About us
Introduction to the Student Start-up programme
The Student Startup team focus on identifying and fostering the startup ambitions of University of Exeter Students across all campuses, colleges and disciplines. Our programme helps you to develop a more entrepreneurial mindset and equips you with the practical toolkit necessary to inspire innovative ideas and create entrepreneurial solutions. You will learn how to undertake rigorous market validation and develop and launch viable and sustainable new enterprises. This is done through a combination of interactive workshops and events, 1-2-1 advising and by facilitating opportunities for networking and collaboration. Our goal is to provide inspiration, training, guidance, support and funding opportunities to promote, nurture and enable entrepreneurship during university and post-graduation.
Information for International Students
If you are an international student and are thinking about setting up a business in the UK, the Student Startups programme can provide additional advice and guidance.
If you require a visa to study in the UK, you are not legally permitted to register a business in the UK or begin trading while studying on that visa. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the visa conditions for working in the UK by visiting the International Student Support page .
You can find more information about UK work visas, including the Graduate Visa and Innovator Founder Visa, on the UK Working Visas page . Please read the guidance carefully.
The Graduate Visa allows eligible students to remain in the UK and work, or look for work, for up to two years after completing their studies, including self-employed and freelance work.
The Innovator Founder Visa allows individuals to set up and run an innovative business in the UK for up to three years.
Please note that the Innovator Founder Visa, introduced in April 2023, requires endorsement from one of the following endorsing bodies: UK Endorsing Services, Envestors, or Innovator International.
While the Student Startups team can provide support with an application, we cannot guarantee a successful endorsement. Please review the eligibility criteria of each endorsing body carefully before applying.
Student Startup Drop-In Sessions
Got an early-stage idea and want some advice?
The Student Startups team hosts weekly drop-in Q&A sessions via Microsoft Teams for students and graduates to discuss their business ideas. Anyone can join a drop-in session, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled on a Student Startups programme.
Drop-in sessions run every Tuesday from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. Please contact the Student Startups team to request a link to join the session.