Introduction to the Student route
- Location:Zoom
- Date:21/10/2026
- Time:10:00 am
- Time:2.5 hours
The Student route is part of the points-based visa system, specifically for international students who want to study in the UK. This training course offers a general overview of this immigration route and its requirements.
This course will help you to:
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Identify some of the main requirements of the Student route, including some of those necessary to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
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Recognise some of the main compliance duties for when sponsoring international students under the Student route.
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Locate key resources, relevant support networks, and understand good practice as a Student route sponsor.
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Learn about the importance of compliant advice work, in relation to the requirements of the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
This training can be taken as a stand-alone course or in conjunction with the Student route essentials series to develop your knowledge on specific requirements.
Our training is grounded in the principles of the #WeAreInternational Student Charter, a student-led document that provides guidance on delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
This course will provide you with the tools, skills and knowledge to support the implementation of:
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principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis
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principle 5 of the Charter: Make available targeted support for international students in every area of the student experience (Visas and immigration, Making a home in the UK, Academic experience, Physical and mental wellbeing, Careers and employability).
Who should attend?
This is an introductory course for all professionals who work with Student visa holders or Student visa applicants. It is aimed at those who are new to the Student route. We also welcome staff who are familiar with the Student route and would like a refresher course.
Suitable for: staff working with Student visa holders and applicants
Minimum experience level: no prior experience required
Trainers
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![Christopher Benjamin]()
Christopher Benjamin
Chris is an Advice & Training Officer. The Advice & Training team specialise in student-related immigration law, fee status and student support legislation, as well as other areas affecting international students such as welfare, hardship, and studying and living in the UK. They provide IAA-compliant advice to members and international students and deliver informative, engaging training to members. Their analysis of UK legislation enables UKCISA to identify issues in law and government materials for lobbying or clarification.
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Ruth Sweeney
Ruth is Head of Visa & International Student Advice at King’s College London and has extensive experience advising on UK student immigration and supporting international students in higher education. She brings a practical, real-world perspective to training, combining specialist immigration expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and university staff. Passionate about developing people and building high-performing teams, Ruth is committed to sharing knowledge in a way that builds confidence, develops expertise, and enables colleagues to deliver outstanding support to international students.
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