The process begins with your free application. We guide you every step—from selecting the right program at the University of Sussex to perfecting your personal statement. Unlike other programs, there are no upfront costs or financial barriers; we invest in your potential from day one. Our team of mentors, many of whom are Sussex alumni, provides tailored advice to strengthen your application. Once submitted, we handle all communications with the university, ensuring your materials get the attention they deserve.
After receiving your acceptance letter from Sussex, we shift focus to your UK student visa. Our immigration experts prepare your documents, cover the visa and NHS healthcare fees, and conduct mock interviews to boost your approval chances. Only after your visa is approved do we request the £5,000 program fee—a fraction of the total cost, fully transparent, and structured to protect your finances. We then finalize your flights, housing, and pre-departure orientation, so you arrive in Brighton ready to thrive.
From the moment you land, you join a vibrant Gambian community in Brighton. Monthly dinners, study groups, and professional networking events ensure you never feel alone. After graduation, our alumni network connects you to opportunities in Gambia, where your expertise drives real change. This isn’t just a degree—it’s a lifelong circle of support and impact.
The journey starts with a barrier-free application, supported by Sussex alumni advisers who match scholars to degrees aligned with Gambia’s needs. Once selected by the board, we offer tailored workshops for personal statements, reference letters, and document verification—all at no upfront cost.
After receiving an offer from Sussex, we guide scholars through student interviews and ensure they meet all academic conditions. Our team clarifies next steps while preparing them for the visa process.
We assist with compiling and meeting all UK visa requirements. Only after visa approval is the £5,000 program fee due. This is either fully sponsored by a Gambian business partner or paid directly by the scholar. Once confirmed, we finalise flights and housing.
Before leaving, scholars attend orientations on academics, culture, and UK life. They’re paired with mentors, join virtual meetups, and receive a departure kit with SIM cards, transport passes, and essential contacts.
From airport pickup to furnished housing, we ensure a smooth transition. Monthly dinners, study retreats, networking events, and mental health support create a strong community in Brighton.
After graduation, alumni receive career support, startup incubation, and mentorship opportunities. We track their impact in Gambia, and aid top achievers in securing PhD sponsorships or leadership training.
Please reach us using the contact form on the Contact Us page if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The inaugural Booksmarte cohort will begin their studies at the University of Sussex in September 2026.
No, the application process is completely free. We provide personalized guidance, document verification, interview preparation at no upfront cost.
You'll need to formally confirm your participation after being selected by the Booksmarte selection board, but before we proceed with your visa application. This ensures fair opportunity for all candidates while allowing us to properly allocate resources to successful applicants.
If your visa is refused, you won’t owe the program fee. We’ll review refusal reasons and, if possible, help you reapply.
Neither. We’re a fully funded support program—covering tuition, visas, flights, and housing through grants and sponsorships. The £5,000 fee (payable only after visa approval) represents a fraction of actual costs estimated at £50,000.
You’ll be greeted at the airport, moved into furnished accommodation, and given a welcome kit. Our Brighton team provides ongoing support, including cultural adjustment guidance, networking events, and mental health resources.