursary offers financial support to our European students wishing to study with us full-time. If you normally reside in the EU and are starting your undergraduate course in 2024-25 you could be eligible for this reduction in your tuition fees for the duration of your course. The value of the bursary brings your tuition fees in line with that of UK students for the duration of your course and will automatically applied for eligible EU students.

Widening Participation & Outreach