International sponsored students

You are an international sponsored student if you are an overseas fee-paying student who is funded by an organisation to attend UWE Bristol.

This does not include scholarships awarded by UWE Bristol.

Sponsorship may cover part or all your tuition fees and/or living costs. It could come from:

• your home government
• the British Council
• an international organisation or company
• an international university.

A sponsor is not a family member or a friend who has agreed to pay your tuition fees.

As a sponsored student, there are some additional things to consider before, during and after your studies at UWE Bristol. It is important to familiarise yourself with the information on this page.

Let us know that you are sponsored

If you are expecting an external organisation (for example an embassy, your employer, a government organisation) to pay some or all of your tuition fees, and you require the University to send them an invoice, then your sponsor must complete a Sponsor Authorisation form or, if your sponsor is an embassy or government organisation, provide a copy of a Financial Guarantee Letter (FGL).

For international students requiring a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS), evidence of funding is required. You can upload your FGL or sponsor letter at the point of your CAS task.

An FGL or sponsor letter should be on headed paper and must be addressed to the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and clearly outline the following information:

• full name of the organisation paying your fees
• that you are the recipient of the letter
• invoicing address
• any reference number required for invoicing purposes
• the amount (fees) that your sponsor is giving to you or confirmation that the sponsor will meet all your tuition fees and living costs
• contact details (including full name and email) of the authorising person
• your course of study
• the duration of the sponsorship (dates of study).

How to submit your letter

You can upload your FGL or sponsor letter as part of your CAS task when prompted to do so. It’s important for you to provide all relevant documentation or you will be invoiced for all tuition fees.

One-year letters and returning students

You must provide your FGL or sponsor letter at the beginning of each academic year by email to the Sponsorship Team at sponsorstudents@uwe.ac.uk. Please include your Student ID number in the subject of your email.

Your sponsor may require a document that confirms the amount of tuition fees due for the relevant academic year before an FGL or sponsor letter can be produced for you. You can request a status letter by contacting our Information Point. Please include your student ID in the email.

Failure to provide a valid FGL or sponsor letter may result in withdrawal of your studies and your visa cancelled, and you will not be able to fully register at the start of each academic year.

Invoices will be sent to your sponsor once you have provided a valid FGL or sponsor letter, and you have registered with the University. We expect payment from your sponsor in full within 30 days. Paying in instalments is not an available option.

If you have been invoiced for tuition fees

If you have received an invoice by email or there is debt showing on your student record, and you have selected that you have secured funding from an external sponsor, please email sponsor.authorisation@uwe.ac.uk with your Student ID and a copy of your FGL or sponsor letter.

Overview

• Submit your FGL or sponsor letter as part of your CAS task.
• Comply with any requests made by your sponsor.
• The University will only invoice your sponsor for costs as outlined in the FGL or sponsor letter – it is your responsibility to get this corrected and submit a new letter if funds are wrong.
• Debt may be transferred to you if your sponsor fails to pay and could prevent you from graduating.
• It is your responsibility to understand and follow the terms and conditions of your sponsor’s award to you.

When you arrive and during your studies

Registration

Registration is mandatory each academic year and it is your responsibility to ensure you are fully registered before the latest enrolment period. Non-registration will impact access to your timetable and you will not be able to attend lectures. If you do not complete registration, this could result in withdrawal of studies or having your visa cancelled.

There is an in-person registration hub open to all new and returning students. This will be available for daily drop-ins before teaching commences. Everything you need to help you to prepare for arrival at UWE Bristol can be found on the registration webpage.

Progress reports

Throughout the duration of your studies, information will be provided to your sponsor such as progress reports including attendance and engagement data, and any other information required as per the sponsor’s guidelines. Additionally, your sponsor may visit the University and request a meeting with you. For further information on how we may use information about you, see our Student Privacy Notice.

Changing your course

Please note that you are not permitted to change your course partway through your degree programme without prior approval from your sponsor. If you are considering a change, please speak with your sponsor first.

Academic practice

Good academic practice is crucial to having academic integrity and ensuring you achieve good marks throughout your studies. You need to have the skills to produce work for your course that shows that you have understood your modules, think independently and develop your own arguments.

If you are required to resit or retake one or more of your modules, it can be helpful to understand what impact this may have. As a sponsored student, you must obtain written permission from your sponsor to fund any additional costs associated with retaking modules or repeating a year of study. Failure to provide this written permission could result in you being invoiced by the University.

The University offers support from the moment you arrive through to the end of your studies. If you are ever unsure who to speak to, you can drop into one of our Information Points where they will guide you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can get help online through the self-help form.

Learn about our support services, which are available to all international students:

• International Student Support – The Global Student Support Team offer information and advice to ensure you receive any assistance during your studies and get the best from your time at UWE Bristol.
• Library Study Skills Support – If you need help with an assignment, you can ask at a library help desk or via the online enquiry service as your first step. The Library also has a range of study skills, English Language workshops and online study materials.
• Study Support – Preparing for study, it is your responsibility to be aware of your subject including module options. Student Advisors are available on campus to help guide you. Your programme handbook will have details specific to your programme of study including information around your assessments.
• Visa and Immigration Support – Find out how you can get help from the Immigration Advice Service.

Following the publication of results, you can access your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) digitally. This report captures your academic achievements and extra-curricular activities during your time at UWE Bristol including:

• your personal details
• information on your qualification
• additional information regarding your extra-curricular achievements.

eCertificates are published for eligible graduates on our secure documents portal. On receipt of your results, you will receive an email to your personal email address to allow you to register and use the portal.