Who we help
Five statuses. One clear eligibility answer.
Home fee status decides whether you pay overseas fees or access student finance. Here is how each category works.
UK Citizens
British citizens ordinarily resident in the UK can access tuition fee and maintenance funding for their first degree.
Who qualifies
- British citizens living in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Returning citizens who have re-established UK residence
- Mature students returning to education after work or caring responsibilities
Funding you can access
- Tuition fee loan covering full course fees at publicly funded universities
- Maintenance loan for living costs, assessed on household income
- Extra support such as Disabled Students' Allowance and Childcare Grant
Residency: You normally need to have been living in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for the three years before your course starts.
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ILR Holders
Indefinite Leave to Remain gives you home fee status and the same funding routes as UK citizens.
Who qualifies
- Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Enter
- Those granted ILR through family, work or long-residence routes
- Dependants included on an ILR grant
Funding you can access
- Home fee status instead of overseas fees
- Tuition fee loan paid directly to your university
- Maintenance loan for rent, travel and living costs
Residency: ILR must be held on the first day of the first academic year, with three years of UK residence immediately beforehand.
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Settled Status
EU Settlement Scheme settled status holders are treated as home students for fees and finance.
Who qualifies
- Settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Family members of a settled status holder
- Children who grew up in the UK under a parent's settled status
Funding you can access
- Home tuition fees plus a tuition fee loan
- Full maintenance loan entitlement
- Access to university bursaries reserved for home students
Residency: Three years of continuous residence in the UK and Islands before the course start date is normally required.
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Pre-Settled Status
Pre-settled status can still unlock home fees and, in many cases, maintenance support.
Who qualifies
- Pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Those building towards five years of continuous residence
- Family members joining a pre-settled sponsor
Funding you can access
- Home fee status and a tuition fee loan in most cases
- Maintenance loan where the residency conditions are met
- University hardship funds and scholarships
Residency: Assessment depends on your residence history — we review your timeline and evidence before you apply.
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Refugees
Recognised refugees and their families qualify for home fees and full student finance from day one.
Who qualifies
- People granted refugee status by the Home Office
- Spouses, civil partners and children of a recognised refugee
- Those granted humanitarian protection or stateless leave
Funding you can access
- Home fee status with no overseas surcharge
- Tuition fee loan and maintenance loan
- Specialist university scholarships for people of sanctuary
Residency: No three-year residence rule applies — you simply need to be living in the UK on the first day of your course.
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