Fee status enquiries

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: 
31 October of your first academic year, or
31 January if your course begins in January.

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.

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:
• You now have settled status in the UK,
and
• You meet one of the following categories:
• 3 years in UK and Islands, settled in UK
• 3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK
• Residence in British Overseas Territories (for courses beginning 1 August 2022 or later)
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:

• Please visit the UKCISA to find your fee status.

• Fully complete a Fee Status Questionnaire by 31 October to be considered for that academic year. Requests received after this date will be reviewed for the following academic year.

• Provide any evidence requested via email from the Funding Team . This may include the following:

o Your passport

o Relevant immigration documentation (visa, BRP, Home Office letter, etc.)

o Proof of address

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: 
• Higher Education Act 2004
• The Student Fees (Qualifying Courses and Persons) Regulations
• The Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations
• Associated amendment regulations
These can be viewed on legislation.gov.uk