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Information for International Students

Visa Students

Students on a Student visa (previously Tier 4 visa) cannot be self-employed. If you applied for your Tier 4 or Student immigration permission on or after 6 April 2016, you must not "engage in business activity". For example, if you are not an employee, you must not work for a business in which you have a financial or other significant beneficial interest.

International students are welcome to attend our workshops and events, but they are unable to receive funding or prizes for their business ideas if they plan to be based in the UK. International students are welcome to meet with the Enterprise Officer to find out more about what we can offer. You can book a Start-up Visa enquiry appointment through Handshake.

Start-up Visa

You can find out about the Start-up visa on the GOV.UK website, and the UKCISA website.

The University will endorse recent graduates (within two years) of the University of York who meet the criteria set out in the government's guidance.

If you are interested in applying for an endorsement, you must book an enterprise appointment to discuss your application. 

Before you come to a meeting to discuss your application, please do the following:

1. Have an outline of your business idea, ready to discuss with a member of the team
2. Be ready to explain how you came up with your business idea
3. Be able to demonstrate how your business is innovative
4. Briefly explain how your idea is viable