why is my university asking me to appoint a UK guardian?

university guardianship - in short

university students in corridor

So, you've got your A-Level results and have performed well enough to gain a place on a UK university course. You've finalised your living arrangements and are ready to embark on your next educational adventure. You thought everything was sorted, so why are your university now asking you to appoint a guardian?

If you are an international student under the age of 18 and have accepted a place to study at a UK university, it is highly likely that your university will ask you to appoint a UK-based educational guardian.

keeping students safe and healthy

Student and teacher talking

Due to an increase in fast-track courses, accelerated academic development, and age differences across global education systems, international students can often join university programmes aged sixteen or seventeen. If these students do not have a parent or relative that resides in the UK, they will be asked to enlist the services of a UK guardianship organisation, such as Bright World. This not only satisfies the guidelines for universities when they become a tier 4 visa sponsor, but also their own internal safeguarding policies.

Most higher education institutes have their own student services department, who are dedicated to ensuring the good health and safety of their students throughout the academic year. However, it is hugely beneficial for students to have an additional support system and mentor, particularly somebody who is independent from the university. It is also advantageous for the universities themselves, as it provides another level of safeguarding and care.

For overseas parents, who are often sending their child abroad for the first time, these type of arrangements provide great peace of mind.

Casper Jones, University Guardianship Programme Manager

"The different levels of care that Bright World offers to university students means that we can cater for all needs and preferences, and this is what makes our service so popular"
Casper Jones, University Guardianship Programme Manager

university guardianship with Bright World

counsellor at university

Bright World's University Guardianship service is available at all universities across the UK. Our unique, specially-designed programme caters for all university students by offering two different packages.

Basic guardianship (Option A) is our lower cost option which provides minimal cover.

Full guardianship (Option B) includes an arrival orientation visit from one of our Local Coordinators. 

Both packages provide access to our 24 hour emergency helpline, which is managed by a member of staff at our Head Office. No matter which package you choose, one of our Local Coordinators will always be nearby to help should you need them. This means that all students have an emergency contact, who they can easily get in touch with in cases of emergency.

in safe hands

family in hands

Bright World takes the guardianship of international students very seriously, and we have very stringent safeguarding policies and procedures.

Since the company was founded in 2000, we have provided a university guardian service to hundreds of students studying all across the UK. Please get in touch if you would like to find our more, or if you would like to apply for university guardianship, you can do so via our application form.

find out more

Happy uni student

University Search

  • search for your university and find out more about guardianship there

Uni student with books

University Guardianship

  • find out more about our university guardianship service

Digital brochures

Digital Information Centre

  • read our University Guardianship brochure, and find out about our other services