Home Fee Status

What it is

Home Fee Status decides whether you pay the standard UK tuition fee (capped at £9,250 for most degrees) or the higher overseas rate. Universities assess where you usually live, how long you have been in the UK, and what immigration permission you hold on the first day of the course.

EU citizens who moved to the UK with work, family, or pre-settled/settled status may still qualify for Home fees if they meet residency tests. Each university asks for evidence such as council tax bills, tenancy agreements, payslips, or immigration letters.

Why it matters

The difference between Home and International fees can be tens of thousands of pounds. Holding Home Fee Status also allows you to apply for Student Finance England tuition and maintenance loans, provided you meet the relevant residency length.

Clarifying your status early prevents delays when you enrol. Admissions teams cannot confirm funding with Student Finance until they know whether the course should be billed at the Home rate.

Common mistakes

• Submitting partial evidence: Universities need proof that covers the full residency period, not just the most recent months.
• Assuming EU citizenship alone qualifies: Since Brexit, you must show legal residence in the UK for the required period.
• Waiting for Student Finance to decide: Fee status is determined by the university, so provide documents to admissions even if your loan is still processing.

How UniStart helps

UniStart provides document checklists tailored to your immigration route so you know exactly what to upload. Advisors can guide you through the forms universities use to assess fee status, but final decisions always rest with the institution.

Next steps

• Download the UniStart app to store residency evidence securely.
• Book a consultation to review your eligibility for Home Fee Status.
• Read our explainer on the difference between Home Fee Status and Student Finance residency tests.