All applicants who'll be under the age of 18 on entry to a Bath Spa University course, are required to provide details of a parent or guardian based in the UK until they reach the age of 18.

A UK-based Guardian is required because:

  • neither the University or its Partner Institutions can act “in loco parentis” (i.e., in place of the parent) and may need to contact the student’s parent or guardian, who can act in this role, in case of an emergency; 
  • it's a legal requirement that all students under the age of 18 have suitable care arrangements in place for their travel, living arrangements, and reception on arrival in the UK for international students. 

Educational guardians fulfil the role of parents in their absence. Most often, this is required during illness or emergency situations but can include, for example:

  • when the student becomes ill, or is involved in an emergency situation, or needs to take a break from their University studies for other reasons
  • the guardian may be asked to act as guarantor for the student’s obligations under contracts for tuition fees or accommodation (i.e. since individuals in the UK who are under 18 cannot legally enter a contract)
  • providing consent for any photography/filming involving the U18 student (e.g. for publicity materials)
  • where agreed with the student’s parents, the guardian may provide a home for the student and should ensure that they are well looked-after (e.g. during holiday periods).

The University is not able to appoint, or assist in finding, a suitable guardian but provides the advice below to applicants and their parents.

Responsibilities of the UK-based Guardian

The expected responsibilities of the UK-based guardian are to:

  • act on behalf of the student’s parents and perform the parental tasks and responsibilities delegated by them until the student’s 18th birthday
  • act as the student’s emergency contact
  • provide support to the student, and to contact them regularly
  • contact the University if they are concerned about the student (e.g. about their welfare, wellbeing, or their attendance).

Under 18 applicants and their parents should discuss these responsibilities with the proposed Guardian and ask for their consent before providing the University with their contact details.

Key considerations when choosing a UK-based Guardian 

The University requires that the proposed legal guardian must be a close friend of the family or relative living in the UK, ideally living in the vicinity of the University. 

Applicants will not be allowed to register at the University unless they have provided details of a UK-based guardian and, for international students, a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance to Study) cannot be issued until this information has been provided.

The guardian should:

  • be a close relative or trusted friend of the applicant’s family
  • be over the age of 18
  • reside in the UK, and ideally, near Bath/the southwest of England
  • be able to speak English
  • be contactable in an emergency
  • not be a Bath Spa University staff member or registered student. 

Be aware of scams

The University is aware that international students can be targeted by scammers and criminals who pretend to offer guardianship services, and this can result in applicants and their parents being defrauded and/or exploited in other ways. 

As a result, the University strongly recommends that all U18s applicants (and their parents) intending to apply to Bath Spa University, make the following checks:

  • Check the agency is currently registered on the website of AEGIS, the Association for the Educational Guardianship of International Students. 
  • Make an independent check of the credentials cited by guardianship agencies on their website or documents.   
  • Talk to a number of AEGIS registered agencies. 

Advice for applicants who don't have a personal guardian 

Applicants who don't have a trusted contact in the UK who is willing and able to act as a guardian can access the services of Educational Guardianship agencies who will, for a fee, make guardianship arrangements for them. 

When choosing a guardianship agency, applicants and their parents need to ensure that it's fully regulated by AEGIS, which is the UK Body that inspects guardianship organisations to ensure they meet UK government safeguarding guidelines. 

Parents should expect to build a relationship with the applicant’s guardian and are encouraged to contact a number of AEGIS accredited guardian agencies in order to find the one with which they feel most comfortable. 

Whichever type of guardian is chosen for the student, the University requires: 

  • a copy of the guardian’s agreement with the parents, as part of any offer made to the student
  • completion of the University’s ‘Under 18 Consent Form’ for applicants who will be aged under 18 on entry.