Guardianship for International Students Under 18 in the UK
Many UK universities accept international students under 18 for undergraduate programs. However, to comply with their duty of care and UK regulations, universities typically require families to appoint a UK-based educational guardian. This guardian acts as a liaison between the university and the parents in the event of any misconduct or emergencies, providing local support and ensuring that the student has someone responsible to rely on during their transition to university life.
For students under 18 traveling to the UK without their parents, it is essential to nominate a responsible adult or a guardianship organization before applying for a visa.
Universities often request these arrangements to be in place before the application process begins.
Our Guardianship Program for University Students Under 18
At British Guardianship, we have provided specialised guardianship services to international students for over a decade. We understand the unique needs of under-18 university students and have designed our program to be both flexible and fully compliant with UKVI guidelines and rigorous safeguarding standards. We aim to offer students the local support they need to adapt smoothly to a new country, culture, and independent living.
We strongly recommend that under-18 students secure accommodation in university or private halls of residence, which offer 24-hour supervision, and a safe, supportive environment tailored to younger students.
Accredited Guardianship Services
Unlike many other guardianship providers, British Guardianship is currently fully accredited by the Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) and has received the Gold Standard from AEGIS (Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) in 2018. These attest that our practices have been thoroughly reviewed by these esteemed associations, ensuring we meet the highest standards of safety and care while always acting in your child’s best interest.
Pre-Arrival and Additional Services
In addition to guardianship, we offer pre-arrival support, including assistance with accommodation placements and visa applications. BritishGuardianship.com has over 10 years of experience in the educational sector and provides full placement services for schools, colleges, and universities.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Parents overseas naturally have concerns about their children’s safety and well-being while they study abroad. British Guardianship provides 24/7 support, ensuring that students can access help whenever necessary. Whether through online support or face-to-face assistance in case of emergencies or urgent situations, we offer trusted and reliable local support. This service gives parents peace of mind, knowing their child is cared for and supported at all times.
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us at info@britishguardianship.com . We are here to help!
Contact UsWhy do UK Universities require the appointment of a UK-based guardian
UK Guardian Explained
Under UK law, students under 18 are legally considered minors. While there is no specific minimum age for university admission, regulations mandate that applicants aged 16 or 17 demonstrate maturity for studying in an adult environment. Consequently, establishing guardianship in the UK is often a requirement, especially since visa applications and CAS request process typically the nomination of a person resident in the UK who will take responsibility for the applicant until they reach the age of 18.
Universities must maintain emergency contact information and obtain authorisation to act in loco parentis when needed. This applies in situations involving interactions with authorities or medical emergencies when the student is unable to make decisions. These protocols ensure that institutions can provide appropriate support and care in critical circumstances.
Visa assistance service
With over a decade of experience in UK visas and a comprehensive understanding of immigration regulations, our expert team is here to assist with any questions regarding your child's visa application process to study in the UK sponsored by University under the Student Visa licence. Simply reach out, and we will provide the support you need!
Why choose the British Guardianships Programme?
With extensive experience in the sector, we are adept at meeting the needs of both parents and students. Parents living abroad often worry about their children's well-being as they transition into university life. At ages 16 and 17, students experience newfound independence, but they still require reliable support during challenging or unfamiliar situations.
Our dedicated educational guardians provide guidance and assistance online, addressing queries and helping students adapt to their new environment. Whether it is managing a mobile phone contract, opening a bank account, booking a doctor appointment, or navigating online shopping, our guardians are committed to supporting your child.
If your child has specific needs, please contact us at info@britishguardianship.com, and we will be glad to assist you.
24-hour emergency service
We provide a 24-hour emergency line for students during their time with us. Our local coordinators, strategically located to ensure quick responses, enhance the comprehensive support offered through our program. Upon arrival, our Head Office Coordinator will introduce themselves and maintain regular online communication throughout the year. Our 24/7 emergency helpline is available to assist universities, agents, parents, and students as necessary, ensuring continuous accessibility and support.
On-campus enrolment service
We assist students with their enrolment processes. While our online support typically satisfies institutional requirements, some universities may require our physical presence on the enrolment day. In these instances, we will confirm our availability with the university and inform you of any additional charges that may apply. Please ensure that you communicate the specific date and time of your registration slot to us.
Termly Service Fees
Our fee is £350 per term, which includes VAT, alongside a one-time non-refundable registration fee of £150. If a student’s visa application is refused, we offer a full refund of the term guardianship fee.
Optional services
We provide a variety of optional services for an additional charge. A comprehensive list will be included in your welcome letter. Examples include:
- Assistance with new visa applications and renewals
- Finding suitable host-family accommodations
- Airport meet and greet service
- Transport bookings
- Support with university dormitory setups, bedding, and other essentials
- Help with opening a UK bank account
- Monitoring face-to-face visits
- Private tutor arrangements
- Emergency support for unexpected events
- Family visitor visa applications
If you wish to include any of these services, please let us know during the application process, and we will request a deposit to cover costs.
At British Guardianship, we prioritize transparency in pricing and offer flexibility to tailor our services to meet your specific needs, ensuring exceptional value for our families.
