Home Fee Eligibility for University and Apprenticeships
Eligibility for “home fee” status at UK universities and for apprenticeships is primarily governed by the 3-year residency rule, as outlined in The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 (as amended) [ref #1 & #2].
Generally, to qualify for home fee status and associated student support (such as student loans), individuals must have been ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for three consecutive years immediately preceding the first day of the initial academic year of their chosen course. This regulation applies to UK nationals, Irish citizens, and individuals who have been granted settled status in the UK.
Consequently, BN(O) visa holders who have not yet obtained settled status are typically not eligible for home fee status. Similarly, individuals with settled status who have not fulfilled the three-year consecutive residency requirement also do not qualify for home fees.
It’s worth noting that in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed [ref #3] that BN(O) visa holders will be eligible for home fee status, provided they satisfy the three-year residency criteria.
Furthermore, the 3-year residency rule also applies to apprenticeships, mirroring the requirements for university home fees.
References:
- [#1] Eligibility rules for home fee status and student finance from the 2022 to 2023 academic year onwards: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards
- [#2] The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1986/contents
- [#3] Scottish Parliament Question and Answer: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-18389