Why Do International Students Need a Guardian in the UK?

Studying abroad is a memorable, unique, precious and valuable experience for students. They experience a new culture, make friends from all over the world, and broaden their global perspective. It's no wonder over 500,000 international students study abroad in the UK every year. Of these students, about 140,000 come from China, 140,000 from the EU and 52,000 come from India.

While studying abroad in the UK is exciting, it can also be a bit intimidating for both students and parents. How can parents be sure that their children will be safe while living and studying in the UK? Luckily, UKVI regulation and Boarding schools require guardianship to ensure the safety of international students. 

Guardianship is beneficial for numerous reasons. International students need to have a nearby family they can contact in case of an emergency and help them overcome the challenges of studying abroad in the UK. 

Who Needs an Educational Guardian? 

All students under the age of 16 and whose parents do not reside in the UK must have a designated guardian during their studies. Additionally, all students over the age of 16 whose parents do not live in the EU must also appoint a guardian. 

Who Can Be an Educational Guardian? 

Permanent UK residents over the age of 25 who hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate can be a guardian to international students. AEGIS approved Guardians (The Association of the Education and Guardianship of International Students). AEGIS ensures that host families are responsible and qualified to provide guardianship to students while studying abroad in the UK. 

Host families offering homestay in the UK can also provide guardianship to a family friend - Visit our Educational Guardianship and homestay services.

Why is Educational Guardianship required for International Students? 

Guardians provide support for students during their studies and homestay accommodation during breaks and sickness from school. With an appointed guardian, parents of international students have someone to count on in case of an emergency and students have a safe home away from home. 

What do Guardianship and Homestays Offer Students? 

Guardianships and homestays benefit international students in the following ways: 

• Provide a 24-hour point of contact.

• Help students register with a doctor or dentist.

• Help students obtain a Biometric Residence Permit.

• Act as a point of contact for the school. 

• Assist students during emergencies.

• Arrange travel to and from school.

• Provide supervised full board accommodation during holidays and half-term holidays to boarding students and 365 days accommodation to non-boarding school students.

• Give permission for school trips.

• Support the student's academic progress and attend parents' meetings.

• Communicate with the school regarding the student's wellbeing. 

• Assist students in purchasing school books and supplies. 

• Plan fun day trips to amusement parks and tourist attractions. 

• Full list here

For a good reason, guardianship is required under UKVI regulation and Boarding school policies. International students must have a guardian they can trust while they study abroad. Guardians also take some stress and worry off parents' shoulders when they send their children to an international boarding school. Parents can contact their child's guardian and feel confident that their child has everything they need to be successful while they study abroad. 

Guardians are responsible citizens who have demonstrated their ability to support international students while they study. With an enhanced DBS-certified guardian, students can focus on their academic progress instead of worrying about the logistical challenges of studying in the UK.