Applicants under the age of 18 and their parents/legal guardians who are not resident in the UK must appoint a UK-based guardian. Below are the specific requirements and expectations.
UK Guardian Requirements
The appointed guardian must:
- Be an adult who we can contact in case of emergency and can act in loco parentis (in the absence of the parents)
- Be over 25
- Not be a student at any UK institution
- Be based in the UK, ideally in Birmingham, to take on guardian responsibilities until the student is over 18
- Be in the UK legitimately and not on a visitor visa
- Be available to attend enrolment at BCUIC and BCU
- Be nominated and have signed the parental consent form.
Please note: The appointed guardian can be a relative of the student.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and Birmingham City University (BCU) are not able to take on the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians in relation to under 18s, and we do not act in loco parentis in relation to students who are under the age of 18, even when they are provided with our accommodation, during the period until which they legally become adults on their 18th birthday.
UK Guardian Expectations
The person the parents appoint to be the UK guardian on the student’s acceptance form is expected to undertake the following responsibilities whilst the student remains under 18:
- Arrange to meet the student at their UK arrival airport and ensure they arrive safely at their accommodation.
- Ensure the student is settled into their place of accommodation with the daily practical necessities required.
- If the student is not staying in student accommodation, ensure that the student is living with an adult in private accommodation.
- Accompany the student to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and attend on-campus enrolment at BCU. The UK guardian must bring proof of identity with them in the form of a passport or driving license.
This must be the person who has been nominated on the student’s acceptance form.
- Be based in the UK, ideally in Birmingham, and keep in contact with the student (preferably on a weekly basis) to ensure their safety and welfare until their 18th birthday.
If you have any concerns regarding the student’s pastoral and/or academic welfare, please report them to the BCUIC College Services Manager: 0121 331 5791 or jessica.wong@bcuic.bcu.ac.uk.
