Norland to welcome students from around the world for the first time in its history

The Bath-based early years centre has been granted a student visa sponsorship licence by the UK government.

This licence means that Norland can now sponsor international students under the Student visa route, enabling students of all nationalities to benefit from the exceptional training and outstanding career opportunities the college offers.

While Norland has welcomed students from the EU for many years, students from countries outside the European Economic Area have not previously been able to access its world-renowned training. From 2022, for the first time, Norland looks forward to welcoming students from across the world.

Founded in 1892 by Emily Ward, Norland has been at the forefront of childcare training for almost 130 years, giving students the opportunity to become amongst the world’s most sought-after childcare professionals.

Norland students undergo four years of rigorous training to earn two distinct qualifications: a BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning and the prestigious Norland diploma. Fully qualified graduates, known as Norlanders or Norland Nannies, also benefit from their own dedicated employment agency, the Norland Agency, and their pick of jobs around the world.

Dr Janet Rose, principal of Norland, said:

“This is a very exciting time for Norland as we continue on our journey to become the first early years university in the world. Our successful application to secure a student visa sponsorship licence is yet another important milestone in our almost 130-year history. We very much look forward to welcoming students from around the world to the Norland family and enabling them to benefit from our TEF Gold-rated training and the incredible early years career opportunities and lifelong support that Norland offers.”

Vice principal and head of quality and standards and registrar, Mandy Donaldson, added:

“We are delighted to be granted a student visa sponsorship licence from the UKVI. This licence means we can now help the very best students from anywhere in the world achieve their dreams to become a Norland Nanny. We currently have many more international jobs than we have fully qualified graduates seeking them. Opening Norland up to international students will offer more families around the world the chance to employ a Norland Nanny and benefit from our unique training and child-centred approach.”