Background information about educational oversight 

On 22 March 2011, the Home Secretary announced changes to the student visa system. From 2012, all institutions wishing to recruit overseas students will need to apply to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Highly Trusted Sponsor status.

QAA has been named as one of the bodies that will provide educational oversight for colleges and other providers that want to sponsor international students.

Additional resources from QAA

• QAA's key role in new student visa arrangements
• QAA's conference on educational oversight, including speeches and resources from the event
• Background information about the new arrangements
• Podcast with Dr Stephen Jackson, Director of Reviews at QAA, discussing the new educational oversight arrangements announced by the UK Border Agency, and the implications for private colleges and other HE providers looking to recruit overseas students.

Information from the UK Border Agency

• 28 July 2011: latest information from UKBA for religious, Montessori and Steiner colleges of further education; further education and English language colleges in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; and overseas higher education institutions operating in the UK. Also, consultation on criteria for highly trusted sponsor status, and update on deadlines for applying for educational oversight.
• UK Border Agency announcement on educational oversight
• UK Border Agency announces changes to international student recruitment
• Student visas: statement of intent and transitional measures