Both migrants and education providers have been under the new Highly Trusted Sponsor Tier 4 rules of the points-based system since 6 April. The list of Highly Trusted Sponsors has changed daily and will continue to do so.
The changes implemented 6 April follow the Government and UK Border Agency’s review of Tier 4. Now, only sponsors who have Highly Trusted status can offer what the UKBA term restricted courses to student migrants. The following are restricted courses and need a Highly Trusted Sponsor Licence to be run:
- Courses of level 3 under the National Qualifications Framework or equivalent; and
- Work and study courses that are below degree level (foundation degree programmes are excluded).
For the remaining institutions in the UK who hold a standard Tier 4 Sponsor Licence can only offer courses at level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework. They will also not be able to offer any courses that have a work placement element, unless they are at degree level or foundation degrees. You should check to make sure that your institution is on the Highly Trusted Sponsors List.
The reason that foundation degrees are exempt is that they lead to a minimum qualification of level 5 on the National Qualification Framework.
For student migrants who are currently studying a restricted course and their sponsor does not have Highly Trusted status, they will be permitted to remain at that institution until their course is completed or their visa expires, whichever is sooner.
Students wishing to extend their visas and are studying a restricted course, must change to a sponsor who has a Highly Trusted Sponsor licence.
hi sir
i would like to ask some questions sir . sir in my place one person came his name is roger vincent hayes he told u want to study in london then u apply so i applied to de montfort university igot prospectus but now i don’t know next what to do he went somewhere he is cheater he took my money also sir please tell any sponsers about this i want study sir this is my number please call me +91 7760619197
thanking you
vinith
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Hi Daniel,
First of all, I would like to appreciate your generous guidance to students. I have found this site very informative and the your answers to the inquiries.
I am from Turkey. I have IELTS 6 Band. I am going to apply to a college for ACCA named “Finance and Business Training FBT (A-rated as per Tier 4 Sponsor Register)” in Birmingham, UK. I have come to know about this college from “London School of Business and Finance LSBF (Highly Trusted Sponsor)”. LSBF told me that it is our partner college in Birmingham.
My question is that If I do ACCA from FBT, whether my visa will be rejected on basis of rating or not. Can ACCA be done in A-rated College. What is NQF Level of ACCA for ACCA Fundamental Courses.
Moreover, If FBT is partner college of LSBF, whether CAS will be issued from FBT or LSBF.
Please, guide me in this regard.
Advance thanks.
Azam
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dear Daniel,
I would like to know whether ‘A’ or ‘B’ rated colleges can offer foundation degree (equivalent to NQF level 5) under the new Tier 4 rules…pls enlighten me in this regard.
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