What Is Home Fee Status?
Home fee status is the classification that UK universities use to decide whether you will be charged tuition fees at the home rate or the higher international rate. Home students may also have access to government student finance, and international students typically do not. The classification depends on legal rules about residence and immigration status, and not simply on your nationality or on whether you live in the UK.
How it is assessed
When you apply, the university or the student finance body asks questions about your:
- Nationality and immigration status, such as settled status, indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.
- Residence history, including where you have lived in the three years before the course, and how long you have been in the UK.
- Family connections, in some cases.
- Reasons for living in the UK, for example whether you moved mainly for education.
You provide evidence such as passports, visas, residence permits and proof of address. The assessment follows national regulations, which differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and have changed since the UK left the EU.
Why it matters
The difference in fees can be many thousands of pounds a year. Home status may also give access to student loans, with repayment thresholds linked to income. International students pay higher tuition and have other costs, such as visa fees and healthcare surcharges.
Common situations
- UK citizens living in the UK usually have home status after meeting residence conditions.
- Irish citizens generally have special arrangements under the Common Travel Area.
- EU citizens are treated under current rules, which depend on their residence and settled status, and may differ for new arrivals.
- Refugees and people with certain statuses may qualify for home fees under specific rules.
- Students from other countries are usually international students, with exceptions.
Rules change, so check the UKCISA website and the university's fee status guidance.
What to do
Complete the fee status questionnaire carefully and honestly, and keep documents. If your circumstances are complicated, contact the university's fees team before the deadline. If your fee status is wrong, ask for a review.
Related terms
See repayment threshold, residency for tuition purposes, tuition, CAS number and eVisa.
Frequently asked questions
How is fee status decided?
The university assesses it using your nationality, immigration status and residence history, following government rules. You complete a questionnaire and provide evidence.
Can fee status change during my course?
It is generally assessed at the start of the course, and a later change in your circumstances will not usually alter it. Special rules may apply, so ask the university.
What if I disagree with my fee status?
Contact the university's fees office, provide more evidence and use its review or appeal process. Organizations such as UKCISA can advise international students.