University Guardianship - frequently asked questions

If you are an international student applying to a UK university, and you are under the age of 18, you will most likely be asked to nominate an educational guardian prior to commencing your studies. This should be somebody who lives nearby the university, and can provide an emergency contact number.

In order to satisfy guidelines which are assumed by universities when they become a tier 4 visa sponsor, most UK universities will insist that students under the age of 18 appoint a UK-based guardian. Many universities now apply these rules to all their international students, regardless of whether they are here on a Tier 4 visa or not. This is so to satisfy their own internal safeguarding policies.

A guardian can either be a UK-based family member or professional guardianship agency such as Bright World. The university will ask for the contact details and address of the appointed guardian, so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Bright World’s university guardianship service is available at all UK universities. We have Local Coordinators based close by to most universities, meaning we can offer our services nationwide.

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 basic 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.

In short, there is no set time to appoint a guardian. Your university will usually advise you of their deadline, which may be dependent on your course start date. However, it always proves useful to book guardianship as early as possible, so it is one less thing to organise ahead of your start date.

The cost of our service will depend on which option you pick, and how many terms you will require. As a guide, the cost of one term of Basic Guardianship is £240, whilst one term of Full Guardianship is £360. Any subsequent terms required for each package cost £180 each. The number of terms purchased should cover the whole period in which you are under 18 years of age.

Airport transfers and short-term host family stays can also be arranged, upon request.

As there is currently no government regulation of guardianship in the UK, universities will often point parents in the direct of AEGIS accredited organisations such as Bright World. AEGIS accreditation offers a stamp of approval and their processes and practises have been checked and approved by qualified inspectors.