Who Is Eligible for a UK University Loan in 2025?

TL;DR

You can qualify for UK university loans in 2025 if you’re a UK national, have EU settled/pre-settled status, are a refugee or asylum seeker, hold Irish citizenship, or have been a long-term UK resident for 3+ years. There’s no upper age limit for tuition loans, and your course must be at a recognised UK institution at undergraduate level. Household income affects maintenance loan amounts but not eligibility itself.

Understanding UK University Eligibility: Who Can Access Student Finance?

Did you know that over 350,000 eligible individuals in the UK don’t apply for university each year because they wrongly believe they don’t qualify for funding?

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I eligible for a UK university loan?” or felt confused by terms like “ordinary residence,” “settled status,” or “relevant person,” you’re not alone.

The truth is, UK student finance eligibility is more inclusive than most people realise – but the criteria can feel like a maze of legal terminology and residency rules.

Whether you’re an EU citizen with settled status, a mature student considering a career change, a refugee who arrived in the UK recently, or a UK national who’s lived abroad, understanding your eligibility is the crucial first step toward accessing higher education.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly whether you qualify, what documentation you need, and how to navigate common edge cases that trip up thousands of applicants each year.

Already explored how Student Finance works in the UK? Now let’s confirm you’re eligible to access it.

What is UK University Eligibility and Why Does It Matter?

UK university eligibility refers to the specific criteria that determine whether you can receive government-backed student loans for tuition fees and living costs.

Meeting these criteria unlocks access to funding worth up to £22,535 per year – money you don’t pay upfront and only repay when earning above £25,000 annually.

The Three Pillars of Eligibility

1. Residency Status Your legal right to live in the UK and how long you’ve been resident determine whether you qualify. This isn’t just about nationality – it’s about settlement rights, visa types, and length of residence.

2. Course Type Not all courses qualify. Your programme must meet specific criteria around level, institution recognition, and intensity.

3. Previous Study What you’ve studied before affects whether you can get funding again. This is where second degree rules and equivalent qualifications come into play.

According to Student Finance England, approximately 1.2 million students qualify annually, yet many eligible individuals – particularly from EU backgrounds, mature learners, and refugees – don’t realise they meet the criteria.

Understanding UK university eligibility isn’t just bureaucratic box-ticking. It’s the gateway to accessing thousands in funding that makes higher education financially viable.

Learn more about UniStart’s mission to make UK university accessible.

Who Qualifies for UK Student Loans in 2025? The Complete Breakdown

Residency and Nationality Requirements

You meet UK university eligibility if you fall into any of these categories:

✅ UK Nationals (British Citizens)

Requirements:

• Hold British citizenship (British passport holder)
• Ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years immediately before course start
• Not solely resident in the UK for education purposes during those 3 years

Common scenario: You’re a British citizen who’s lived in the UK continuously, or you returned to the UK after living abroad and have been back for 3+ years.

💡 Edge case: British citizens who lived abroad for work or family reasons and returned recently may need to provide evidence of UK ties during their absence.

✅ EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status

Requirements:

• Hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, or Switzerland for 3 years before course start
• Meet the “right to reside” test (automatically satisfied with settled status)

Common scenario: You’re Romanian, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Bulgarian (or other EU nationality), arrived in the UK before December 31, 2020, and successfully applied for settled or pre-settled status.

Important distinction:

• Settled status holders = Full eligibility for both tuition and maintenance loans
• Pre-settled status holders = Full eligibility for both tuition and maintenance loans (as of 2025 regulations)

💡 Reality check: Many EU citizens with settled status still believe Brexit ended their funding eligibility. This is false. If you have settled or pre-settled status, you have the same access to Student Finance as UK nationals.

UniStart has successfully helped 89+ EU students with settled status secure full funding – read more in our 123+ success stories.

Check your status: EU Settlement Scheme verification

✅ Refugees and Those with Humanitarian Protection

Requirements:

• Recognised refugee status or humanitarian protection granted by the UK government
• Ordinarily resident in the UK since recognition (no minimum 3-year requirement)
• Spouse, civil partner, or child of someone with refugee/humanitarian status

Common scenario: You arrived in the UK seeking asylum, received refugee status within the past 2 years, and now want to study at university.

Unique advantage: Unlike most other categories, refugees don’t need the 3-year residency requirement. You can access Student Finance immediately upon receiving status.

Supporting organisations: Refugee Council and STAR Network provide additional support for refugee students navigating the system.

✅ Irish Citizens (Common Travel Area)

Requirements:

• Irish citizenship
• Ordinarily resident in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or the Isle of Man for 3 years before course start

Common scenario: You’re an Irish citizen who’s lived in the UK or moved between the UK and Ireland regularly.

💡 Advantage: The Common Travel Area agreement gives Irish citizens unique reciprocal rights with UK nationals.

✅ Long-Term UK Residents

Requirements:

• Lived in the UK continuously for 3 years before course start
• Have “indefinite leave to remain” or similar settlement status
• Not been in the UK solely for education purposes

Common scenario: You arrived on a work visa, family visa, or other long-term visa, obtained indefinite leave to remain, and have lived in the UK for 3+ years total.

Visa types that can lead to settlement:

• Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa (after 5 years)
• Spouse/Partner visa (after 5 years)
• Ancestry visa (after 5 years)
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

💡 Important: Simply living in the UK for 3 years isn’t enough – you must have the right immigration status that demonstrates settlement intent.

Age Requirements: Is There a Limit?

Tuition Fee Loans:

• No upper age limit – you can apply at 18, 25, 35, 45, 55, or beyond
• No questions asked about “wasted time” or career changes
• Mature students are explicitly encouraged and supported

Maintenance Loans:

• Available to students under 60 years old at course start
• If you’re 60+, you can still get the Tuition Fee Loan
• Age is calculated as of the first day of the first academic year

Example scenarios:

Real impact: UniStart has helped students aged 21 to 48 access full funding. Age is not a barrier – it’s often an advantage, as mature students bring life experience and clear career goals.

Concerned about being “too old”? Download the UniStart App to speak with advisors who specialise in mature student applications.

Course Eligibility Requirements

Your course must meet all of these criteria:

✅ Institution Recognition

The university or college must be:

• Officially recognised by the UK government
• Registered with the Office for Students (OfS) in England
• Able to award degrees or partnered with a degree-awarding body

How to check: Visit the gov.uk recognised bodies list, confirm the provider on the OfS register, and read the university’s official course page for a Student Finance eligibility statement.

💡 Red flag: If an institution isn’t on the official list, you won’t qualify for Student Finance – even if they claim to offer “UK degrees.”

✅ Course Level

Eligible courses:

• First undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree)
• Foundation degree
• Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education (CertHE, DipHE)
• Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND)
• Integrated Master’s degrees (MEng, MPhys, etc.)
• Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at undergraduate level

NOT eligible:

• Postgraduate Master’s degrees (different funding available)
• PhDs (research council funding or self-funded)
• Most professional qualifications (unless part of an undergraduate programme)
• Access to HE Diplomas (eligible for Advanced Learner Loans instead)

Browse eligible courses: Explore options through UniStart’s course search

✅ Study Intensity

Full-time courses:

• Standard 3-year degree programmes
• 4-year integrated Master’s programmes
• Accelerated 2-year degrees

Part-time courses:

• Must study at least 25% of full-time intensity per year
• Eligible for Tuition Fee Loan proportional to intensity
• Limited Maintenance Loan available (less than full-time)

Example:

• Full-time course = 120 credits/year = 100% intensity
• Part-time course = 60 credits/year = 50% intensity = 50% of Tuition Fee Loan

Balancing work and study? Part-time funding makes university accessible while you work – read about flexible pathways to UK degrees.

Previous Study: The Second Degree Rules

General principle: Student Finance usually funds your first undergraduate degree only.

The rules:

❌ NOT eligible if you already hold:

• An honours degree (BA, BSc with Hons)
• An ordinary/unclassified degree from UK or EU institution
• Equivalent qualification (some international degrees count)

✅ STILL eligible even if you hold:

• HNC/HND (can get funding for Bachelor’s top-up)
• Foundation degree (can get funding for Bachelor’s top-up)
• Certificate/Diploma of Higher Education
• Postgraduate degree only (Master’s/PhD doesn’t count as “equivalent or higher”)

Exceptions to the second degree rule:

You can get funding for a second undergraduate degree if:

1. Healthcare courses – Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health
2. Social work degrees – qualifying programmes
3. Initial Teacher Training – PGCE at undergraduate level
4. Scottish students studying in England – different funding rules apply
5. “Topping up” HNC/HND to Bachelor’s – completing a degree you started

Example scenario:

Scenario 1: Sarah has a BA in History, wants to study Computer Science

• ❌ NOT eligible – already holds honours degree
• Alternative: Consider postgraduate conversion courses or career change support

Scenario 2: Marcus has an HND in Business, wants to do a Business Management BA (Top-up)

• ✅ ELIGIBLE – HND is not an honours degree, and top-ups are specifically funded

Scenario 3: Amira has a Master’s in Psychology, wants to study Medicine

• ✅ ELIGIBLE – Medicine is an exception, and postgraduate degrees don’t count as “equivalent or lower”

Confused about your previous qualifications? UniStart advisors can assess your specific situation – request a callback.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm Your Eligibility

Step 1: Run the Official Eligibility Check (5 Minutes)

Use the Student Finance England eligibility tool to get an instant preliminary assessment.

What you’ll need:

• Date of birth
• Nationality or residency status
• Course start date
• Information about previous study

Output: Immediate indication of whether you meet basic criteria.

⚠️ Limitation: The tool provides general guidance but can’t assess complex edge cases (refugees, recent settled status, unusual residency patterns).

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence Documents

Before applying, collect proof of:

Residency Evidence (3 years minimum):

• Utility bills in your name
• Council tax statements
• Bank statements showing UK address
• Tenancy agreements or mortgage documents
• GP registration letters
• Employment contracts/payslips

💡 Pro tip: You need documents spanning the full 3-year period, not just from the past year. Start collecting early.

Identity Evidence:

• Valid passport (UK, EU, or other nationality)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if applicable
• Birth certificate
• EU Settlement Scheme confirmation (digital status)

Settlement Status Proof:

• Settled status letter/email
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) document
• Refugee status documentation
• Citizenship certificate

Previous Study Evidence:

• Degree certificates (if applicable)
• Transcripts from previous universities
• HNC/HND certificates

Download our complete document checklist: Available free in the UniStart App

Step 3: Check Your Immigration Status Online

For EU citizens: Visit view your immigration status to generate a share code proving your settled/pre-settled status.

Why this matters: Student Finance England will verify your status electronically using this system.

For other visa holders: Check your BRP card expiry date and settlement route. If you’re on a time-limited visa (student visa, work visa without ILR), you likely won’t meet residency criteria yet.

Step 4: Understand Your Household Income Impact

Important clarification: Household income does NOT determine eligibility – it only affects the amount of Maintenance Loan you receive.

Even with household income of £100,000+:

• ✅ You’re still eligible
• ✅ You still get full Tuition Fee Loan (up to £9,535/year)
• ⚠️ Your Maintenance Loan is reduced but not eliminated (minimum ~72% of maximum)

How it works:

• Household income < £25,000 = Maximum Maintenance Loan
• Household income £25,000-£62,000 = Sliding scale reduction
• Household income > £62,000 = Minimum Maintenance Loan (~£6,300-£9,500 depending on location)

Want to calculate your exact entitlement? Use the Student Finance calculator or get personalised figures through UniStart’s funding tool.

Step 5: Verify Your Course Eligibility

Before you apply to Student Finance, confirm your course qualifies:

1. Search the provider on the gov.uk recognised bodies list to confirm it can award UK degrees
2. Review the course page for a clear “Student Finance available” confirmation
3. Verify the institution is on the OfS register
4. Contact the university’s Student Finance office to ask: “Is this course eligible for Student Finance England funding?”

⚠️ Warning sign: If the university can’t confirm Student Finance eligibility, investigate further before applying.

Exploring course options? Browse UniStart’s verified course database – all listings are pre-verified for Student Finance eligibility.

💡 Pro Tip: The 3-Year Residency Loophole

If you’re a UK national who lived abroad and returned recently, you might still qualify under the “islands” exemption or if you can prove you maintained UK residency ties (owning property, returning regularly, family in UK).

Similarly, if you moved within the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland frequently, ensure you can document continuous UK presence rather than international moves.

Real example: A UniStart client who was a UK citizen working in Dubai for 2 years but returned to the UK 18 months before university start initially thought she was ineligible. After reviewing her case, we established she maintained UK ties (property ownership, family visits) and had been UK resident for 3+ years cumulatively in the past 5 years. She qualified.

Real Impact: Who UniStart Has Helped Access Student Finance

What This Means: UK university eligibility extends far beyond “traditional” 18-year-old UK school leavers. UniStart’s success rate with non-traditional applicants – EU citizens, mature students, refugees, career changers – demonstrates that understanding your rights is the key to unlocking access.

Read real stories: 123+ Lives Changed: How UniStart Helped Students Access £1.2M in UK University Funding

Common Eligibility Scenarios: Do You Qualify?

Scenario 1: EU Citizen with Settled Status Working in the UK

Your situation:

• Polish national, arrived UK in 2018
• Granted settled status in 2021
• Worked full-time in London since arrival
• Want to study Computer Science at university

Eligibility assessment:

• ✅ Residency: 3+ years continuous UK residence
• ✅ Settlement: Settled status under EU Settlement Scheme
• ✅ Age: No restrictions
• ✅ Course: Undergraduate degree at recognised institution
• RESULT: FULLY ELIGIBLE for both tuition and maintenance loans

Documentation needed:

• Settled status share code
• Proof of UK address (2018-present): bank statements, council tax, utility bills
• P60s or payslips covering residency period
• Passport

Scenario 2: British Citizen Who Lived Abroad

Your situation:

• British passport holder
• Lived in Spain for 5 years (2017-2022)
• Returned to UK in August 2022
• Want to start university September 2025

Eligibility assessment:

• ✅ Citizenship: British national
• ✅ Residency: 3+ years back in UK by course start (August 2022 - September 2025 = 3 years 1 month)
• ⚠️ Key question: Were you in Spain solely for education, or for work/family reasons?
• If work/family: ✅ Likely eligible
• If education: ❌ May affect eligibility

RESULT: LIKELY ELIGIBLE (subject to proving reasons for time abroad)

Documentation needed:

• UK passport
• Proof of UK address since August 2022
• Evidence of reason for time abroad (employment contract, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Evidence of intent to remain in UK (job, accommodation, family ties)

Scenario 3: Refugee Granted Status Recently

Your situation:

• Syrian national, arrived UK in 2023 seeking asylum
• Granted refugee status in January 2025
• Want to study Engineering from September 2025

Eligibility assessment:

• ✅ Refugee status: Recognised by UK government
• ✅ Residency: No minimum 3-year requirement for refugees
• ✅ Right to remain: Unlimited (5 years renewable refugee status)
• ✅ Course: Undergraduate degree
• RESULT: FULLY ELIGIBLE immediately upon status grant

Documentation needed:

• Refugee status decision letter from Home Office
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Current UK address proof
• Passport or travel document

Additional support: Refugee students may also qualify for additional hardship funding and university bursaries – explore through UniStart’s funding guide.

Scenario 4: Mature Student (38 Years Old)

Your situation:

• UK national, lived in UK entire life
• Worked in retail for 20 years
• HND in Business from 2005
• Want to “top up” HND to full BA in Business Management

Eligibility assessment:

• ✅ Residency: UK national, ordinarily resident
• ✅ Age: Under 60 = eligible for both tuition and maintenance loans
• ✅ Previous study: HND is NOT an honours degree
• ✅ Top-up courses: Specifically funded to complete degrees
• RESULT: FULLY ELIGIBLE

Documentation needed:

• Passport or birth certificate
• Proof of UK address (3 years)
• HND certificate and transcript
• Confirmation from university that course is a “top-up” route

Scenario 5: International Student on Spouse Visa

Your situation:

• Indian national married to UK citizen
• Entered UK on spouse visa in 2020
• Granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in June 2024
• Want to study Nursing from September 2025

Eligibility assessment:

• ⚠️ Residency: Only 1 year 3 months since ILR grant (need 3 years)
• ❌ Does not meet 3-year residency requirement yet
• Alternative: Could apply for September 2027 start (will have 3+ years by then)
• RESULT: NOT ELIGIBLE for September 2025 start

Future eligibility: By continuing to live in UK until September 2027, you’ll meet the 3-year requirement and become fully eligible.

Short-term alternatives:

• University hardship funds
• Career development loans
• Employer sponsorship (some NHS trusts sponsor Nursing students)
• Charitable grants for healthcare students

Need alternative funding options? Contact UniStart advisors to explore bridge funding until you’re eligible.

Scenario 6: Pre-Settled Status Holder

Your situation:

• Romanian national, arrived UK December 2019
• Granted pre-settled status in 2020
• Working part-time while studying Access to HE Diploma
• Want to apply for BSc Psychology from September 2025

Eligibility assessment:

• ✅ Residency: 5+ years continuous UK residence by course start
• ✅ Status: Pre-settled status qualifies (2025 rules)
• ⚠️ Important: Apply to upgrade to settled status before Student Finance application
• ✅ Previous study: Access Diploma does not count as honours degree
• RESULT: ELIGIBLE (but recommend upgrading to settled status first)

Action steps:

1. Apply to upgrade pre-settled to settled status (eligible after 5 years continuous residence)
2. Once settled status granted, apply for Student Finance with stronger application
3. If unable to upgrade, still eligible with pre-settled status but may face additional verification

Documentation needed:

• Pre-settled (or settled) status share code
• Continuous residence proof (2019-2025)
• Access to HE certificate
• Proof of UK address throughout period

Common Myths About UK University Eligibility

Myth #1: “Brexit ended Student Finance for all EU students”

➜ Reality: EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme retain full eligibility. The deadline to apply for the scheme was June 30, 2021, but late applications are accepted with reasonable grounds. Over 6 million EU citizens have secured status and can access Student Finance.

Check if you have settled status

Myth #2: “I’m too old to get Student Finance”

➜ Reality: There is no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loans. Maintenance Loans are available up to age 60. UniStart has successfully helped students aged 45+ access full funding. Your age is irrelevant – what matters is your residency status and course eligibility.

Myth #3: “If my parents earn too much, I won’t be eligible”

➜ Reality: Household income affects the amount of Maintenance Loan you receive, not your eligibility. Even with household income above £100,000, you’re still eligible for the full Tuition Fee Loan (£9,535/year) and approximately 72% of the maximum Maintenance Loan. Eligibility is determined by residency status, not income.

Myth #4: “Refugees can’t access Student Finance”

➜ Reality: Refugees are explicitly eligible and benefit from an exemption to the 3-year residency requirement. Once you receive refugee status, you can access Student Finance immediately. Additionally, many universities offer dedicated refugee scholarships and support packages.

Refugee support organisations

Myth #5: “I need a guarantor or good credit score”

➜ Reality: Student Finance does not require guarantors, credit checks, or financial security. Your eligibility is based solely on residency status, nationality, course type, and previous study. Bad credit, debt, or bankruptcy do not affect your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get Student Finance if I have pre-settled status rather than settled status? A: Yes. As of 2025, both settled and pre-settled status holders are eligible for full Student Finance, including tuition and maintenance loans. However, we recommend upgrading to settled status if you’ve lived in the UK for 5+ years, as it strengthens your application and removes any future uncertainty.

Q: I’m a British citizen who’s been living abroad. When can I qualify? A: You must be ordinarily resident in the UK for the 3 years immediately before your course starts. Count back 3 years from your course start date – if you’ve been continuously in the UK since that date, you likely qualify. Time abroad for work or family (not education) may be acceptable with supporting evidence.

Q: Does my partner’s immigration status affect my eligibility? A: No. Your eligibility is based solely on your own residency status and nationality. However, if you’re applying as a dependant of someone with refugee status or certain visa types, their status can positively affect your eligibility.

Q: What counts as “ordinary residence” in the UK? A: Ordinary residence means living in the UK as your main home, voluntarily and for settled purposes (not just for education). You must have been physically present in the UK, not solely for education, for 3 years before your course starts. Temporary absences (holidays, work trips) generally don’t break continuity.

Q: I have an international degree from outside the UK. Does that count as “previous study”? A: It depends. Student Finance England assesses international qualifications on a case-by-case basis using UK NARIC equivalency. A Bachelor’s degree from most countries will be considered equivalent to a UK honours degree, making you ineligible. HND-equivalent qualifications usually don’t block eligibility. Contact Student Finance or UniStart advisors for assessment.

Ready to Confirm Your Eligibility and Start Your Journey?

Understanding UK university eligibility is just the beginning. Taking confident action is what transforms possibility into reality.

Thousands of eligible individuals – EU citizens with settled status, mature learners, refugees, career changers – delay their university dreams simply because they’re unsure whether they qualify.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back.

🎯 Take These Steps Today:

Step 1: Run the official Student Finance eligibility check (5 minutes)

Step 2: Gather your evidence documents using our comprehensive checklist

Step 3: Download the UniStart App for personalised eligibility assessment

Step 4: Get expert confirmation from advisors who’ve helped 123+ students navigate complex cases

📱 The same team that helped EU citizens, refugees, and mature students access £1.2M+ in funding is ready to guide you.

Your eligibility isn’t in question – your action is.

Download UniStart – Your Free Personal Admissions Advisor

Have specific eligibility questions?

📱 Get the app: iOS App Store | Android Google Play

💬 Contact our team: support@unistart.app for personalised eligibility assessment

🔗 Explore more:

• Student Finance Guide 2025
• Get Application Support
• Find Eligible Courses
• Funding Calculator

Written by Radu Danila, UniStart Founder. As a Romanian student who navigated the UK university system with EU settled status, I understand firsthand the confusion around eligibility criteria. UniStart exists to ensure no eligible student is left behind because they didn’t understand their rights.

title: “Who Is Eligible for a UK University Loan in 2025?” description: “Straightforward 2025 guide to who qualifies for UK university loans: residency rules, settled status, age limits, course criteria and real-life scenarios.” metaDescription: “Who is eligible for UK university loans in 2025? Clear breakdown of Student Finance England rules: residency, settled status vs pre-settled, age limits, course types and common edge cases.” pubDate: 2025-11-18T09:00:00Z updatedDate: 2025-11-18T09:00:00Z author: “Radu Danila, UniStart Founder” tags: [“uk university eligibility”, “student finance eligibility”, “settled status uk”, “student loan eligibility 2025”, “uk universities”, “student finance”] featured: true heroImage: “unistart-blog-min.png” ogImage: “unistart-blog-min.png” slug: “who-is-eligible-uk-university-loan-2025” readingTime: “7 min read” canonicalURL: “https://unistart.app/blog/who-is-eligible-uk-university-loan-2025”

Who Is Eligible for a UK University Loan in 2025?

TL;DR

You can usually get UK university loans in 2025 if:

• you are a UK national and have lived in the UK for the 3 years before your course starts
• you are an EU/EEA citizen with settled status (full access to tuition + maintenance, if other rules are met)
• you have pre-settled status and meet extra conditions (for example, you are classed as a worker/migrant worker – tuition is normally covered, maintenance is conditional)
• you are a refugee or person with Humanitarian Protection (as recognised by the UK) and live in England
• you are an Irish citizen in the Common Travel Area
• you have indefinite leave to remain/long-term residency in the UK and meet the 3‑year residence rule.

There is no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loans. Maintenance Loans are normally available if you are under 60 when the course starts. Your course must be at an eligible, officially recognised UK institution. Household income changes how much maintenance you receive – not whether you qualify.

Why Eligibility Matters

Student Finance England is the gateway that makes a UK degree realistic for most people. If you meet the rules, you can access:

• a Tuition Fee Loan (up to the full cost of eligible undergraduate tuition)
• a Maintenance Loan for living costs (amount depends on household income and where you live/study).

Combined, this can add up to around £20,000 per year outside London or around £23,000 per year in London in support – money you do not pay upfront and only start repaying once your income is over the repayment threshold.

Each year, over a million students receive student loans in England, but many others never apply because they assume they are too old, the wrong nationality, or “don’t qualify after Brexit”. Most of the time, that assumption is wrong.

This guide focuses on who is eligible in 2025, explained in plain language, with real‑life examples.

Already understand how Student Finance works in general? Then this article is about one specific question: “Do I qualify?”

The Three Pillars of Eligibility

To get UK university funding in 2025 you need to pass three checks:

1. Residency & immigration status – who you are and where you have been living.
2. Course & institution – what you want to study and where.
3. Previous study – whether you already hold a similar or higher qualification.

Let’s go through them one by one.

1. Residency & Nationality – Who Qualifies?

You usually qualify if you fall into any of the groups below and meet the detailed rules.

✅ UK Nationals (British Citizens)

You’re normally eligible if:

• you hold British citizenship, and
• you have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the 3 years immediately before your course starts, and
• you were not in the UK during those 3 years only for education.

Example:

You grew up in the UK, worked here, and now at 27 you want to study Business Management. You have always lived in the UK. You qualify for both Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan (subject to income).

Edge case:

You are British but lived and worked abroad for a few years. If you returned to the UK and can show you are now settled here, you may still qualify once you can evidence 3 years of UK residence again, or show strong continuing UK ties. This is where a detailed case explanation often matters.

✅ EU Citizens with Settled or Pre‑Settled Status

This is where many people are confused.

Settled Status

If you have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and meet the residence rules, you are generally treated like a UK national for Student Finance purposes.

You normally qualify for:

• Tuition Fee Loan (full amount for eligible courses)
• Maintenance Loan (amount depends on household income and circumstances).

Pre‑Settled Status

Pre‑settled status is more nuanced.

In practice, in 2025:

• Pre‑settled status usually gives eligibility for the Tuition Fee Loan if you also meet residence rules.
• Maintenance Loan eligibility depends on additional criteria, for example being classed as a worker/migrant worker or falling into another specific category. Pre‑settled status alone does not guarantee maintenance support.

Important distinction:

• Settled status → tuition + maintenance (if you meet the normal rules)
• Pre‑settled status → tuition normally; maintenance only if you also meet extra conditions

Common scenario (settled):

You are Romanian, arrived before 31 Dec 2020, now have settled status, and have lived and worked in the UK for years. You want to start a full‑time degree in 2025. You can normally access both tuition and maintenance loans.

Common scenario (pre‑settled):

You came to the UK in late 2019, received pre‑settled status in 2020 and have been working. You will hit 5 years of residence in 2024/2025 and can then upgrade to settled. You can usually get the Tuition Fee Loan with pre‑settled status; for the Maintenance Loan, Student Finance will look at whether you meet worker/migrant‑worker rules.

Practical advice:

• If you are close to 5 years of continuous UK residence, it is normally best to upgrade to settled status before applying for Student Finance.

✅ Refugees and People with Humanitarian Protection

If the UK has recognised you as a refugee or granted you Humanitarian Protection, your position is different – and often better – than for other groups.

You are normally eligible if:

• you have official refugee status or Humanitarian Protection, and
• you are ordinarily resident in England when the course starts, and
• you have lived in the UK since the date your status was granted,
• or you are the spouse/civil partner/child of someone with this status.

Key advantage:

• You do not need to meet the standard 3‑year UK residence rule that applies to most others. Once you are granted status and meet the points above, you can usually access Student Finance.

⚠️ Important: People who are still asylum seekers (waiting for a decision, without refugee or HP status) are normally not eligible for Student Finance England and often have to rely on scholarships or specialist funding.

✅ Irish Citizens (Common Travel Area)

Irish citizens benefit from special arrangements under the Common Travel Area.

You are usually eligible if:

• you hold Irish citizenship, and
• you have been ordinarily resident in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for the 3 years before your course.

In practice Irish nationals are treated similarly to UK nationals for most eligibility decisions.

✅ Long‑Term UK Residents (ILR and Similar Status)

You may also qualify if you:

• have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or another long‑term settlement status, and
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the 3 years before your course, and
• were not here only to study.

Routes that can lead to ILR include:

• Skilled Worker / Tier 2
• Spouse or partner routes
• UK Ancestry

Once you hold ILR and meet the residence requirement, Student Finance will broadly treat you like a settled resident.

2. Age – Is There a Limit?

Tuition Fee Loan

• No upper age limit for undergraduate Tuition Fee Loans.
• You can start your degree at 18, 28, 38, 48 or later – age alone is not a reason for refusal.

Maintenance Loan

• Available if you are under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course.

Mature students (25+, 30+, 40+) apply successfully every year. The key questions are always residency, immigration status and course type – not age.

3. Course & Institution Rules

Even if you qualify, your course must also be eligible.

The Institution Must Be Officially Recognised

The university or college must be:

• officially recognised by the UK government, and
• registered with the Office for Students (OfS) in England, and
• able to award UK degrees or formally partnered with a degree‑awarding body.

How to verify recognition yourself:

• Look up the institution on the official GOV.UK recognised bodies list.
• Check that it appears on the OfS Register.
• Read the course page – it should clearly state that the course is eligible for Student Finance.
• If you are unsure, email or call the university and ask directly:

“Is this course eligible for Student Finance England funding (tuition fee loan, and where applicable, maintenance loan)?”

If they cannot give a clear “yes”, be cautious.

The Course Must Be at the Right Level

Common eligible courses:

• Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BSc, BEng etc.)
• Foundation degrees
• CertHE / DipHE
• HNC / HND
• Integrated Master’s (e.g. MEng, MPhys)
• Undergraduate Initial Teacher Training

Commonly not covered by this loan system:

• most standalone Master’s and postgraduate degrees (funded differently)
• PhDs
• most professional short courses
• Access to HE Diplomas (usually funded via Advanced Learner Loans instead)

If in doubt, ask the institution’s student finance or admissions team to confirm.

4. Previous Study – The “First Degree” Rule

As a rule, Student Finance England will fund your first undergraduate degree.

When you are usually not eligible

You will often be refused if you already hold:

• a UK or equivalent honours degree
• some other degrees judged to be at the same level or higher.

Important exceptions

There are several situations where a second degree can still be funded, for example:

• Medicine, Dentistry, some Healthcare courses
• Certain Social Work courses
• Undergraduate Initial Teacher Training
• “Top‑up” routes from HNC/HND or Foundation Degree to full Bachelor’s.

Examples

• You have an HND in Business and want to do a one‑year BA top‑up → often eligible.
• You already hold a full UK BA and want another BA in a new subject → normally not eligible.
• You already have a Master’s but no undergraduate degree from the UK → eligibility depends on how your previous qualification is classified.

If your history is complicated, it’s worth asking Student Finance directly or speaking with an advisor before assuming you are blocked.

5. Household Income – What It Really Does

Household income does not decide whether you are eligible. It decides how much Maintenance Loan you get.

• Everyone who passes the residency, status and course checks can get a full Tuition Fee Loan.
• The Maintenance Loan then slides up and down depending on income and where you live and study (at home, away from home, in or outside London).

If your household income is high, you still get a reduced but not zero Maintenance Loan. Instead of quoting a fixed percentage that may change, the safest message is:

“Higher household income reduces the Maintenance Loan amount, but does not remove your eligibility for support.”

You can always run your own numbers using the official Student Finance calculator.

6. Checking Your Eligibility – Simple Process

You can think of it as a short checklist.

Step 1 – Run the official calculator

Use the Student Finance England calculator on GOV.UK. It will give you a quick indication based on:

• nationality and immigration status
• where you have lived in the last 3 years
• your age
• planned course and start date.

Step 2 – Gather evidence

Prepare documents that show:

• who you are (passport, BRP, status documents)
• where you have lived (bills, council tax, tenancy, bank statements)
• your status (settled / pre‑settled / ILR / refugee / HP)
• any previous study.

Step 3 – Confirm the course eligibility

Check:

1. institution is on GOV.UK recognised bodies list
2. institution is on the OfS register
3. course page explicitly mentions Student Finance eligibility
4. admissions or finance team confirms it in writing if you’re unsure.

7. Real‑Life Scenarios

Scenario 1 – EU Citizen with Settled Status

Profile – Polish citizen, arrived 2016, settled status since 2021, working full‑time, wants to start a BSc in Computing in September 2025.

• 3+ years UK residence: ✅
• Settled status: ✅
• No previous degree: ✅
• Eligible course at recognised university: ✅

Result: Eligible for Tuition Fee Loan + Maintenance Loan (amount based on household income and living situation).

Scenario 2 – British Citizen Returning from Abroad

Profile – British citizen, worked in Spain from 2017–2022, back in the UK since August 2022, wants to start a degree in September 2025.

• UK national: ✅
• UK residence from Aug 2022 to Sept 2025: just over 3 years: ✅
• Time abroad was for work, not to study: ✅

Result: Likely eligible, as long as you can evidence your UK residence and explain the reason for your time abroad.

Scenario 3 – Refugee Granted Status in 2025

Profile – Syrian national, applied for asylum in 2023, granted refugee status in Jan 2025, wants to start Engineering in Sept 2025.

• Refugee status: ✅
• Ordinary residence in England by Sept 2025: ✅
• No 3‑year rule for refugees: ✅

Result: Eligible for Tuition Fee Loan + Maintenance Loan from the first academic year, provided other standard course conditions are met.

Scenario 4 – Mature Student with HND (Age 38)

Profile – UK citizen, age 38, HND in Business from 2007, wants to do a 1‑year BA Business Management top‑up.

• UK national with continuous residence: ✅
• Age: under 60: ✅
• Previous qualification: HND only (no full BA yet): ✅
• Course is a recognised top‑up at a funded university: ✅

Result: Eligible for Tuition Fee Loan + Maintenance Loan.

Scenario 5 – ILR, but Not Enough Time Yet

Profile – Non‑EU citizen, arrived on spouse visa in 2019, ILR granted June 2024, wants to start Nursing in Sept 2025.

• ILR granted: ✅
• UK residence with ILR by Sept 2025: only ~1 year 3 months ❌ (standard rule requires 3 years’ residence)

Result: Not yet eligible for SFE funding for Sept 2025. Likely eligible from a later intake (e.g. 2027) once 3 years of residence with the right status can be shown.

Scenario 6 – Pre‑Settled Status Holder (EU)

Profile – Romanian citizen, arrived Dec 2019, pre‑settled status from 2020, working part‑time, studying Access to HE, wants to start BSc Psychology in Sept 2025.

• Continuous UK residence by Sept 2025: around 5 years: ✅
• Status: pre‑settled (eligible for Tuition Fee Loan, subject to rules): ✅
• Maintenance Loan: depends on whether SFE accepts them as a worker/migrant worker or under another category.

Result:

• Tuition Fee Loan: Very likely eligible.
• Maintenance Loan: Conditional – depends on worker/migrant‑worker criteria.
• Best move: Apply to upgrade to settled status as soon as 5‑year residence is met. Settled status makes maintenance eligibility much clearer.

8. Common Myths (and the Reality)

Myth 1 – “Brexit killed funding for EU students”

Brexit changed who can apply, but it did not remove funding for all EU citizens.

• EU citizens with settled status are broadly treated like UK nationals.
• EU citizens with pre‑settled status can still access tuition support and sometimes maintenance, depending on their circumstances.

Myth 2 – “I’m too old to go back to university”

There is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan. The only age limit in this system is for the Maintenance Loan (under 60 at course start). Mature students are completely normal in UK universities.

Myth 3 – “My parents/partner earn too much, so I won’t get anything”

Household income affects the size of your Maintenance Loan, not your basic eligibility. Even with high income, you still get the full Tuition Fee Loan and a reduced – not zero – Maintenance Loan.

Myth 4 – “Refugees can’t get Student Finance”

Refugees and people with Humanitarian Protection are explicitly included in the rules and benefit from an exemption to the normal 3‑year residence requirement.

Myth 5 – “I need a guarantor or good credit history”

Student Finance England is not a commercial loan. There are no guarantors, no credit checks and no interest rate based on your score. Eligibility is about status, residency and course – not your credit file.

9. FAQ – Short Answers to Big Questions

Q: Can I get Student Finance if I have pre‑settled status rather than settled status?
A: You can usually get the Tuition Fee Loan if you meet the residence rules. Access to the Maintenance Loan depends on extra criteria (for example, being classed as a worker/migrant worker). If you have 5+ years of continuous residence, upgrading to settled status is normally the best move, as it unlocks full support more clearly.

Q: I’m a British citizen who has been living abroad. When can I qualify?
A: Count back 3 years from your course start date. If you have been living in the UK during that period and not just for education, you normally qualify. Time abroad for work or family reasons can sometimes be accepted, but you may need extra evidence.

Q: Does my partner’s immigration status matter for my eligibility?
A: Generally no – Student Finance looks at your status. The exception is where you apply as a dependant of someone with a particular status (for example, a refugee or certain visa holders).

Q: What does “ordinarily resident” actually mean?
A: It means the UK is your real, settled home – not just a temporary place to study. You live here voluntarily and for a settled purpose (work, family, long‑term life plans), and you’ve been physically present here for most of the last 3 years.

Q: I have a degree from outside the UK. Am I blocked?
A: It depends how that qualification compares to a UK degree. Some overseas Bachelor’s degrees are treated as equivalent to a UK honours degree and may count as “already funded”. Others are not. It’s worth checking with Student Finance or an advisor before deciding you have no options.

10. Next Steps – If You Think You’re Eligible

1. Run the official calculator on GOV.UK to get a first indication.
2. Collect your documents – identity, status, residence, previous study.
3. Confirm your course is eligible – recognised institution, OfS register, Student Finance clearly mentioned on the course page.
4. If your case is more complex (EU pre‑settled, refugee, long gaps abroad, second degree) get a personal assessment instead of guessing.

UniStart exists exactly for this:

• to help people who are unsure whether they qualify,
• to explain the rules in plain language, and
• to guide you from “maybe one day” to “I’m enrolled and funded”.

Important note:
This guide reflects publicly available information for the 2025/26 academic year. Eligibility rules can change, and some cases are assessed individually by Student Finance England. Always check the latest official guidance on GOV.UK or speak with an advisor before relying on this information for your own application.

Written by Radu Danila, UniStart Founder. As a Romanian student who navigated the UK system with EU status and later helped hundreds of others do the same, my mission with UniStart is simple: make sure no one abandons their degree dream just because the rules felt too confusing.