Joining a school in another country is a big step, and we want the process to be as straightforward as possible for our international families.
RGS Surrey Hills is a licensed student sponsor, which means we are able to sponsor eligible international pupils who require permission to study in the UK.
Our International Admissions team will guide families through the process and, where a visa is required, we work with a specialist visa consultant to help ensure each application is managed correctly and in good time.
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International Admissions at a glance 1. Apply to RGS Surrey Hills → 2. Receive an offer → 3. Accept your place → 4. Visa & CAS process → 5. Confirm guardianship and travel → 6. Join us at RGS Surrey Hills |
Who needs a visa?
Pupils who are not British or Irish citizens and who do not already have another form of permission to live and study in the UK may require a visa before joining RGS Surrey Hills.
For pupils aged 4–17 studying at an independent school, this will usually be the Child Student visa. Different immigration routes may apply depending on the pupil’s age and individual circumstances.
Our International Admissions team will advise families on the process applicable to them.
The visa process
Once a pupil has received and accepted an unconditional offer from RGS Surrey Hills, the visa process can begin.For a Child Student visa application, families will normally need:
- an unconditional offer of a place from the School;
- a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the School;
- evidence that the required funds are available;
- written parental or legal guardian consent covering the application, travel and care arrangements in the UK;
- suitable living and care arrangements while the pupil is in the UK.
A CAS is required before a Child Student visa application can be made.
We use a trusted specialist partner to oversee the visa application process. It is a requirement of the School that families requiring our visa sponsorship use our appointed visa consultant.
When should families apply?
Families applying from outside the UK can currently apply for a Child Student visa up to six months before the course begins.
UKVI advises that applications made from outside the UK will usually receive a decision within three weeks, although processing times can vary. Families should therefore begin the process as early as possible once the necessary documentation is available.
Financial requirements
Families applying for a Child Student visa must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to meet the relevant school fees and living requirements.
The amount and evidence required will depend on the pupil’s circumstances. Our visa consultant will advise families about the documentation required for their application.
As UKVI requirements can change, families should always refer to the latest government guidance when preparing financial evidence.
Child Student visa – money and financial requirements (GOV.UK)
Educational guardianship
We want every international pupil to have appropriate support both at school and when they are away from the boarding community.
Pupils whose parents do not live in the UK are required by RGS Surrey Hills to have suitable educational guardianship arrangements in place.
We normally require guardians to be accredited through a recognised organisation such as AEGIS or the Boarding Schools’ Association, or otherwise approved in accordance with the School’s current requirements.
Families wishing to nominate a trusted friend or relative resident in the UK should contact our International Admissions team before making arrangements so that the appropriate suitability and safeguarding checks can be discussed.
UKVI also sets requirements around the care and living arrangements of Child Student visa holders, including arrangements for time spent away from school.
Child Student visa – where the pupil will live (GOV.UK)
AEGIS – Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students
Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees
Applicants may be required to pay a visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application.
The healthcare surcharge contributes towards access to the UK’s National Health Service during the period covered by the visa. Fees can change, so families should check current government guidance rather than relying on figures published by the School.
Child Student visa – current fees and application information (GOV.UK)
Pay for UK healthcare as part of an immigration application (GOV.UK)
eVisas
Successful Child Student visa applicants now receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of their UK immigration status.
The eVisa is accessed through a UKVI account and should be linked to the travel document the pupil will use when travelling to the UK.
Find out more about eVisas (GOV.UK)
View and prove immigration status (GOV.UK)
Arriving in the UK
International pupils should make sure their travel arrangements comply with the conditions of their visa.
Child Student visa holders can currently arrive in the UK up to one month before their course starts, but cannot arrive before the start date shown on their visa.
Our boarding and International Admissions teams can provide families with information about arrival arrangements before the beginning of term.
Important information
UK immigration rules and guidance can change. Information on this page is intended as general guidance and should not be treated as immigration or legal advice.
Families using RGS Surrey Hills sponsorship will be supported through the process by our appointed visa consultant and International Admissions team.
For the latest official information, please refer to the UK Government website.
UK Government – Child Student visa guidance
Need help?
Our International Admissions team is here to help with questions about joining RGS Surrey Hills from overseas, including admissions, boarding, guardianship and the visa process.
International Admissions
registrar@rgs-surreyhills.org
+44 (0)1372 385002