In the UK, Student Finance (tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and grants) is mainly based on residency, nationality, and course eligibility. Here’s a clear breakdown 👇
✅ Who Qualifies for Student Finance in the UK?
1️⃣ UK Nationals
You can usually apply if:
- You are a UK citizen
- You normally live in the UK
- You have lived in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least 3 years before your course starts
- You are studying an approved course at an approved university or college
2️⃣ Settled or Pre-Settled Status (EU/EEA & Swiss citizens)
You may qualify if you:
- Have Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Have lived in the UK for 3 years
- Are studying a full-time or part-time approved course
⚠️ Many EU students starting after 2021 are only eligible if they have settled status.
3️⃣ Refugees & Humanitarian Protection
You can apply if you have:
- Refugee status
- Humanitarian protection
- Discretionary leave to remain
These students are generally treated the same as UK home students.
4️⃣ Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
You may be eligible if:
- You have ILR or permanent residence
- You meet the 3-year residency rule
5️⃣ Long Residence Category
You may qualify if:
- You have lived half your life in the UK, or
- You lived in the UK for 20 years, or
- You lived in the UK for 7 years if under 18
6️⃣ Eligible Courses
Student Finance is available for:
- Undergraduate degrees (BA, BSc)
- Foundation degrees
- HND/HNC
- Integrated Master’s degrees
- Some teacher training and healthcare courses
The course must be approved by:
- Student Finance England
(or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland)
❌ Who Does Not Usually Qualify?
- International students on Student or Visitor visas
- Students without settled/pre-settled status
- Students who have already used funding for a previous degree (with limited exceptions)
📌 Important Notes
- Maintenance loan amounts depend on household income and where you live
- Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Eligibility is assessed case by case
