FAQs

Can international students apply for Full-Time Student Officer positions?
Yes, they can undertake all our roles, including the Full-Time Student Officer positions. 

Are Full-Time Student Officer roles allowed under a UK Student Visa?
Yes, working in a Full-Time Student Officer Role (also known as a "Sabbatical" role) is specifically permitted under the terms of a UK Student Visa.

Do international students need additional permission to take on a Full-Time Student Officer role?
Yes, you will be required to seek additional permission to stay in the UK using your Student Visa. This is normally very straightforward.  

Does time spent in a Full-Time Student Officer role count towards the visa duration limit?
No, it does not count towards the maximum period that you are permitted to spend in this visa category. 

Can I continue studying while working as a Full-Time Student Officer?
No, you cannot continue to actively study on your course while you are a Full-Time Student Officer. 

Does the Students’ Union offer support for visa or NHS surcharge costs?
Yes, the Union contributes to these costs.

Where can international students get visa-related advice for this role?
Contact the QUB Immigration Support Service

Can postgraduate students apply for Full-Time Student Officer roles?
Yes, they can undertake all our Full-Time Student Officer roles. 

Can Postgraduate students pause their studies while serving as a Full-Time Student Officer?
Yes, they can usually pause their studies, especially if self-funding, though it may be more complex if they are funded by the University or external sources. 

What happens to a postgraduate taught student’s dissertation if they are elected?
They can either defer it or complete it early. We can also work out a plan to enable you to submit your dissertation on time if you are elected. 

Are arrangements for postgraduate students in this role handled on a case-by-case basis?
Yes, each situation will differ based on individual circumstances.

Who should postgraduate students contact with questions about serving as a Student Officer?
Contact the SU Voice team. 

The Students’ Union aims to be as accessible as possible to students and staff. We are continuously working to make our elections more accessible. We will make all the reasonable adjustments that we can to make our elections and our roles as accessible as possible. 

Each case will be different and require a personalised approach. If you have any queries, contact the SU Voice team at the earliest possible opportunity and we can start working on a tailored support package to meet your requirements.