An applicants’ fee status is assessed during the admissions process to determine whether they should pay Home or Overseas tuition fees. Fee status is based on Law created by the Government and this law is set out in Government regulations. Universities follow these regulations when assessing an applicant’s fee status. Because the Government regulations can be difficult to understand, UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) provides students with information and guidance, should they need it.
Your fee status is based on a range of factors—not solely your nationality or current residence. Information provided on your application helps our Admissions Team assess your status.
If your application is successful, your fee status will be included in your offer letter
Important: If you have questions about your fee status after you have applied, please contact the Admissions Team before you register.
If you believe your fee status has been assessed incorrectly, you must complete the Admissions Fee Status Questionnaire and submit all required evidence by the published deadlines:
If all required evidence is received on time, your fee status may be amended—even if you have already registered. If evidence is incomplete after these deadlines, your assessed fee status will remain in place for the duration of your course unless your circumstances change.
Unfortunately, we cannot assess your fee status prior to receiving a formal application to study at the University of Essex. However, UKCISA guidance provides useful information on eligibility.
Your fee status is normally fixed from the start of your course. However, it may change if your immigration or residency circumstances change and you meet the requirements of the relevant UKCISA category.
For example, students may become eligible for Home fees in the next academic year if:
and
Please note: meeting the “settled” requirement alone is not sufficient—full UKCISA category criteria must be met.
Please visit the UKCISA to find your fee status.
If your circumstances have changed and you think you now meet eligibility for Home fees for the next academic year, please complete the steps below:
Your case will be assessed by a specialist in the Funding Team, and you will be contacted via your Essex email if further information is required. You will also receive the final outcome by email.
Please note that reviews can take time to complete.
Relevant statutory instruments and regulations used in determining fee status include:
These can be viewed on legislation.gov.uk