Every year thousands of overseas students are admitted to the UK to study in universities and colleges. While many overseas students are single, some bring their families with them. Those admitted to the UK to study can bring in their spouse and any children who are under 18 years of age. Children of overseas students who are of compulsory school age have the same rights and entitlements to free state education as UK nationals.

The courses to which overseas students are admitted are very varied. They may be studying for undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in universities. Overseas students may also be enrolled in further education colleges. Thousands of students also arrive in the UK to study the English language in private colleges.

Children of overseas students studying at university will have at least one parent who speaks and writes fluent English. This may not be the case if parents are attending English-language courses.

Schools near university accommodation may find that they have significant numbers of children of overseas students.

Overseas students usually have the benefit of being able to plan for their arrival in the UK. It is important to communicate to parents and carers who are overseas students the importance of their children starting school at the beginning of the school term, rather than arriving later in September when the university term starts.

Useful weblinks

Please note: QCA is not responsible for the content of external sites.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
UKCOSA offers advice for overseas students living in the UK. Teachers might wish to direct families towards this site as a first source of advice.