The College is a licensed sponsor recognised by the UK Border Agency and can issue visa letters for non UK/EU students to enter the UK to study. This means that we will issue a confirmation of acceptance letter (CAS) to a student who is accepted to study with us at the Al-Maktoum College. To sponsor a student, the Al-Maktoum College must issue them with a CAS. The College cannot issue these unless the student is receiving an unconditional offer. The College has to follow the duties set out by UKBA as a sponsor licence holder.
In March 2011, the Al-Maktoum College was given Highly Trusted Sponsor status by the UK Border Agency and we are currently in the process of renewing this.
The Highly Trusted Sponsor status is designed to identify those sponsors who have the highest levels of compliance with their sponsor obligations, and whose students are showing the greatest compliance with the terms of their visa or permission to stay.
For further information and advice for international students wishing to study at the Al-Maktoum College, please see the visa information advice on the University of Aberdeen website.
The UK Border Agency is responsible for securing the UK border and controlling migration in the UK. They manage border control for the UK, enforcing immigration and customs regulations. They also consider applications for permission to enter or stay in the UK. The points-based system only covers migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Under the points-based system, migrants must pass a point assessment before they can get permission to enter or remain in the UK. Migrants in any tier except Tier 1 must be sponsored before they can apply. Tier 4 – is for students. A migrant needs 40 points to qualify as a Tier 4 student. They will be awarded 30 points for their CAS, and must score another 10 points for maintenance (evidence that they can pay their fees and living expenses). Students need the CAS when they apply for permission to come to or stay in the UK. If the application is successful, then your visa will be linked to the College. Prospective overseas students should read the immigration information document very carefully prior to application.
