Understanding financial requirements is key to supporting students in their visa applications. This training course offers an in-depth overview of the financial requirements of the Student route and how the rules and guidance apply.   

This course will help you to:    

• Identify the relevant rules and guidance on financial requirements under the Student route, including evidence requirements.  
• Explore how students can meet financial requirements, including any exemptions.  
• Consider issues that may arise in meeting the requirements or obtaining the required evidence.  

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and would like to further understand the financial requirements within the route. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Student sponsors are required to assess English language ability of Student route applicants. This training course offers  an in-depth overview of the English language requirements and how the rules and guidance apply. 

This course will help you to: 

• Identify the English language requirements a Student route applicant must meet. 
• Recognise sponsor duties when assessing English language requirements under the Student route.  
• Consider the type of qualifications that can be used to assess English language ability and when the rules allow flexibility. 
• Discover the different types of English language assessments available. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route.  

This training can be taken as a stand-alone course or in conjunction with the Student route essentials series, to develop your knowledge onof specific requirements. The next training in this series is on academic progress. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and would like to further understand the English language requirements within the route. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles; admissions roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Student route applicants must demonstrate academic progression between one period of study and the next. This training course offers an in-depth overview of the academic progress requirements in the Immigration Rules and the responsibilities of Student sponsors. 

This course will help you to:  

• Identify how academic progress is defined and which exceptions from the academic progress requirement apply.  
• Explore how the academic progress requirements and the Student route study condition relate to each other.  
• Advise Students on the consequences of not meeting the academic progress requirements.  
• Discover key resources relating to the academic progress requirement 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and will likely be most relevant to those involved in assessing academic progress. However, it is open to anyone who would like to further understand the academic progress requirements within the route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles; admissions roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'The delivery was good and the information provided was broken down well making it easy to digest.'

Issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an integral stage in the Student route application process. This training course offers an in-depth overview of how to assign CAS in line with the Student Route legislation and guidance.    

 This course will help you to:  

• Identify the main requirements for assigning a CAS to Student route applicants. 
• Recognise sponsor duties when assigning CAS under the Student route. 
• Consider issues that may arise when completing CAS details for a Student route applicant on the Sponsor Management System.  
• Feel confident in implementing institutional processes to enable you to accurately assign CAS and therefore minimise refusals. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route, not the Child Student route or any other immigration categories. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for new staff  who are responsible for assigning Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to international students. We also welcome anyone who is familiar with assigning a CAS under the Student route and would like a refresher course.    

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience or UKCISA training expected 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'It was very engaging and clear even though the topic had lots of details to cover. The hosts were very patient with our queries and took the time to ensure we fully understood the points they had made. '

Stop press is our biannual flagship event for UKCISA members to keep up to date with all significant immigration changes affecting international students from the last six months.   

We will be holding this event on  19 November to cover changes and updates to law and policy from May 2024 to October 2024. It will include any relevant changes from the Autumn Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules as well as an update on UKCISA’s work in liaising on policies and processes with government departments. 

This course will help you to:  

• identify changes in law, policy, guidance and caselaw that have had a big impact on international students in the preceding 6 months. 
• assess how these changes affect your work. 
• hear from UKCISA about any potential impact of recent and upcoming changes and ongoing discussions in relation to these. 

This stand-alone training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss relevant immigration developments.  

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 all the principles in the charter. 

Who should attend?  

This event is for staff working with international students who have a good understanding of the current immigration system.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff;  

Minimum experience level: experience of the Student route required 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee told us:

'The information was relayed in a concise and understandable way'

'Can't wait for the next one, it was very informative'

This three-part training course offers UKCISA members an introduction to the regulations that determine who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas fees’ for higher education in England.   

We will cover key concepts of fee assessment and explore the ‘home’ student fee categories that assessors come across most frequently. The course is highly participative, and between sessions, delegates will be required to do extra reading in preparation for the next session.   

This course will help you to: 

• Understand the key terms and concepts that arise in fee status assessment work. 
• Identify requirements for the most commonly-used categories of ‘home’ fee-paying students. 
• Discover resources to help you in your day-to-day work, and keep up to date. 

This course will be delivered in three parts. Delegates must attend all three sessions:  

• Session 1: Thursday 21 November 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Session 2: Friday 22 November 10.00am – 12.00pm
• Session 3: Friday 22 November 2.30pm – 4.30pm

In advance of the training, delegates will be asked to download various written materials from the UKCISA website. These will be used for reference throughout the course. 

This course will touch briefly on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’. However, we know that some members would like to talk about that topic in more detail than this course allows, so in 2024-25 we will also be running a separate workshop ‘Spotlight on ‘ordinary residence’ in fee assessments’, for any members who would like to explore that particular topic in greater depth. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for staff who are fee assessors. We welcome those who are new to the role of assessing fee status.  

We also welcome those who are familiar with fee assessment and would like an overview to refresh their knowledge. If you are looking for training specifically on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’ in a particular place, take a look at

Suitable for: Fee assessors  

Minimum experience level: No prior experience required  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'This was really excellent for a beginner and has provided a solid foundation, on which I can build upon by referring to the guidance documents.'

Starting in a role working with international students can be an exciting time. The work can also present new and intricate challenges where no two days are ever the same. This two-part training course will equip you to navigate your way through the early part of your career working with international students. It will encourage you to reflect on how you contribute to the international student experience, as well as helping you to harness your skills to thrive in your role.  

This course will help you to:  

• Explore how your role relates and contributes to the international student experience 
• Identify the skills and tools needed to thrive in your role, and how UKCISA can support you 
• Find and navigate the key resources most relevant to your role 
• Discuss and explore good practice when working with international students 
• Learn to build and implement your professional boundaries  
• Develop good practices to help manage your professional wellbeing  

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 all areas of the Charter in your work.  

The course will be delivered in two parts. Delegates must attend both sessions:   

• Session 1: Tuesday 26 November 10.00am – 12.30pm  
• Session 2: Thursday 28 November 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Who should attend? 

This course is designed for staff that have recently started a role in education that works with international students. This may include, but is not limited to, roles in advice, compliance, fee assessment, admissions, or student experience.  

Suitable for: any staff working with international students 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience required 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

We are excited to announce that bookings are now open for our annual AISA conference will take place at Conference Aston, Birmingham city centre on Monday 2 December 10.30am – 3pm. The price is just £55pp and we hope the low cost will allow many members to attend. 

Programme: 

10:00: Arrival and coffee 

10.30 -12.00: Operational update from UKVI. A member of UKVI’s Operations Team will provide an update on the Summer surge and their plans for winter. Following the update, there will be a Q and A session for attendees. We will request questions in advance to those who register for the event.

12.15 – 13.15: World café discussions, extended networking and lunch. We are looking for International Student Advisers to share an area of best practice, an interesting area of your work or some relevant research during our lunch time networking session. As a thank you, if your proposal is accepted, AISA will offer you a free place at the conference (maximum 1 per institution). There will be up to 10 free places available.

If you would like to submit a proposal, please send a short paragraph explaining the good practice you would like to share to Rachel (r.hacking@qmul.ac.uk) by 18 October 2024. We will let you know by 6 November 2024 if your proposal has been accepted.  

13.30 – 15.00:  Dealing with difficult customer situations and de-escalation workshop. A highly experienced external provider, Ash Charlton (ACE Training), will deliver a workshop in which you can learn how to stay calm and appear confident in difficult situations, deliver conflict-minimising feedback and close down threatening or discriminatory behaviours. In the workshop you will also look at how to defuse strong emotion and resolve conflicts in a number of real-life situations relevant to International Student Advisers.

When assessing fee status, there are some cases where issues around residence requirements can appear complex, and in need of careful consideration. This workshop is for those who would like time to focus on residence requirements - assessing whether there has been ordinary residence in a particular area, and the purpose of residence in that area. 

Participants in this workshop will work with UKCISA facilitators to investigate processes that are thorough, fair and effective in dealing with these issues. This is a highly participative workshop and is aimed at those working in HE fee assessment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Prior to the workshop we will ask you to read selected parts of our web information on Ordinary residence case law, to give you a grounding in relevant case law and pertinent government guidance. During the workshop we will discuss issues that arise from the cases and give you space to consider possible processes for addressing those issues. 

This course will help you to: 

• consider processes for deciding whether or not someone has been ordinarily resident in whatever residence area is relevant (or should be treated as though they have been) 
• consider processes for deciding whether the main purpose for being ordinarily resident in the relevant residence area has been to receive full-time education 

This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for fee assessors working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. For this workshop, you need to have good working knowledge of the different requirements that separate categories of ‘home’ student have to meet, in your part of the UK. We will assume you have this knowledge, and there will be no time on this workshop to cover the basic frameworks for assessing fee status. If you are looking for an introduction to fee categories take a look at one of our ‘HE fee assessment’ courses. 

Suitable for: fee assessors, working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland 

Minimum experience level: good working knowledge of the different requirements that separate categories of ‘home’ students have to meet, in your part of the UK

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

Despite the exemption a number of educational institutions have from the requirement to apply for OISC authorisation, navigating the OISC requirements and obligations can sometimes feel like a daunting process. This training will focus on navigating the requirements and look at ways in which you can incorporate the requirements into your working practice.   

By the end of the session, you will be able to:   

• Recognise what the OISC is, its function, and how it operates. 
• Identify your obligations as a regulated adviser (both advisory and compliance related) in light of the OISC requirements. 
• Identify the routes to OISC authorisation including the relevant exemptions. 
• Recognise the different levels of OISC advice and services, so that you can understand your limitations, and identify when appropriate referrals are necessary. 

This training will include presentations, practical casework examples, and the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. We will also be examining what the new Code of Standards and accompanying guidance means for your work as a regulated adviser. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for those new to their role who would like an understanding of the requirements. We also welcome staff who are familiar with the requirements, but who would like a refresher especially in light of the new Code of Standards and accompanying guidance.   

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience required 

An important part of an International Student Adviser’s role is assisting students in making applications under the Student route. This training course offers  an in-depth overview of how to assist applicants to submit a valid Student route application.  

This course will help you to:  

• Identify the key requirements a Student route applicant must meet, as well as additional requirements that can affect applications. 
• Consider issues that may arise in meeting the requirements or obtaining the required evidence.  
• Feel confident in your ability to assist applicants in making a valid visa application.   

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. Please note that we will not be going through the Student application form itself. Delegates are free to raise queries or concerns with the application form in the session with the trainers however.  The training will also It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for International Student Advisers. We welcome new staff and those who are familiar with assisting students in making applications under the Student route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'Tema and Christian both spoke well and were knowledgeable about the subject matter and answered questions in an easy-to-understand way, in a timely manner.'

Some students can have family members with them in the UK, known as ‘Dependants’, under the Student route. This training session will focus on who meets the definition of being a Dependant and which students can have Dependants join them in the UK. 

This course will help you to:  

• Identify which people with Student route permission can have family members with them in the UK. 
• Locate the Immigration Rules which identify the family relationships which make someone eligible for immigration permission as a Student route Dependant, including the requirements that partners and children must meet. 
• Advise Student route Dependant applicants on how to apply for permission, including financial requirements, when to apply, and where to apply from. 
• Understand what length of permission a Student route Dependant receives and what they can do with that permission, including rights to study. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. We will only focus on Dependants under the Student route and will not discuss the Graduate route. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 

• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route and currently advise Student route applicants and their family members who wish to come to the UK as Dependants.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers 

Minimum experience level: good knowledge of the Student route and currently/previously advising Students under the Student route (preferably to have done some UKCISA ‘Student route essentials’ training) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'As someone who is new to this sector, I was grateful to have everything explained in laymen's terms without jargon and information about where I could find everything etc. All of the information was delivered in a clear and concise way.'

An individual with Standard Visitor permission can visit the UK for a temporary duration and is permitted to carry out a number of activities including tourism, visiting friends and family, or undertaking a short course of study. This training course will focus on the study options within the Visitor route.   

This course will help you to:     

• Recognise what type of study is permitted under the Visitor route.  
• Find key resources for the Visitor route including the relevant rules and guidance.  
• Identify what is needed to apply under the Visitor route including evidence required if using the route to study. 

We will not discuss other immigration routes, including the short-term Student route. You can find out more about this on our website and in the UKCISA Manual.   

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Visitor route and would like to further understand the rules and guidance relating to study options within the route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience or UKCISA training expected

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

Working with international students can be rewarding, but it also presents a number of cultural challenges for both students and staff alike. This training will focus on exploring some of those challenges and navigating some of the ways to alleviate them.   

This course will provide a foundation to help you to:     

• Know what culture is and how it is defined. 
• Identify what factors make up and contribute to one’s cultural identity. 
• Recognise the impact cultural identity has on our work with international students. 
• Identify ways to improve your communication skills when working with international students. 
• Identify ways in which to create an environment that respects cultural diversity.  

This training will consider what culture is generally, and how to be more aware of (and sensitive to), the impact of cultural differences. We will not be taking a ‘cultural specific’ approach to this training by considering specific cultures.   

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: 

• principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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). 

The course will be delivered in two parts. Delegates must attend both sessions: 

• Session 1: Thursday 16 January 2.00pm – 4.30pm 
• Session 2: Friday 17 January 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Who should attend? 

• Suitable for: all staff working with international students 

• Minimum experience level: no prior experience required  

This course is for professionals of any experience level who may wish to have an increased awareness of cultural issues that impact international students and explore ways of working more effectively with them.  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'I really enjoyed the use of breakout rooms to discuss how we can communicate more effectively and create an environment that respects cultural diversity. It was great getting to speak to people in other job roles from other institutions and seeing their perspectives and sharing best practice.'

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: 

• Identify the main requirements of the Student route, including those necessary to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).  
• Recognise the main sponsor duties under the Student route, including compliance duties while sponsoring international students. 
• Discover key resources, relevant support networks, and good practice as a sponsor. 
• Learn about the importance of OISC compliance.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 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 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'Good level of information, and capacity to ask questions'

There are many immigration routes available for students after they have completed their studies in the UK. We will focus on a select few during this training course to help develop your ability to effectively advise your students and graduates. 

This course will help you to: 

• Identify routes that a Student visa holder can apply to upon completion of their studies. 
• Explore how students can meet the requirements of these routes, and when certain routes will be available to them. 
• Compare and contrast the work routes available for students. 
• Recall where relevant information and guidance for the routes can be found. 
• Recognise the OISC requirements for providing advice on these routes. 

This training is a stand-alone course and will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route, who currently advise students, and would like to develop the ability to effectively advise them on post-study work options. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff; careers staff 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected)

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

Previous attendee: 'I really enjoyed that took a practical approach to the subject looking at how this applies to us as student sponsors'

Issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an integral stage in the Student route application process. This training course offers an in-depth overview of how to assign CAS in line with the Student Route legislation and guidance.    

 This course will help you to:  

• Identify the main requirements for assigning a CAS to Student route applicants. 
• Recognise sponsor duties when assigning CAS under the Student route. 
• Consider issues that may arise when completing CAS details for a Student route applicant on the Sponsor Management System.  
• Feel confident in implementing institutional processes to enable you to accurately assign CAS and therefore minimise refusals. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route, not the Child Student route or any other immigration categories. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for new staff  who are responsible for assigning Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to international students. We also welcome anyone who is familiar with assigning a CAS under the Student route and would like a refresher course.    

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience or UKCISA training expected

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'It was a great overview and I felt that Rosalind went into just the right amount of information for each section.'

This three-part training course offers UKCISA members an introduction to the regulations that determine who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas fees’ for higher education in Scotland.  

We will cover key terms and concepts of fee assessment, explore the ‘home’ student fee categories that assessors encounter most frequently, and look at Scotland’s specific approach to considerations around ordinary residence. This course is highly participative, and between sessions, delegates will be required to do extra reading in preparation for the next session.   

This course will help you to: 

• Understand the key terms and concepts that arise in fee status assessment work. 
• Identify requirements for some of the most commonly-used categories of ‘home’ fee-paying students. 
• Understand Scotland’s approach to considerations around ordinary residence. 
• Discover resources to help you in your day-to-day work, and keep up to date. 

The course will be delivered in three parts. Delegates must attend all three sessions: 

• Session 1: Wednesday 12 February 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Session 2: Thursday 13 February 10.00am – 12.00pm
• Session 3: Thursday 13 February 2.30pm – 4.30pm

In advance of the training, delegates should visit our Scotland fee status webpage, to familiarise themselves with key concepts. We will refer to this, and delegates will use this, throughout the course.   

Who should attend? 

This course is for staff who are fee assessors. We welcome those who are new to the role of assessing fee status and those who are familiar with fee assessment and would like a refresher course. 

Suitable for: fee assessors 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience required 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Previous attendee: 'Excellent sessions presented in a clear & concise manner. A lot of information to take on board but good points of reference to retain from the presentation & advice on where to go for extra support if required. Thank you.'

Understanding financial requirements is key to supporting students in their visa applications. This training course offers an in-depth overview of the financial requirements of the Student route and how the rules and guidance apply.   

This course will help you to:    

• Identify the relevant rules and guidance on financial requirements under the Student route, including evidence requirements.  
• Explore how students can meet financial requirements, including any exemptions.  
• Consider issues that may arise in meeting the requirements or obtaining the required evidence.  

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and would like to further understand the financial requirements within the route. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected)

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

Student sponsors are required to assess English language ability of Student route applicants. This training course offers  an in-depth overview of the English language requirements and how the rules and guidance apply. 

This course will help you to: 

• Identify the English language requirements a Student route applicant must meet. 
• Recognise sponsor duties when assessing English language requirements under the Student route.  
• Consider the type of qualifications that can be used to assess English language ability and when the rules allow flexibility. 
• Discover the different types of English language assessments available. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route.  

This training can be taken as a stand-alone course or in conjunction with the Student route essentials series, to develop your knowledge onof specific requirements. The next training in this series is on academic progress. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and would like to further understand the English language requirements within the route. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles; admissions roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Advisers make good coaches – or do they? Many advice skills such as listening, asking questions and summarising are also key coaching skills, but there are several important differences.  

This training course offers an introduction to coaching techniques which you can apply immediately in your day-to-day work with students, colleagues and staff you manage. 

This course will help you to: 

• Recognise what coaching is and how, when and why to use it. 
• Listen more effectively. 
• Apply powerful questions which support development. 
• Set goals for yourself and for others. 

This training is highly interactive and will provide the opportunity to practice coaching in small groups.  

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 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 course is for anyone who is curious about coaching and who would like to enhance how they advise students, work with and/or manage staff. It is suitable for both new and experienced advisers and managers. 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Student route applicants must demonstrate academic progression between one period of study and the next. This training course offers an in-depth overview of the academic progress requirements in the Immigration Rules and the responsibilities of Student sponsors. 

This course will help you to:  

• Identify how academic progress is defined and which exceptions from the academic progress requirement apply.  
• Explore how the academic progress requirements and the Student route study condition relate to each other.  
• Advise Students on the consequences of not meeting the academic progress requirements.  
• Discover key resources relating to the academic progress requirement 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Student route and will likely be most relevant to those involved in assessing academic progress. However, it is open to anyone who would like to further understand the academic progress requirements within the route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles; admissions roles 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 protects applicants from becoming overstayers in certain circumstances. This training course will focus on what Section 3C is and how it operates.  

This course will help you to:  

• Learn what Section 3C is and what it does, including who it helps and who it cannot help. 
• Identify how Section 3C applies to someone who has their immigration application refused and how that differs from having an application rejected as invalid. 
• Recognise when Section 3C starts and ends and when it can be cancelled.  

This training is a stand-alone course and will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience.  

We will not have the opportunity to discuss immigration applications under specific routes such as the Student route, refusals of applications under the Student route, or administrative reviews.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route, currently advise Student route applicants, and would like to develop their ability to effectively advise them. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route required 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Taking on a leadership role in teams that deliver a world-class international student experience can be extremely rewarding. It can also be a highly pressured environment with unique challenges. UKCISA’s Leadership skills course was created specifically for UKCISA members experienced in working with, and for, international students.  

Julie Allen has combined her knowledge of UKCISA members and their work with students, her 20+ years’ experience working in international education, and her coaching qualifications and expertise to design three short and impactful sessions, focusing on areas particularly relevant for experienced staff and managers working with international students and the teams who support them: observation, teamwork and fulfilling tasks. This course comprises of three highly interactive small group sessions. 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 the Charter in all areas of your work. 

Who should attend? 

This course is for experienced advisers and managers who would like to improve their leadership skills. 

Suitable for: all staff roles 

Minimum experience level: UKCISA members who are experienced advisers or managers 

Session one: Observation: How to see better and increase your impact at work 

Thursday 13 March 10.00-12.30 

Did you know that of all the senses, sight takes up most of the space in the brain?  

For most of us with the good fortune to be sighted, we are looking and seeing all the time and, as a result, many of us take it for granted. But what if we could see more when we look? What if we could learn how to look and see more effectively? What if we could harness this under-rated skill to be a more effective adviser, colleague, manager or leader?  

This short interactive workshop offers UKCISA members an opportunity to hone your observation skills which you can apply immediately in your day-to-day work with students, colleagues and staff you manage. 

This session will help you to: 

• Understand how the brain processes what we see 
• Become more aware of how students and colleagues see differently from ourselves 
• Develop new seeing habits that will improve your effectiveness at work  
• Increase your own visibility at work – and the work of your team 
   

Session 2: Teamwork: how to develop communicative, collaborative teams 

Thursday 10 April 10.00-12.30 

Are you part of a team at work? Do you lead a team? Do you enjoy being part of a team or do you prefer doing your own thing? How does your team get along with others in your organisation? We all feel differently about the teams we are part of and the teams that we work with. This makes the workplace interesting, stimulating and fun but it can also make it challenging or difficult. With so many teams working hybrid, the situation is even more complex. 

This short interactive workshop offers UKCISA members an opportunity to explore team communication, group dynamics, reflect on your personal experience of working in teams and learn tools to enhance your role as team member and/or team leader. 

This session will help you to: 

• Understand why some teams are effective while others aren’t  
• Explore the challenges posed by working in hybrid teams  
• Discover easy-to-use tools to make teamwork more effective in your role as member or leader 
• Apply learning from your own experience of teamwork 
• Feel more confident about tackling challenging team behaviours 

Session 3: Fulfilling Tasks: how to find focus and satisfaction in your role 

Thursday 8 May 10.00-12.30 

Do you have so many tasks on your to-do list that you feel confused about what you are actually supposed to be doing at work?  
Do you have so much to do that it becomes impossible to prioritise? 
Do you get the sense that staff in other roles don’t full appreciate the complexity of the tasks you have to complete (and why they take as long as they do?) 

The workplace can be a frustrating place! 

This short interactive workshop offers UKCISA members an opportunity to delve into their day-to-day working practices and uncover ways to manage their workload more effectively. Through discussion and case studies, members will identify more (and less) useful approaches to their work, ways to help others understand their work and ways to regain satisfaction of a job well done. 

This session will help you to: 

• Understand why you – or staff you manage – get lost or ‘off task’ (and how to find the way back) 
• Identify the tasks at work that really matter (and ones that don’t) 
• Become more effective at prioritising tasks and managing your workload 
• Become more skilled at articulating the work that you do to help your manager or other teams support you in your role  

An important part of an International Student Adviser’s role is assisting students in making applications under the Student route. This training course offers  an in-depth overview of how to assist applicants to submit a valid Student route application.  

This course will help you to:  

• Identify the key requirements a Student route applicant must meet, as well as additional requirements that can affect applications. 
• Consider issues that may arise in meeting the requirements or obtaining the required evidence.  
• Feel confident in your ability to assist applicants in making a valid visa application.   

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. Please note that we will not be going through the Student application form itself. Delegates are free to raise queries or concerns with the application form in the session with the trainers however.  The training will also It only covers requirements for the Student route. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for International Student Advisers. We welcome new staff and those who are familiar with assisting students in making applications under the Student route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

This three-part training course offers UKCISA members an introduction to the regulations that determine who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas fees’ for higher education in England.   

We will cover key concepts of fee assessment and explore the ‘home’ student fee categories that assessors come across most frequently. The course is highly participative, and between sessions, delegates will be required to do extra reading in preparation for the next session.   

This course will help you to: 

• Understand the key terms and concepts that arise in fee status assessment work. 
• Identify requirements for the most commonly-used categories of ‘home’ fee-paying students. 
• Discover resources to help you in your day-to-day work, and keep up to date. 

This course will be delivered in three parts. Delegates must attend all three sessions:  

• Session 1: Thursday 20 March 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Session 2: Friday 21 March 10.00am – 12.00pm
• Session 3: Friday 21 March 2.30pm – 4.30pm

In advance of the training, delegates will be asked to download various written materials from the UKCISA website. These will be used for reference throughout the course. 

This course will touch briefly on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’. However, we know that some members would like to talk about that topic in more detail than this course allows, so in 2024-25 we will also be running a separate workshop ‘Spotlight on ‘ordinary residence’ in fee assessments’, for any members who would like to explore that particular topic in greater depth. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for staff who are fee assessors. We welcome those who are new to the role of assessing fee status.  

We also welcome those who are familiar with fee assessment and would like an overview to refresh their knowledge. If you are looking for training specifically on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’ in a particular place, take a look at

Suitable for: Fee assessors  

Minimum experience level: No prior experience required  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Some students can have family members with them in the UK, known as ‘Dependants’, under the Student route. This training session will focus on who meets the definition of being a Dependant and which students can have Dependants join them in the UK. 

This course will help you to:  

• Identify which people with Student route permission can have family members with them in the UK. 
• Locate the Immigration Rules which identify the family relationships which make someone eligible for immigration permission as a Student route Dependant, including the requirements that partners and children must meet. 
• Advise Student route Dependant applicants on how to apply for permission, including financial requirements, when to apply, and where to apply from. 
• Understand what length of permission a Student route Dependant receives and what they can do with that permission, including rights to study. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. We will only focus on Dependants under the Student route and will not discuss the Graduate route. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route and currently advise Student route applicants and their family members who wish to come to the UK as Dependants.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers 

Minimum experience level: good knowledge of the Student route and currently/previously advising Students under the Student route (preferably to have done some UKCISA ‘Student route essentials’ training) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

This two-part training course focuses on the rules and guidance on refusals and administrative reviews, and how they function within the Student route.  

This course will help you to:  

• Explain the responsibilities and limits of your advice role. 
• Recognise a Student route refusal based on general grounds and understand its likely consequences. 
• Identify available options for students when their leave expires, following a refusal.  
• Find the relevant rules and guidance on administrative reviews, including the relevant timescales and requirements. 
• Explain how students apply for administrative reviews, including when an administrative review application can be made and where from.  
• Consider how to support students making administrative reviews and how their immigration status is impacted throughout the stages of an administrative review. 

 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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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). 

The course will be delivered in two parts. Delegates must attend both sessions:  

• Session 1: Wednesday 2 April 10.00am – 12.30pm 
• Session 2: Friday 4 April 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Who should attend? 

This course is for staff who have a good understanding of the Student route, and would like to further understand the rules and guidance relating to refusals and administrative reviews. We recommend that those who are unfamiliar with Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 attend our training course on 12 March 2025.  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

An individual with Standard Visitor permission can visit the UK for a temporary duration and is permitted to carry out a number of activities including tourism, visiting friends and family, or undertaking a short course of study. This training course will focus on the study options within the Visitor route.   

This course will help you to:     

• Recognise what type of study is permitted under the Visitor route.  
• Find key resources for the Visitor route including the relevant rules and guidance.  
• Identify what is needed to apply under the Visitor route including evidence required if using the route to study. 

We will not discuss other immigration routes, including the short-term Student route. You can find out more about this on our website and in the UKCISA Manual.   

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for staff who have some basic knowledge of the Visitor route and would like to further understand the rules and guidance relating to study options within the route.  

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience or UKCISA training expected 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Working with international students can be rewarding, but it also presents a number of cultural challenges for both students and staff alike. This training will focus on exploring some of those challenges and navigating some of the ways to alleviate them.   

This course will provide a foundation to help you to:     

• Know what culture is and how it is defined. 
• Identify what factors make up and contribute to one’s cultural identity. 
• Recognise the impact cultural identity has on our work with international students. 
• Identify ways to improve your communication skills when working with international students. 
• Identify ways in which to create an environment that respects cultural diversity.  

This training will consider what culture is generally, and how to be more aware of (and sensitive to), the impact of cultural differences. We will not be taking a ‘cultural specific’ approach to this training by considering specific cultures.   

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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). 

The course will be delivered in two parts. Delegates must attend both sessions: 

• Session 1: Tuesday 29 April 2.00pm – 4.30pm 
• Session 2: Wednesday 30 April 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Who should attend? 

• Suitable for: all staff working with international students 

• Minimum experience level: no prior experience required  

This course is for professionals of any experience level who may wish to have an increased awareness of cultural issues that impact international students and explore ways of working more effectively with them. 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

Issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an integral stage in the Student route application process. This training course offers an in-depth overview of how to assign CAS in line with the Student Route legislation and guidance.    

 This course will help you to:  

• Identify the main requirements for assigning a CAS to Student route applicants. 
• Recognise sponsor duties when assigning CAS under the Student route. 
• Consider issues that may arise when completing CAS details for a Student route applicant on the Sponsor Management System.  
• Feel confident in implementing institutional processes to enable you to accurately assign CAS and therefore minimise refusals. 

This training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. It only covers requirements for the Student route, not the Child Student route or any other immigration categories. If you would like to find out more about different immigration routes, please search for other training courses or look at the UKCISA Manual.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for new staff  who are responsible for assigning Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to international students. We also welcome anyone who is familiar with assigning a CAS under the Student route and would like a refresher course.    

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance roles 

Minimum experience level: no prior experience or UKCISA training expected

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

There are many immigration routes available for students after they have completed their studies in the UK. We will focus on a select few during this training course to help develop your ability to effectively advise your students and graduates. 

This course will help you to: 

• Identify routes that a Student visa holder can apply to upon completion of their studies. 
• Explore how students can meet the requirements of these routes, and when certain routes will be available to them. 
• Compare and contrast the work routes available for students. 
• Recall where relevant information and guidance for the routes can be found. 
• Recognise the OISC requirements for providing advice on these routes. 

This training is a stand-alone course and will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route, who currently advise students, and would like to develop the ability to effectively advise them on post-study work options. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff; careers staff 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route (no prior UKCISA training expected) 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

This three-part training course offers UKCISA members an introduction to the regulations that determine who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas fees’ for higher education in Wales.   
 
We will cover key concepts of fee assessment and explore the ‘home’ student fee categories that assessors come across most frequently. The course is highly participative, and between sessions, delegates will be required to do extra reading in preparation for the next session. 

This course will help you to: 

• Understand the key terms and concepts that arise in fee status assessment work. 
• Identify requirements for the most commonly-used categories of ‘home’ fee-paying students. 
• Discover resources to help in your day-to-day work, and keep you up to date.

The course will be delivered in three parts. Delegates must attend all three sessions:  

• Session 1: Thursday 15 May 2.00pm – 4.00pm  
• Session 2: Friday 16 May 10.00am – 12.00pm  
• Session 3: Friday 16 May 2.30pm – 4.30pm  

In advance of the training, delegates will be asked to download various written materials from the UKCISA website. These will be used for reference throughout the course. 

This course will touch briefly on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’. However, we know that some members would like to talk about that topic in more detail than this course allows, so in 2024-25 we will also be running a separate workshop ‘Spotlight on ‘ordinary residence’ in fee assessments’, for any members who would like to explore that particular topic in greater depth. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for staff who are fee assessors. We welcome those who are new to the role of assessing fee status.    

We also welcome those who are familiar with fee assessment and would like an overview to refresh their knowledge. If you are looking for training specifically on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’ in a particular place, take a look at our new 2024-25 workshop ‘Spotlight on ‘ordinary residence’ in fee assessment’. 

Suitable for: Fee assessors  

Minimum experience level: No prior experience required   

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Stop press is our biannual flagship event for UKCISA members to keep up to date with all significant immigration changes affecting international students from the last six months.   

We will be holding this event on  x May to cover changes and updates from November 2024 to April 2025. It will include any relevant changes from the Spring Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules as well as an update on UKCISA’s work in liaising on policies and processes with government departments.  

This course will help you to: 

• identify changes in law, policy, guidance and caselaw that have had a big impact on international students in the preceding 6 months. 
• assess how these changes affect your work. 
• hear from UKCISA about any potential impact of recent and upcoming changes and ongoing discussions in relation to these. 

This stand-alone training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss relevant immigration developments. This stand-alone training will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss relevant immigration developments. 

Who should attend?  

This event is for staff working with international students who have a good understanding of the current immigration system. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff;  

Minimum experience level: experience of the Student route required

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here. 

When assessing fee status, there are some cases where issues around residence requirements can appear complex, and in need of careful consideration. This workshop is for those who would like time to focus on residence requirements - assessing whether there has been ordinary residence in a particular area, and the purpose of residence in that area. 

Participants in this workshop will work with UKCISA facilitators to investigate processes that are thorough, fair and effective in dealing with these issues. This is a highly participative workshop and is aimed at those working in HE fee assessment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Prior to the workshop we will ask you to read selected parts of our web information on Ordinary residence case law, to give you a grounding in relevant case law and pertinent government guidance. During the workshop we will discuss issues that arise from the cases and give you space to consider possible processes for addressing those issues. 

This course will help you to:: 

• consider processes for deciding whether or not someone has been ordinarily resident in whatever residence area is relevant (or should be treated as though they have been) 
• consider processes for deciding whether the main purpose for being ordinarily resident in the relevant residence area has been to receive full-time education 

This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for fee assessors working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. For this workshop, you need to have good working knowledge of the different requirements that separate categories of ‘home’ student have to meet, in your part of the UK. We will assume you have this knowledge, and there will be no time on this workshop to cover the basic frameworks for assessing fee status. If you are looking for an introduction to fee categories take a look at one of our ‘HE fee assessment’ courses. 

Suitable for: fee assessors, working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland 

Minimum experience level: good working knowledge of the different requirements that separate categories of ‘home’ students have to meet, in your part of the UK 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 protects applicants from becoming overstayers in certain circumstances. This training course will focus on what Section 3C is and how it operates.  

This course will help you to:  

• Learn what Section 3C is and what it does, including who it helps and who it cannot help. 
• Identify how Section 3C applies to someone who has their immigration application refused and how that differs from having an application rejected as invalid. 
• Recognise when Section 3C starts and ends and when it can be cancelled.  

This training is a stand-alone course and will include presentations, the opportunity for you to ask questions and share your experience.  

We will not have the opportunity to discuss immigration applications under specific routes such as the Student route, refusals of applications under the Student route, or administrative reviews.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 course is for professionals who have a good understanding of the Student route, currently advise Student route applicants, and would like to develop their ability to effectively advise them. 

Suitable for: international student advisers; student advisers; compliance staff 

Minimum experience level: foundational knowledge of the Student route required 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

This three-part training course offers UKCISA members an introduction to the regulations that determine who should be charged ‘home’ fees and who can be charged ‘overseas fees’ for higher education in England.   

We will cover key concepts of fee assessment and explore the ‘home’ student fee categories that assessors come across most frequently. The course is highly participative, and between sessions, delegates will be required to do extra reading in preparation for the next session.   

This course will help you to: 

• Understand the key terms and concepts that arise in fee status assessment work. 
• Identify requirements for the most commonly-used categories of ‘home’ fee-paying students. 
• Discover resources to help you in your day-to-day work, and keep up to date. 

This course will be delivered in three parts. Delegates must attend all three sessions:  

• Session 1: Thursday 3 July 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Session 2: Friday 4 July10.00am – 12.00pm
• Session 3: Friday 4 July 2.30pm – 4.30pm

In advance of the training, delegates will be asked to download various written materials from the UKCISA website. These will be used for reference throughout the course. 

This course will touch briefly on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’. However, we know that some members would like to talk about that topic in more detail than this course allows, so in 2024-25 we will also be running a separate workshop ‘Spotlight on ‘ordinary residence’ in fee assessments’, for any members who would like to explore that particular topic in greater depth. 

Who should attend?  

This course is for staff who are fee assessors. We welcome those who are new to the role of assessing fee status.  

We also welcome those who are familiar with fee assessment and would like an overview to refresh their knowledge. If you are looking for training specifically on the question of what counts as ‘ordinary residence’ in a particular place, take a look at

Suitable for: Fee assessors  

Minimum experience level: No prior experience required  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

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: 

• Identify the main requirements of the Student route, including those necessary to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).  
• Recognise the main sponsor duties under the Student route, including compliance duties while sponsoring international students. 
• Discover key resources, relevant support networks, and good practice as a sponsor. 
• Learn about the importance of OISC compliance.  

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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 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 

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.

This two-part training course focuses on the rules and guidance on refusals and administrative reviews, and how they function within the Student route.  

This course will help you to:  

• Explain the responsibilities and limits of your advice role. 
• Recognise a Student route refusal based on general grounds and understand its likely consequences. 
• Identify available options for students when their leave expires, following a refusal.  
• Find the relevant rules and guidance on administrative reviews, including the relevant timescales and requirements. 
• Explain how students apply for administrative reviews, including when an administrative review application can be made and where from.  
• Consider how to support students making administrative reviews and how their immigration status is impacted throughout the stages of an administrative review. 

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: 

• Principle 4 of the Charter: Monitor and evaluate existing available support and provision for international students on an ongoing basis 
• 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). 

The course will be delivered in two parts. Delegates must attend both sessions:  

• Session 1: Tuesday 22 July 10.00am – 12.30pm 
• Session 2: Thursday 24 July 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Who should attend? 

This course is for staff who have a good understanding of the Student route, and would like to further understand the rules and guidance relating to refusals and administrative reviews. We recommend that those who are unfamiliar with Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 attend our training course on 12 March 2025.  

The full list of courses we currently offer can be found here.