If you are a student at the University of Oxford, you may have concerns about finding suitable accommodation during your studies. The cost of living in Oxford can be high, and many landlords require a guarantor to ensure rent payments are made on time. However, not all students may have access to a guarantor, which is where the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme comes in.
In this blog post, we will explore the eligibility, requirements and how to apply for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme in detail to help you determine if you are eligible to apply.
Eligibility for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme
To be eligible for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, you must be a current student at the University of Oxford. This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students. However, not all students at the University of Oxford are eligible for the scheme.
The Oxford University Guarantor Scheme is designed to help students who may have difficulty finding a guarantor or meeting the landlord’s requirements for renting a property. There are four main eligibility criteria for the scheme:
- International students who are not able to provide a UK-based guarantor
If you are an international student studying at the University of Oxford, you may not have access to a UK-based guarantor. In this case, you may be eligible for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme.
- Home students who are not able to provide a guarantor due to financial difficulties
If you are a home student who is unable to provide a guarantor due to financial difficulties, you may be eligible for the scheme. This may include students from low-income backgrounds or those who are experiencing financial difficulties during their studies.
- Students whose guarantor does not meet the landlord’s requirements
If you are able to provide a guarantor but they do not meet the landlord’s requirements, you may be eligible for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme. This may include situations where the guarantor does not have a UK-based address or does not meet the landlord’s income requirements.
- Students whose parents are not able to act as guarantors due to financial or personal reasons
If your parents are not able to act as guarantors due to financial or personal reasons, you may be eligible for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme. This may include situations where your parents are not UK residents or are unable to provide the necessary financial information.
Requirements for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme
To apply for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, you will need to meet certain requirements and provide certain information. These include:
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Proof of student status
To be eligible for the scheme, you must be a current student at the University of Oxford. You will need to provide proof of your student status when you apply, such as your university ID or a letter from your academic department.
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Information about your tenancy agreement
You will need to provide information about your tenancy agreement when you apply for the scheme. This may include details of the property you are renting, the rent amount, and the deposit amount.
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Details of your financial situation
You will need to provide information about your financial situation when you apply for the scheme. This may include bank statements or evidence of your income, such as payslips or scholarship letters.
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Information about your guarantor
If you are able to provide a guarantor, you will need to provide their contact information and details about their financial situation. If your guarantor does not meet the landlord’s requirements, you will need to provide evidence of why they are unable to act as a guarantor.
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Payment of a fee
There is a fee associated with the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, which is currently £135 for the 2022/2023 academic year. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
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Agreement to the scheme’s terms and conditions
You will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme when you apply. This includes agreeing to pay any rent arrears or damages to the property that you may incur during stay
How to apply for Oxford university guarantor scheme
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
Before applying for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, it is important to determine your eligibility. As discussed in our previous blog post, there are four main eligibility criteria for the scheme. You must be a current student at the University of Oxford, and you must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria. If you are not sure if you are eligible for the scheme, you can contact the University’s Accommodation Office for further information.
Step 2: Gather necessary information
To apply for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, you will need to provide certain information. This includes proof of your student status, information about your tenancy agreement, details of your financial situation, and information about your guarantor (if applicable). It is a good idea to gather all of this information before you begin the application process.
Step 3: Complete the application form
The application form for the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme can be found on the University’s Accommodation Office website. You will need to fill out the form with your personal information, details of your tenancy agreement, and information about your financial situation. If you are able to provide a guarantor, you will also need to provide their contact information and details about their financial situation.
Step 4: Pay the fee
There is a fee associated with the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme, which is currently £135 for the 2022/2023 academic year. You will need to pay this fee when you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
Step 5: Wait for a response
After you submit your application and pay the fee, you will need to wait for a response from the University’s Accommodation Office. They will review your application and determine if you are eligible for the scheme. If you are eligible, they will provide you with a guarantor certificate, which you can provide to your landlord.
Step 6: Provide the guarantor certificate to your landlord
Once you receive your guarantor certificate, you can provide it to your landlord as proof that you have a guarantor. This should help to facilitate the rental process and ensure that you are able to secure suitable accommodation during your studies.
In conclusion, the Oxford University Guarantor Scheme is a valuable resource for students who may have difficulty finding a guarantor or meeting the landlord’s requirements for renting a property. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can apply for the scheme and increase your chances of securing suitable accommodation during your studies.