University Endorsement for Start-up Visa Comparison

At the moment Universities can only endorse for the start-up visa, but not the innovator visa yet. The application process is similar for most of the Universities. You put together a ‘pitch’, i.e. not just a business plan but a persuasive presentation of your business concept, and how it is innovative. I have prepared a course with example business plans for the start up visa.

INTRODUCTION

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Overview

Many Universities have an innovation hub that centrally process the start-up visa endorsement applications. The process usually involves being interviewed by a panel. You put together financial projections for this interview. The University endorsement panel will then review it and successful applicants will be invited to a final interview. They generally only do this for graduates or former graduates, and they will usually only endorse applicants who are either on a degree program now or who graduated within the last 3 years. There are exceptions to this rule though, which I will come to in a moment.

Go through the list I have produced to see which University may fit you best.

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List of Universities

1. Anglia Ruskin University

First, you must complete the expression of interest form. Once the university has had an initial review of your idea and eligibility, you should receive an invitation to a briefing event.

Following this briefing event, you then have the option to enter the formal selection process. It begins with a development workshop day, where you will pitch your business idea and receive feedback. 

The review panel will then select successful candidates. If shortlisted, you will be invited to pitch their business idea to the panel and be formally interviewed. Following the interviews, a decision will be made on whether or not you will be endorsed.

Please email graduateentrepreneur@anglia.ac.uk for further information.  The running of this scheme can also be found in this Policy Document.

2. Arts University of Bournemouth

The university only accepts applications from entrepreneurs who have graduated from the university

The process is as follows:
    • Launch event – an event where you will have the opportunity to speak to panel members. Deadline for expression of interest – email this Expression of Interest form to Tier1@aub.ac.uk.
    • We will use the information you submit on this form to decide if your proposal meets the basic criteria.
    • Next, it is the drop in session. If you have any questions about the process or your business plan, you can come and speak to panel members.
    • You will then submit a Business plan submission and you will send your business plan to Tier1@aub.ac.uk.
    • We will then tell you if you have progressed to the presentation stage.
    • Finally, it is the presentations, this is the last stage of the submission process. Here, you will have 15 minutes to present your idea for the panel. We will tell you if your endorsement application has been successful within ten working days.

3. Aston University:

You must first apply to take part in the Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network (BSEEN) programme.

You will need to submit a complete and detailed business plan as part of this process.

Once accepted on the BSEEN programme, Aston University will determine whether or not the University can endorse you under the Start-up visa route and act as your Endorsing Body. 

For information about how to apply to the BSeen Programme, visit their site here.

4. Bangor University:

In order to qualify:

  • You will need to apply for the visa whilst still at Bangor; within 12 months of being awarded your Bangor University qualification.
  • You must already have a valid Tier 4 student visa, and meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
  • You can complete an application form at any time during the year. The selection panel will meet three times a year – at the beginning of semester 1, and at the beginning and end of semester 2.
Please note that the decision of the panel is final and that applicants should at no time contact panel members regarding their application or process.

5. Bath Spa University:

This university will only endorse its own students and recent graduates (within the last 2 years).

6. Birmingham City University:

BCU accepts Applications for the TIER 1 Visa Endorsement Scheme three times a year with deadlines by 5 pm GMT on 1st February | 1st May | and 1st August

You will submit an application form online.

Comment

You are able to apply for the scheme if you are close to graduation or even if you have graduated many years ago.

7. Bournemouth University:

Only BU graduates are considered for endorsements. 

Send your detailed business plan together with a personal statement to Clive Allen at callen@bournemouth.ac.uk.

You will receive feedback and the university will determine the viability of your business idea within 10 working days.

8. BPP University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website

9. Brunel University:

Write to the Entrepreneur Hub hub@brunel.ac.uk requesting a Graduate

The following criteria for endorsement applications:

  1. You must have financial ability and commitment to spend the majority of their working time solely on developing their business.

      2. You must have a high standard of the English language.

      3. Your idea must meet at least one of the following requirements:

      • Clear links with Brunel University London 
      • Is a very innovative entrepreneurial idea
      • Is a genuine and credible business idea
      • It has to be a graduate level idea. (E.g, a fast food business would not be considered).
      • It must plan to be generating revenue within 12 months

     4. You must have some evidence of entrepreneurship. 

     5. You must agree to provide time to assist Brunel University with promoting entrepreneurship.

     6. You must submit annual and quarterly updated plans in advance of pre-agreed meeting dates with defined activities and deliverables (which might be evidenced for UK immigration).

Comments

(a) Brunel’s scheme is open to Brunel University

(b) International students who will be graduating within 12 months from 1 May 2020 and will apply for the visa within three months of their graduation.

10. Cardiff Metropolitan University:

    • You must be in the final year of your degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University and it is required to provide an academic reference which confirms that your studies are on track. 
    • You could also apply if you graduated recently.The requirements include;
      • Maintaining contact with the University who will monitor that you are making satisfactory progress. This is done through the Centre for Entrepreneurship in conjunction with International Office at Cardiff Metropolitan.
    • Your business will need to be based in Cardiff for the first 6 months of your Visa and attend mandatory business training sessions as part of the International Entrepreneurs Programme (IEP).

Preparation:

(a) Attend workshops or drop in sessions regarding the Tier 1 process, these are bookable via MetHub.  

(b) Prepare your application and supporting documents. It is strongly advised that you meet with the entrepreneurship team before submitting your application.

Application Submission:

(a) Complete the International Entrepreneurs Programme application form.

Shortlisting assessment:

(a) The entrepreneurship team will assess your application using the marking criteria outlined in the application form.

(b) Applications meeting the essential criteria will be shortlisted for an interview. If your application is successful you will receive confirmation by telephone and email. 

Interview:

(a) You will then take an interview with a panel.

Endorsement Letter:

(a) If successful at the interview stage, you will receive your endorsement letter within 10 working days.

11. Cardiff University:

This university will only endorse graduates from Cardiff University. The endorsement process involves working closely with you through stages of our Start-Up support package which includes working on business modeling and planning, workshops and 1:2:1 mentoring. Your business plan will be assessed by a panel of experts, who will decide whether or not you will be endorsed.

12. City, University of London:

You must be a recent graduate or student in your final year of your course in City, University of London.

You must write in your application, how much progress you have done with your business idea so far. The university is looking for examples, idea validation, value proposition, market research and segmentation, business plan, marketing and financial strategy etc. 

Then you will take part in the pitch and interview stage. Here, you will pitch your business in front of a panel. The panel will also confirm the pitch and interview format – in person or online – with further details to be available to shortlisted applications.

13. Coventry University:

You must be a recent graduate (no more than 2 years) of Coventry University. 

You must also have had your business idea successfully assessed by Coventry University Social Enterprise, or the Coventry University London Enterprise Hub and the International Office.

Once we have assessed your application, and if we are willing to sponsor you under Start Up visa, we will support you through the visa extension process. We will issue you with an endorsement letter that is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Comment

If you are endorsed, you will be provided with facilities such as;

  • A hot-desk space with PC and access to printing including relevant software packages
  • 12 months registered trading address at Coventry University Technology Park as part of the ‘4front’ for business offer
  • 2 hours mentoring per month with a University support professional to align your business plan with milestones and KPI delivery
  • Access to the University business support programmes managed by the business support team/Business Development Manager
  • Access to the Global Leaders Programme for 12 months as appropriate
  • Access to Coventry University London business support services as appropriate

14. Cranfield University:

Applications are to be granted to individuals or teams of students from across Cranfield University. 

Informal support will be available to advise on the suitability of your ideas. If you wish to apply then notify Dr Shailendra Vyakarnam, Director of the Bettany ‭Centre for Entrepreneurship, by email on EntrepreneurVisa@cranfield.ac.uk. 

In the email, you must detail the following:

  • Description and summary of the opportunity, demonstrating why it is genuine and credible, 
  • A summary of the business strategy, 
  • Details of the team or individuals developing the business idea, 
  • Summarise of the risk and reward associated with the business,
  • How the opportunity will benefit the stakeholders
  • Confirmation from a senior member of staff, who will agree to remain as your point of contact with Cranfield University for the duration of the visa.

15. De Montfort University:

Applicants are advised to read the Tier 1 GE visa scheme policy guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applications-under-tier-1-graduateentrepreneur 

The University expects;

  • There to be sufficient time for the university to fully consider the application for endorsement. You should allow at least 3 months before your existing visa is due to expire to begin the process.
  • You must then book an appointment to talk through the application process and their business idea with the start-up support team at the university the Enterprise Team .
  • You must submit the standard DMU Tier 1 GE Visa application form to the university for consideration. Additional business plans or reports will not be considered as part of the process. The application form will be assessed by a panel of judges who will be looking for a genuine, credible and innovative business proposition. 
  • The panel will give feedback to all applicants on request and the decision of the panel is final. 
  •  If successful with the initial application form, you will be invited to attend an interview. At interview an experienced panel will look to ask a list of set questions to find out more about the idea and how it will be developed. 
  • You will then receive a written decision shortly after the panel interview and if successful an endorsement letter will be issued. 
  • The decision of the interview judging panel is final.

16. Derby University

Depending on the campus, you can send an email explaining your interest in applying for an endorsement.

Derby Campus: internationalstudentcentre@derby.ac.uk.

Buxton Campus: iscbuxton@derby.ac.uk

17. Durham University:

To be eligible for endorsement you should be a Durham University international student from outside of the EU currently holding a General Student Visa (Tier 4).  To secure endorsement they must have passed a degree or PhD in any subject at Durham University and meet the UK Government’s endorsement criteria.

Comment

As an endorsing organisation for the scheme, Durham University can endorse non-EEA national graduates, which allows them to apply for a Start-up visa.

18. Edinburgh Napier University:

This university will only endorse its own students and recent graduates. In order to assess if you are eligible for the endorsement, you will need to submit a business plan.

19. Falmouth University:

You can send an email explaining your interest in applying for an endorsement. Email: placementteam@falmouth.ac.uk

20. Florida State University International Programs Association UK:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

https://international.fsu.edu/

21. Girne American University Canterbury:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

22. Glasgow Caledonian University:

You will need to contact the VISA Team for initial advice on receiving an endorsement. You will then submit an application for Tier 1 endorsement to the university.  Another requirement is that you pay £100 admin fee for endorsement via the GCU online store. You will need to present your business idea to the GCU expert panel. If successful, you will receive your endorsement, which will allow you to submit your visa application through the Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA) Service.

23. Goldsmiths University of London:

You can send an email explaining your interest in applying for an endorsement. Email: a.sheridan@gold.ac.uk

24. Guildhall School of Music & Drama:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Comment

The Scheme is the only incubator in the UK dedicated specifically to the performing arts. As a world-leading conservatoire and drama school we possess the expertise to assess the feasibility of new creative ideas. Our association with the Barbican Centre, other leading cultural organisations and the wider UK creative industries

25. Heriot-Watt University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

26. Hult International Business School:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

27. Imperial College London:

For details on how to apply, visit their website.

28. Keele University:

If interested in applying for an endorsement here, please contact them either by telephone or by email and explain your interest in the Start-up Visa.

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 733501

Email: international@keele.ac.uk

29. King’s College London:

In order to be endorsed by King's, you must be; ✅
  1. a non-European student or alumnus/alumna of King’s College London.
  2. If you are a current King’s student, then you must meet one of the following criteria:
    •  Undergraduate students: completed all exams and coursework 
    • Postgraduate Master’s & Postgraduate Taught students: completed all exams and submitted your dissertation 
    • PhD students: submitted your PhD thesis 
You can book an appointment with a Careers Consultant via CareerConnect.

30. Kingston University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website. 

Or contact by Telephone: +44 (0)20 8417 3411 or email: international@kingston.ac.uk

31. Lancaster University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website. 

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1524 65201

32. Leeds Art University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 113 202 8060

33. Leeds Beckett University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.
Or contact by telephone: 0113 8121904

34. The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44(0)151 330 3118

35. Liverpool John Moores University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact the Centre for Entrepreneurship by telephone:0151 231 3300 or email: Startup@ljmu.ac.uk

36. London Business School:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website. 

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)20 7000 7000

37. London Metropolitan University:

To apply for this letter, you must pass an Endorsement Selection Process run by the Accelerator and the Sponsorship Compliance teams. 

To enquire about the Start Up visa and the Endorsement Selection Process, please contact adviceinternational@londonmet.ac.uk.

39. London South Bank University:

This university will endorse you as long as you are an LSBU graduate (within the last 5 years), your business idea is valid and viable according to Tier 1 visa requirements.

40. Lough borough University:

The University will issue no more than 20 endorsements each year. 

The endorsement process includes✅;

1. Your business idea will be assessed by the Student and Graduate Enterprise, to see if it is a genuine, credible and innovative business idea. 

2. The Student Advice and Support Service will also require you to meet the immigration requirements. 

3. You will receive an endorsement letter once your business plan and immigration application is finalised and deemed satisfactory by the Academic Registry.

41. Manchester Metropolitan University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)161 247 1022 or email: international@mmu.ac.uk

42. Middlesex University:

In order to apply for endorsement here, you will need to contact the Enterprise Development Hub. Please make contact with them for initial enquiries.

Comment

Interestingly, this university will consider non-Middlesex University graduates. However, those who did graduate with Middlesex University will be prioritised.

43. Newcastle University:

If you are seeking an endorsement here, you must participate in a workshop about post study immigration options which is delivered by the University’s Visa Team.

Afterwards, you will then complete four compulsory start-up essentials workshops delivered by the Enterprise Team in the Careers Service. 

At the end of the workshops, you will be able to give a business pitch and do an interview with the Assistant Director (Enterprise and Entrepreneurship) of the Careers Service and the University’s Authorised Endorsement Officer under the T1GE scheme.

44. Northern School of Contemporary Dance:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone:  0113 219 3000

45. Norwich University of the Arts:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 1603 610561, email: s.owen@nua.ac.uk

46. Nottingham Trent University:

For your application, you will need to complete the Hive Enquiry Form.

  1. You need to make it clear that you are applying as an International Start-up candidate. You will also have an initial meeting with the University.
  2. You will be notified by email, if you go through to the next round of the application process.
  3. If your business plan is deemed viable, you will then have to create a Business Development Plan before your formal meeting at The Hive. (Download a template Business Development Plan as a PDF or MS Word document)
  4. In this interview,  The Hive will look into the viability and appropriateness of your business plan. If your application is successful, you will be provided with a formal letter of endorsement.

47. Oxford Brookes University:

The application for an endorsement is detailed below✅;

1. You showing an interest in applying for an endorsement by emailing: enterprise-support@brookes.ac.uk. You will be sent information about the scheme and asked to complete an initial business proposal.

2. You will then be asked to meet a business consultant to allow you the opportunity to explore your business plan.

3. If your business plan meets all the requirements, you will then be asked to make a payment of £600. Afterwards, you can begin to work with mentors and produce another application for the Commercialisation Review Panel. 

4. You will then be asked to make your business pitch to the team. Here you will speak for 10 minutes and then be asked questions regarding your business. This will be the deciding factor of whether the Start Up Visa team will write you a letter of recommendation to the Commercialisation Review Panel.

5. If your interview was successful, the Commercialisation Review Panel will decide whether or not to endorse you. (before you can receive your endorsement letter, you will need to make a payment of £1,200.

48. Plymouth College of Art:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1752 203434

49. Queen Mary University of London:

For your application to QMUL, you will need to complete this: Start-up Visa Application Form [DOC 191KB. Your application will be assessed by the Queen Mary’s Start-up visa Selection Panel. The will then inform you if your application is successful. (please remember, the Panel’s decision is final.)

50. Ravensbourne University London:

For you application you will need to;✅

1. Fill in the form with your business plan attached– (Your Ravensbourne student login is required here)

2. Make sure to attach the documents listed below:

    • Copy of passport
    • Copy of current or previous visa
    • Student registration number and date of completion of your qualification
    • Copy of a university qualification
    • Copy of your business plan

3. If shortlisted, you will then pitch your business idea to a panel of experts. Their decision will be given to you after 2 working days.

4. If successful, you will receive a letter of endorsement.

51. Regent’s University London:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by email: enquiries@regents.ac.uk

52. The Robert Gordon University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 1224 2170, email:innovation@rgu.ac.uk

53. Roehampton University: Royal Academy of Music

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)20 8392 3192, or by email: international@roehampton.ac.uk

54. Royal Agricultural University:

The University is currently reviewing the eligibility criteria for the start-up route.

55. Royal Central School of Speech & Drama:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 020 7722 8183

56. Royal College of Art:

Your application for endorsement will require you to make an application for start-up support. Here you will provide details as to why you wish to join the programme. The second part of your application is to fill another application for patent support. This is for students who have an invention with commercial potential.

57. Royal Holloway & Bedford New College:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 01784434455

58. Sheffield Hallam University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 0114 225 5000 or email business@shu.ac.uk

59. SOAS, University of London:

The application is only eligible if you are;

  • Currently in the final year of your degree (can be undergraduate or postgraduate level)
  • Or, graduated within the last 3 years
The university is looking for students with a credible business idea.

60. Solent University:

To be eligible, you must;

  • have successfully completed a degree-level qualification from Solent University. 
  • spend the majority of your time on developing the business idea within the UK.
  • not have previously established a business in the UK.

Your business plan will be assessed by a panel of experts, who will determine whether you will receive an endorsement or not.

61. Swansea University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1792 205678

62. Teesside University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 01642 384068

63. University College London:

An application for sponsorship will require you to:

  • attend one of our information sessions,
  • meet with a UCL Business Acceleration Advisor at least twice (fill in the form on our online portal)
  • complete a Start-up visa application form 
  • gather the required documents
  • email your application to entrepreneurship@ucl.ac.uk 
  • If shortlisted, you will then be invited to present your business idea to a panel.

64. University of Creative Arts:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone:  +44 (0)1227 817 302

65. University of Aberdeen:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1224 272000

66. University of the Arts London:

Once your application is shortlisted, you will then be asked to pitch your business idea to a panel. (The decision is final)

If you are approved, you will need to show how you will meet the financial requirements for the visa application.

The University will then provide you with an endorsement letter.

67. University of Bath:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1225 388388

68. University of Birmingham

In order to apply, you must send a request for an endorsement letter by emailing: www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/ei/graduatevisa 

Your application will be judged by a panel in the Careers Network Team. If shortlisted, you will then conduct another interview with the panel. If successful, you will receive a letter of endorsement from the university.

69. University of Bradford:

If interested in receiving an endorsement letter from UB, please contact open-innovation@bradford.ac.uk.

70. University of Bristol:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)117 928 9000

71. Cardiff University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1280 814080

72. University of Cambridge:

 For your application, please fill in this application form and email it to international.students@admin.cam.ac.uk.

You will also need to send a video pitch (60 seconds) on your business idea. Once your application has been viewed, you will be interviewed by a panel of experts. Afterwards, you will be informed whether you are successful or not. If so, then you will receive your endorsement letter.

Comment

You may also apply for the Accelerate Cambridge Programme. You can do this within the application for the endorsement letter.

73. University of Central Lancashire:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1772 201 201

74. University of Chester:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1244 511000

75. University of Dundee:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1382 383 000

76. University of East Anglia:

To receive an endorsement letter here, you will need to complete an online application. In this application, you will need to provide;

  • 2-5 page summary
  • 2 year financial forecast
  • CV & Personal Statement
  • Current Passport & Visa

You can apply by emailing: info.enterprise@uea.ac.uk

77. University of East London:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 20 8223 3333

78. University of Edinburgh:

In order to receive an endorsement letter, you must send your application to Edinburgh Innovations.

79. University of Essex:

This university will only endorse current students and recent graduates.

Applications open in the summer term. To apply, visit their website.

80. University of Exeter:

To apply for an endorsement, please email emily.davies@spaceforsuccess.co.uk or visit Student Startups.

81. University of Glasgow:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 141 330 2087

82. University of Greenwich:

In order to be endorsed, please contact International Student Advice Service.

83. University of Hertfordshire:

This university will only offer endorsements to UH gradates for the Start-Up Visa within 1 year of their degree award date. We accept and consider applicants from students of all degree disciplines. The university focuses more on your business concept and so your business idea can be unrelated to your subject of study.

84. University of Huddersfield:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1484 422288

85. University of Hull:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1482 346311

86. University of Kent:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1227 827726

87. University of Leeds:.

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 0113 3061444

88. University of Leicester:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)116 252 2522.

89. University of Lincoln:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website. Or contact by telephone: 0800 915 5278, email: enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk

90. University of Liverpool:

If interested in receiving an endorsement from University of Liverpool, you must let the university know your interest by contacting them. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of experts. If shortlisted, you will then have an interview which will be your opportunity to pitch your idea to the panel. If successful, you will receive your endorsement.

91. University of Manchester:

If you are interested in applying for an endorsement, please email startupvisa@manchester.ac.uk and you will be put on the mailing list and receive details of the application process.

92. University of Northampton:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 01604 735500

93. University of Nottingham:

This university is looking to endorse its own students and graduates only. 

The process begins by you sumbitting a business plan to the Ingenuity Lab. If satisfied, you will receive your endorsement letter.

94. University of Oxford:

The university of Oxford is looking for 30 applicants per year. If you are interested in an endorsement, email brianna.thompson@careers.ox.ac.uk.

95. University of Plymouth:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 1752 600600

96. University of Portsmouth:

To apply for an endorsement, you will begin by contacting the Student Enterprise Team or email. 

Then, you must submit a business plan. If successful, the Student Enterprise Team will provide you the endorsement letter or your visa application.

97. University of Reading:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 118 378 5044

98. University of Salford:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 161 295 5000

99. University of Sheffield:

In order to apply, you will need to take a look at the guidance pages. The University is not willing to accept applications from students/graduates of other universities.

100. University of South Wales:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone:  03455 76 01 01

101. University of Southampton:

To apply for this letter, you must pass a rigorous Endorsement Selection Scheme by the University. This selection process will look for viable business ideas. 

There are two parts to the selection scheme:

  • A written application & a 1 minute video pitch
  • An interview in front of a panel of experts

You can submit an application and a 1 minute video pitch to StudentEnterprise@southampton.ac.uk.

102. University of St Andrews:

In order to receive an endorsement, ou will need to email and arrange a meeting with the

You will then make an application with your business plan and submit it to your advisor. 

Your application will then be presented to a panel, who will determine whether or not you will receive the endorsement letter. If successful, you will be able to apply for the visa.

103. University of Stirling:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0) 1786 473171

104. University of Strathclyde:

You can emailinfoandadvice@strath.ac.uk in order to receive information about the endorsement process.

105. University of Sunderland:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)191 515 2000

106. University of Sussex:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1273 606755

107. University of the West of England:

You can find out more about the endorsement process at this university by looking at UWE Bristol website.

108. University of the West of Scotland:

To find out if your eligible to be endorsed, email the International Student Support Team at internationaladvice@uws.ac.uk.

109. The University of West London:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: 020 8231 0123

110. University of Ulster:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 28 9036 6702

111. University of Warwick:

Below, you will see the process you will need to follow to receive an endorsement;

  • You will create a presentation detailing your business idea to the judging panel
  • You will then complete the Consent and Agreement form & a finance agreement confirming that you have the finance needed to make a successful start-up
  • The university will then check with Student Finance to make sure you do not have any outstanding debt.
  • You will then be issued an endorsement letter

112. University of Westminster:

In order to begin your application for an endorsement, you need to register your interest here.
You will then have an initial meeting, where you will discuss your business plan with a Graduate Enterprise Officer.
You will then submit our business plan and 1 minute long video pitch. The Panel will then create a shortlist for the successful applicants. If shortlisted, you will pitch your idea to the panel. You will then be informed if your successful or not. If successful, you can receive your endorsement letter.

113. University of Wolverhampton:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone:  01902 321000

114. University of York:.

If you would like to receive an endorsement from the University of York,you can email the Enterprise Officer for information at enterprise@york.ac.uk.

115. York St John University:

For information on applying for an endorsement, please visit their website.

Or contact by telephone: +44 (0)1904 876814