Study or Volunteer Stays in Post-Brexit UK
The UK's Brexit has consequences for students, whether they want to study or do an internship. At this point in time (April 2021) there is a lot of information, but the actual implementation of the new processes has not yet become properly established, and in many places there is still ignorance or uncertainty. We cannot therefore offer a generally binding progress diagram here, but have put together websites for further information.General Information Links
- The most current information on studying in the UK, the status of students on procedures more generally can be found on the British Government's information website.
- The British Council also has a list of key information on their webseite (German).
- Students and interns/volunteers alike need a visa. The British Government website offers a visa test that anyone interested can use to see what kind of visa they need. The issue of the visa papers is chargeable.
- In many cases a certificate of sponsorship is necessary. The institution, organisation or company that is responsible for the intern/volunteer has to request a license to issue a certificate of sponsorship. Information for employers can be accessed at this website.
- Göttingen International also has information on going abroad to the UK on their website on Erasmus/Erasmus+ stays.
- The German DAAD has further information to offer (in German).
Visa Information Links
- For study stays up to six months in length a visa may not be necessary. Further information can be found here (site for German students - change settings for other nationalities).
- Students intending to stay longer than six months at a UK university most likely need a Short-Term Study Visa or Student Visa. Further information can be accessed here (site for German students - change settings for other nationalities).
- Students who want to do an internship or work as a volunteer need a T5 Visa ("Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange"). For this they need a certificate of sponsorship ("A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document. Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number. They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example your working hours.You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your application form - you can only use it once."). In addition they have to prove they have enough money in their bank accounts ("You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.").
Information on thet Certificate of Sponsorship
- For assistant teachers the British Council issues the certificate of sponsorship (see the Register of Workers and Temporary Workers Licensed Sponsors).
- For an internship or volunteer job the employing company, institution or organisation should be asked to provide a certificate. The Register of Workers and Temporary Workers Licensed Sponsors shows whether the employer already holds a license. Check also the a separate Register of Student Licensed Sponsors.
- For any stay supported through the Erasmus/Erasmus+ programmes the certificate of sponsorship is also issued by the British Council. Further information can be found here.