YOUR
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The i2i International Soccer Academy offers students the exciting opportunity of studying in England, whilst focusing on their development as a soccer player during a 9 month season at Europe’s leading and largest International College Soccer program.
DEADLINES
What are the next steps?
Once your application has been submitted to Northumbria University (NU) or Leeds Beckett University (LBU), you will have acknowledgment of receipt within 5 working days. Once the University has reviewed your application, you will be offered a conditional offer. This will be conditional on the academic and financial requirements.
When do I apply for FAFSA?
Please do read up about available loans now and try the FAFSA 4 Caster if you wish. Our website will be updated shortly for the current academic year. You may start your real FAFSA application as soon as you are ready but please do not complete any credit checks or loan MPNs until at least May because they only stay valid for six months and you would have to repeat the process before September.
When do I apply for a Student Visa?
You cannot make the visa application until 3 months prior to the start date in September. Once the financial element and academic requirements are secured, the NU / LBU Visa team will contact you with all of the details of how to begin the visa application.
When does the programme start & when do I arrive in England?
The start date will be confirmed, however please be prepared to arrive in England and begin the full soccer and academic programme in the 1st week of September.
ACADEMIC
What are the entry requirements for an American Student?
Students are required to achieve a High School Diploma with minimum GPA of 3.0 and an ACT composite score 24 or SAT composite score of 1180. We also accept a minimum of 2 AP’s grade 3 or higher.
How long is the soccer and academic programme?
The programme runs for three years followed by a prestigious graduation ceremony. Our programme runs from September through to the end of May, so our programme is around 9 month in length. There are opportunities for students to visit home over Christmas, Easter and Summer.
Will the qualification be recognized globally?
The three-year degree courses have been specifically designed to ensure transferability Worldwide. The Degree has been carefully thought out to ensure it is relevant for a wide range of careers. Both Northumbria University and Leeds Beckett University are highly regarded by companies and organizations all around the world.
Is a degree accredited in the US and transferable?
In relation to a student to transferability of credits, if a student were to leave after successfully completing 2 years for example, they would leave with a lower award; they would have 240 credits, evidenced by a detailed transcript. These credits could then be used by a university in the US to allow the student to gain advanced entry. It would be at the University’s discretion as to which level the 240 credits would enable the student to enter, however it is likely that the credits gained in the UK academic degree would allow entry to Year 3 or Year 4 of a US degree.
Can you combine degrees?
Students are unable to combine the degrees on offer, however can progress onto a different Masters program.
Are there opportunities to study a ‘Masters’ degree?
Northumbria University and Leeds Beckett University both deliver a wide range of Masters Degrees that are available to i2i student athletes. Please check with i2i staff to determine alignment with the soccer program.
Finanace
What is the cost of the programme?
Membership of the i2i International Soccer Academy is £33,500 per year and includes University tuition, high-level soccer coaching, accommodation in halls of residence. This price is fixed for the full three years and you will only ever pay the US dollar equivalent.
Who do I contact for Finance inquires?
Both Universities have a dedicated specialist team for US students to help expand upon the process please contact
Northumbria University – fc.financialaid@northumbria.ac.uk
Leeds Beckett University – USLoans@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Am I able to apply for Federal Aid?
US students are able to apply for Federal Aid (FAFSA), direct parents plus loans, Sallie Mae and Earnest loans. The team is also on hand to help guide students and families through the FAFSA application if this is something you wish to access.
How do I start my FAFSA application?
All Federal Loan applications start with a FAFSA application. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov
Do the Universities have more info on funding available?
The best place to start at is
Northumbria University – Federal Aid (northumbria.ac.uk)
Leeds Beckett University – US and Canadian Loans | Student information | Leeds Beckett University
Do you offer scholarships?
There are no scholarships available on this programme at the current time. The programme is 3 years in length, so our programme is a year shorter than a US degree.
Finanace
Do you accept Military Grants?
Yes both Universities are approved Schools by the Department of Veteran Affairs and we are able to accept Military grants.
Finanace
VISAS
What Visa do I need?
All students from the US will need a General Student Visa. These are allocated through a points based system, which essentially requires you to be university sponsored. You must also prove that you have the funding in place for you to study the degree. Depending on the embassy, it usually takes around 4-6 weeks to go through the process.
Can you help me with applying for a Visa?
Both Universities have a dedicated team of experienced staff who are able to assist you with any queries. You can contact the team with any questions you may have.
Northumbria University – nsapplicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk
Leeds Beckett University – international@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Can I remain in England after my graduation?
You can apply for work permits on expiry of the Student visa, or if you are looking to study a Master’s Degree, you can apply to extend the Student visa.
You can also apply for a Graduate visa which would allow you to stay in the UK for a further two years.
Can I work alongside the programme to subsidize the cost?
The Student Visa allows students to work for no more than 20 hours per week during term time, 40 hours per week during holidays (Christmas, Easter, Summer) only.
SOCCER
WHO ARE THE SOCCER COACHES I WILL BE WORKING WITH EACH DAY?
The full time soccer programme is led by our Former EPL player and UEFA PRO & A Licensed Coaches – Bryan Hughes (Head of Coaching) leads a fantastic team of Coaches at i2i. For further details please see i2i Coaches » i2i Soccer Academy
WHICH SOCCER TEAMS WILL I BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR WHILST AT THE i2i?
Student athletes at the i2i International Soccer Academy are available for selection with i2i’s University teams that compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues. Alongside game time on a Wednesday afternoon (BUCS), students will also have the opportunity to play for our own i2i International Soccer Academy teams in regional U21 /U23 Leagues and Showcase team against professional and semi-professional teams.
WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY FOR AN i2i STUDENT ATHLETE LOOK LIKE?
Student Athletes study with the University for 3 hours each morning from 9-12am and then come across to the Soccer Academy for the training session’s 2-5pm. Students train or play five times a week as part of the full-time Soccer Development Programme. All training sessions are scheduled alongside the academic timetable so there is no clash between soccer and academics. Training will consist of on the field training, strength & conditioning sessions and video analysis sessions.
ACCOMODATION
Where will I live?
Northumbria University – Accommodation is a high-grade Hall of Residence, which is a 10 minute walk from the University just over the historic bridge in Newcastle. All i2i student athletes have their own bedroom, en-suite shower facilities, storage space and desk. The communal areas are shared with 5 other students and furnished to a high standard with a fridge, freezer, cooker, microwave, ironing board & sofa provided.
Will I be guaranteed accommodation?
Every player on the i2i International Soccer Academy is guaranteed accommodation within the halls of residence at NU or LBU for the full three years.
