Regulatory Status

As a recently formed and new organisation, BSB is in a development phase, currently pursuing registration with the Office for Students (OfS).

BSB is actively seeking university partners to validate its degrees, and is preparing for higher education delivery. Teaching is planned to commence from September 2027, subject to partner agreements and regulatory approval.

BSB does not currently hold degree awarding powers, but has a long-term ambition to achieve them.

BSB is currently building its academic, operational and student support infrastructure.

BSB is also engaging with other important regulators as part of the application and approval process, including Student Loans Company (SLC), UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs), as below.

Office for Students (OfS)

BSB has applied for registration in the Approved (Fee Cap) category, which would enable tuition fees up to the maximum for government loans (£9,535 in 2025/26). OfS registration requires BSB to meet stringent conditions in widening participation, educational standards, student protection, governance, and financial sustainability.

Successful registration would also then enable BSB to apply to the Home Office for a licence to sponsor and recruit international students, and to the OfS for New Degree Awarding Powers (NDAPs) to award its own degrees.

Student Loans Company (SLC)

Following OfS registration, BSB will seek designation with the SLC to allow eligible students access to tuition fee and maintenance loans. Students enrolling before designation is confirmed will not be eligible for government student loans and should plan to self-fund.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

BSB is preparing for a student sponsor licence application, as it currently cannot sponsor student visas – a strict requirement for providers to enrol international students. BSB will have a dedicated compliance function to manage sponsorship duties, monitor attendance and engagement, and ensure full adherence to UKVI regulations.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs)

Where available and appropriate, BSB will seek accreditation with relevant PSRBs to enhance graduate employability and professional recognition. A number of suitable PSRBs have already been identified.

Access and Participation Plan

BSB has prepared an Access and Participation Plan to show how it aims to improve equality of opportunity for access to, success in, and progression from higher education for students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The plan is still awaiting review and approval by the Office for Students, so it is not yet in force. Until then, BSB will make sure the information it gives to applicants and students is clear, accurate and not misleading, and meets Office for Students requirements, Competition and Markets Authority expectations, and wider legal obligations.