UK Study Options: Meet the Experts

At UK Study Options, we are dedicated to providing bespoke university guidance and fee status advice to students and families worldwide. With a strong reputation for saving families thousands on tuition fees, our experts help both international and UK students gain entry to top universities through tailored support packages.

 

Fee Status Team

  • Kate Raison: Managing Director at UK Study Options
    Kate has over 15 years of experience in higher education, working across admissions and student recruitment teams, and more recently specialising in UK university fee status. Her expert advice has saved many British expat families from unnecessarily paying overseas fees.
  • Sam Goodwin: Head of Global Engagement
    Sam brings a wealth of experience in international education policy and operations. He is expert in the UK university fee status rules and how they affect British and Irish expatriate families.
  • Dannielle Elster: Fee Status Manager
    Dannielle is known for her detailed and accurate fee status assessments, helping students navigate complex regulations.
  • Sarah Lewis: GCC Representative
    Based in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Sarah provides personalised support to families, helping them with university applications and fee statuses.
  • Puvani Gazi: Fee Status Consultant
    Puvani excels in understanding fee status regulations, offering precise and individualised assessments to students.

Counselling Team

  • Geraldine Raison: Director & University Guidance Counsellor
    Geraldine combines her extensive knowledge of the education sector with a personalised approach, guiding students to their ideal university choices.
  • Steve Martin: University Guidance Counsellor
    With a strong background in education, Steve helps students identify and apply to universities that align with their goals and aspirations.
  • Iram Lone: University Guidance Counsellor
    Iram provides compassionate and strategic advice, ensuring students are well-prepared for their university applications.

Marketing Team

  • Judith Burt: Project Coordinator
    Judith manages our projects with precision, ensuring smooth and effective execution of our initiatives.

 

How We Can Help

We offer expert support for both university applications and fee status assessments, ensuring students and families navigate the complex landscape of higher education with confidence. Our tailored support packages are designed to meet individual needs, providing guidance on everything from undergraduate and postgraduate courses to funding and visa options. With our help, students can achieve their educational goals while potentially saving thousands on tuition fees.

For more details and to meet the experts, contact UK Study Options.

Personalised University Application Support

In the competitive world of university applications, standing out from the crowd is essential. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier university or the perfect course that matches your passions and career aspirations, the process can be daunting. This is where personalised university application support, such as the services offered by UK Study Options, becomes invaluable.

Understanding the Importance of Personalised Support

Every student is unique, with individual strengths, interests, and goals. A one-size-fits-all approach to university applications can overlook these critical personal attributes. Personalised support tailors the application process to fit the specific needs of each student, enhancing their chances of success.

The Benefits of Personalised University Application Support

  1. Expert Guidance: Personalised support provides access to experienced advisers who understand the intricacies of the application process. These experts can offer invaluable insights into what universities are looking for and how to highlight your strengths effectively. They are well-versed in the latest trends and changes in university admissions, ensuring you are always up-to-date.
  2. Focused Strategy: An individualised approach helps in developing a focused strategy for each application. This includes selecting the right courses and universities, preparing compelling personal statements, and ensuring all aspects of the application align with the student’s aspirations and achievements. Personalised support can also help in identifying suitable backup options, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced application strategy.
  3. Enhanced Confidence: Knowing that you have expert support can significantly boost your confidence. With personalised guidance, you can navigate the complexities of the application process with greater assurance and less stress. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with advisers can help you stay on track and feel supported throughout the journey.
  4. Optimised Applications: Tailored support ensures that each application is polished and complete, minimising the risk of errors or omissions that could jeopardise your chances of acceptance. Advisers can help you refine your personal statement, ensure all documentation is in order, and prepare you for interviews. They can also provide guidance on obtaining strong letters of recommendation and navigating any additional requirements specific to your chosen courses.

Why Choose UK Study Options for Your University Application Support?

At UK Study Options, we understand the unique challenges and pressures that come with university applications. Our personalised support services are designed to help you achieve your academic goals with confidence and clarity. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of support tailored to your individual needs, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

Our Services Include:

  • Personal Statement Guidance: Crafting a compelling personal statement is a critical component of your application. Our advisers provide detailed feedback and support to help you articulate your strengths and ambitions effectively. We offer multiple rounds of editing and feedback to ensure your personal statement truly reflects your unique qualities and aspirations.
  • University and Course Selection: Choosing the right university and course is crucial. We offer expert advice to help you make informed decisions that align with your career goals and personal interests. Our advisers have extensive knowledge of a wide range of universities and courses, helping you find the best fit for your academic and personal preferences.
  • Interview Preparation: For courses that require interviews, we provide comprehensive preparation sessions to ensure you present yourself confidently and effectively. This includes mock interviews, feedback on your performance, and tips on how to handle common interview questions. Our goal is to help you feel prepared and confident on the day of your interview.
  • Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews your application to ensure it meets all requirements and standards, maximising your chances of success. We provide detailed feedback on each component of your application, from your personal statement to your CV and any additional essays or forms. This meticulous review process helps you submit the strongest application possible.

Conclusion

Personalised university application support is not just a luxury; it’s a crucial element for success in today’s competitive academic environment. By tailoring the application process to your unique needs, expert advisers can help you present your best self to your chosen universities. The insights and guidance provided by personalised support can make a significant difference in the quality and effectiveness of your application.

Choosing a service like UK Study Options ensures that you receive the expert guidance and support necessary to navigate the application process with confidence and success. Don’t leave your future to chance; invest in personalised support and take the first step towards achieving your academic dreams. With the right support, you can maximise your potential and secure a place at the university that best suits your aspirations and goals.

UK University Fee Status: British Overseas Territory

In the UK, universities and colleges charge different tuition fees based on students’ fee status. Generally, students classified as “Home” students are eligible for lower tuition fees, while those categorised as “Overseas” students are subject to higher fees.

It can be difficult to work out your fee status when living in a British Overseas Territory. There are many categories of eligibility, and each of the four UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) has its own set of fee status rules.

A main part of the fee status assessment is your ordinary residence. It can be possible for British nationals (or those with no immigration restriction on the length of stay in the UK) and relevant family members living in British Overseas Territory to be eligible for Home status based on where they live. This is the case for those ordinarily resident in specified British Overseas Territories when they are applying to universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The ‘specified British overseas territories’ are:

  • Anguilla
  • Bermuda
  • British Antarctic Territory
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Falkland Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Montserrat
  • Pitcairn
  • Henderson
  • Ducie and Oeno Islands
  • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
  • St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Turks and Caicos Islands

To be eligible for Home fee status, you must be ordinarily resident in these specified British Overseas Territories and/or the UK for the full three-year period prior to starting your university course in the UK. You must be able to show this residence is not mainly for the purpose of full-time education (relevant for those children in a boarding school where their parents live elsewhere).

The rules when living in a British Overseas Territory

The rules in this category for Home fees include some very specific requirements. They say that, as well as the requirement above, you need to be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the first academic year. This means you need to demonstrate your ordinary residence in the UK on 1st September in the year in which your course starts (if your course start date is anytime between 1st August and 31st December). However, you don’t have to meet this extra requirement if you have a relevant family member (parent, grandparent or spouse) that has no restriction on the length of their stay in the UK (eg British national or Irish citizen).

What about Scotland?

In Scotland, the rules for university tuition fees include no provision for those that live in one of these British Overseas Territories. Applicants to Scottish universities would pay the much higher Overseas fees unless they fit into a specific category of the Scottish rules. This means that if you are applying to a university in Scotland you would need to look at an alternative route to Home fee status. This could be by demonstrating that although you live outside the UK you continue to have an ordinary residence in the UK (or the Republic of Ireland) or that otherwise, your absence from the UK is only temporary due to yours or your parent’s employment.

Where can I get further advice on your eligibility for Home fees while living in a British Overseas Territory?

Make sure you understand the rules and check your eligibility for Home fees while living in a British Overseas Territory as early as possible before your university application. It is important to note that there are additional eligibility categories for those living in Gibraltar, including applicants to Scottish universities. UKSO are the leading independent experts in UK University Fee Status for expats. We have been advising schools, families, and students worldwide on this complex topic for 11 years and have helped thousands of expat families with their fee status queries. Get in touch for a personalised Fee Status Appraisal

Image of a UK boarding school

Home fee eligibility for those at UK boarding school

Determining whether your child qualifies for Home fees at a UK university typically depends on several factors, including their residency and immigration status, as well as the specific policies of the university.

In the UK, universities and colleges charge different tuition fees based on students’ fee status. Generally, students classified as “Home” students are eligible for lower tuition fees, while those categorized as “Overseas” students are subject to higher fees.

British citizens and individuals with settled status may be eligible for Home fees, but they must navigate additional criteria, such as the duration of their residency in the UK or their reasons for being absent from the country. International students coming to study in the UK are typically subject to higher tuition fees.

Main Purpose Rule

In the context of fee status for educational purposes, particularly in the UK, the “Main Purpose Rule” typically refers to the primary reason for an individual’s residence in the country and whether it qualifies them for the lower “Home” tuition fees or the higher overseas tuition fees.

The main purpose rule is applied when assessing residence history in relation to a student’s fee status. If a student has been residing in the UK mainly to attend full-time education, this period of ordinary residence may not count towards achieving Home fees. This particularly affects students in boarding schools whose parents reside elsewhere. Universities often assume that a child (under 18) will be living with their parents. If the parents are living in another country, the child’s residence in the UK would likely be deemed mainly for the purpose of attending full-time education (boarding school).

Therefore, it’s important to recognise that a child living in the UK for many years at a boarding school may not have guaranteed Home status if their parents live outside of the UK. Families in this situation will have a more complex case and need to carefully prepare their application for university.

It’s important to note that fee status determination can be complex and may vary between universities. Students are typically required to provide evidence to support their fee status application. This includes residency documents, immigration status, and other relevant information.

Read our article about Ordinary residence to see how it impacts your fee status case.

For a free summary of your fee status case UK Study Options now have a simple, easy to use online tool. Designed as an essential first step, the Fee Status Checker helps families understand their initial eligibility for Home fees and sets the stage for more comprehensive support if needed.

 

Image of a house

Fee Status ‘Ordinary Residence’

Understanding Ordinary Residence for UK University Fee Status

Navigating the intricacies of fee status regulations for UK universities can be a daunting task, especially for expats living abroad. Among the key terms in these rules, “ordinary residence” stands out as a crucial determinant for fee eligibility. However, its ambiguity often leads to confusion among prospective students.

Because the fee status rules do not provide a definition of ordinary residence, each university will have their own policy and interpretation. This means that different universities can legitimately come to a different outcome when looking at the same case. Universities will often refer to the guidance provided by UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) when assessing this. UKCISA point to case law and government guidance which is helpful to understand ordinary residence and provide a useful summary on their website.

The Significance

In most cases of Home fee status, applicants must demonstrate ordinary residence in a specific location for a continuous three-year period before commencing their university studies. Despite its importance, the fee status rules offer no clear definition of ordinary residence, adding to the complexity of the process.

University Policies and Interpretations

Since the fee status rules lack a definitive definition, each university sets its own policy and interpretation regarding ordinary residence. This means that different institutions may arrive at varying conclusions when assessing fee eligibility. Many universities refer to guidance provided by UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs), which relies on case law and government directives to offer clarity on ordinary residence.

Eligibility Criteria for Home Fees

It’s essential to note that various categories of Home fees exist, each with distinct eligibility criteria. Depending on your nationality or immigration status, you may qualify for Home fees by demonstrating ordinary residence in a location outside the UK, such as the Republic of Ireland, certain British Overseas Territories, or Europe (EEA or Switzerland until 2027).

What does it Mean?

Legal precedents, such as the case of Shah, provide some clarity on ordinary residence. It is defined as a “regular and habitual mode of life” for a settled purpose, emphasising the lawful nature of the residence. To establish this, universities assess various aspects of an applicant’s life through a Fee Status Questionnaire (FSQ). This includes evidence of a permanent UK address used regularly and habitually, along with a pattern of travel indicating the UK address as the primary residence.

Conclusion

Understanding ordinary residence is crucial for determining fee status eligibility at UK universities. While the concept may seem vague, legal precedents and university policies provide guidance for applicants. By gathering sufficient evidence and meeting the criteria outlined by universities, prospective students can navigate the fee status process with confidence, ensuring fair access to educational opportunities.

UK Study Options are experts in UK University Fee Status who provide personalised advice to expat families helping them to achieve Home fee status. We visit schools all over the world on a regular basis to present seminars for parents – check our events page to see if we are in your region soon.

Fee Status Checker Tool: To make the process of determining eligibility even easier, we’ve introduced our new Fee Status Checker. This online tool allows families to quickly assess whether their child could be eligible for Home fees, providing instant results and relevant resources for further research. By simplifying this crucial first step, we ensure that families can move forward confidently with the university application process. Visit our Fee Status Checker to get started.

Image of Canary Wharf in London

Some Banks Are Closing The UK Accounts of British Expats

A guest blog article from our partner TorFX who specialise in currency transfer

Many British expats have had their bank close their UK accounts recently, as the financial sector continues to adjust to post-Brexit Britain. This could be a major headache for anyone receiving a private pension or investment income.

These actions, not limited to banks but also affecting investment accounts, result from the end of the EU passporting system that allowed UK banks to operate in the EU. Expats affected have options like specific expat bank accounts or transferring investments to non-UK institutions.

Some UK private pension and investment funds have policies that restrict payments to accounts within the UK. This creates challenges for expats who may not have access to a UK bank account due to closures or other reasons. Expats facing such issues might need to explore alternative banking solutions that cater to their specific circumstances, such as international or expat-specific bank accounts that can receive UK pension or investment fund payments.

What’s the solution?

So, if you’re now an EU resident and your UK accounts are at risk of closure, you will need to find a new way to access your money. Fortunately, as a TorFX client you can continue to receive payments, before swiftly and seamlessly sending them to your EU account at excellent exchange rates. We pride ourselves on an unrivalled service, offering our clients personalised guidance and expert support. If you want to know more about sending funds overseas, we’re here to help.

 

Image outline what TorFX can offer

A case study on How TorFX has helped expats in this situation:

Challenge

Martin and Emily had been living in Mallorca for ten years and were both full EU residents. Although Emily worked part time, most of their money came from their state and private pensions, as well as payments from an income fund. Everything was running smoothly until the couple received a notification from their UK bank that their account would be closed. While their state pension could be transferred directly to their Spanish account, their private pension and investment income required a UK account. They looked into using one of the newer ‘challenger’ banks. But the couple found that they could only open a British account from within the UK.

Solution

A colleague of Emily’s suggested using TorFX, and the couple got in contact with us. Within minutes they had opened a client account and were discussing their needs with their dedicated Account Manager. TorFX client accounts are based in the UK, meaning they can accept payments by BACS, which is required by many pension and investment companies. Martin and Emily were able to direct their pension and income fund payments straight into their TorFX account. They were then able transfer the funds to their Spanish bank at the tap of a button.

Impact

The couple had understandably been a little anxious about their bank account closure, but TorFX were there to provide guidance and reassurance. Martin and Emily’s new account was up and running within minutes, and they were delighted with the support they received. In addition, they found that their money went much further now that they were using TorFX. We exchanged their Pounds into Euros at a far better rate than their bank had, and we didn’t charge transfer fees. Martin and Emily also received regular market updates from their Account Manager and took advantage of the many services we offer so that they could really get the most out of their currency transfers.

Visit the TorFX website for more information.

At UK Study Options, we offer bespoke university guidance, find out more here.

Image showing that torfx offers 24/7 Currency Transfers

Learn More about UK University Fee Status

Read more

UK University Fee Status – The Basics Part 1

You may never have come across the term ‘fee status’. But your university will give you one and it will make a difference to the tuition fees you pay. 

 

What is fee status? 

Your fee status determines the level of tuition fees you will pay when you go to a university in the UK that is publicly funded. There are two levels of fee status – a lower ‘home’ fee which is set at a capped amount by the government and ‘overseas’ which is often much higher and is not capped. Each university will follow regulations and guidance from the relevant UK government to determine each applicant’s fee status and charge tuition fees accordingly. 

How do I know my fee status?  

This is where it can get complicated. Each of the four UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have a different set of fee status rules. Therefore, you will need to look at the rules that are relevant to the university you are applying for. If you apply to universities that are in different countries then, under each set of rules, it could be possible that you have a different fee status in say England as opposed to Scotland. You can find the rules for each country on the UKCISA website but the rules are complex and open to interpretation.

This means that for expatriate families, who are often to be considered to be on the borderline between home and overseas, each university may view their case differently. It is common that applicants could be classed as a home fee payer at one university but an overseas fee payer at another university, even in the same UK nation. This reflects the very subjective nature of the assessment that universities are required to undertake. It is however each university that has been given the autonomy to make the final decision on the fee status for those applicants on their courses. 

What are the requirements for home fees?  

It is important to understand that there are many different categories of home fee status and each have different eligibility criteria. A key step is to check the specific requirements that will be applicable to you and your application rather than rely on the experience of friends or family members. For British and Irish expatriate applicants you will generally have to demonstrate how you have an ‘ordinary residence’ in the UK or Ireland for the three-year period prior to starting university. Universities will ask for many details of your life including your home address in the UK, nationality and dual nationalities, travel pattern and parents employment. They will be looking to see that you have a regular and habitual life at your UK home or else otherwise that you have are only temporarily absent from the UK to take up employment abroad.

It is also possible to achieve home fees if you have a ‘relevant family member’ who is a British citizen even if you are not one yourself. If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain or another ‘settled’ status in the UK this could mean you get home fees if you can also meet the ordinary residence requirement. Additionally, temporary rules after Brexit mean that those who can show an ordinary residence in the EEA or Switzerland might also be eligible for home fees status. 

Where can I get help with my fee status case? 

UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs, provide guidance on how to understand the rules. This is a good place to start your research. We are experts in university fee status and provide personalised advice to expat families helping them to achieve home fee status. This service gives you comprehensive advice and support from the moment you engage our services until your child starts university. This includes support with any university fee status queries during the application cycle.

For a deeper understanding, check out UK University Fee Status: The Basics – Part 2

Fee Status Checker Tool: To make the process of determining eligibility even easier, we’ve introduced our new Fee Status Checker. This online tool allows families to quickly assess whether their child could be eligible for Home fees, providing instant results and relevant resources for further research. By simplifying this crucial first step, we ensure that families can move forward confidently with the university application process. Visit our Fee Status Checker to get started.

UK University Fee Status Myths and Assumptions

Common myths and assumptions made by expats. 

Myth: A British passport will get my son/daughter home fees at a UK university. 

Not quite. British citizenship is just one factor that make you eligible. Alone it is not enough to meet the full eligibility criteria, there are other criteria you need to meet additionally to this. Actually, you might not have a British passport but you might still be eligible for home fees. There is provision for people with other UK immigration statuses, such as Irish passports holders, EU passports holders with EUSS pre-settled or settled status, ‘Leave to Remain’ or ‘Permanent Right of Abode’, that may be eligible (providing they meet the full criteria). Essentially, your passport alone doesn’t tell you much about whether you are eligible for home fees so more understanding of the full criteria is needed.  

Myth: We’ll have to live in the UK for three years to get home fees. 

Not necessarily. If you do live in the UK three years before UK university (and you meet the rest of the criteria), then you will qualify for home fees. However, it is not the case that if you don’t live in the UK, you won’t get home fees. Luckily for expat families living outside the UK, the legislation isn’t quite as explicit as this. What you need to do is maintain an ‘Ordinary Residence’ in the UK for three years prior to the start of university. This is not the same as living in the UK – see our blog ‘What Does ‘Ordinary Residence’ Mean For Expat Families (for fee status)’ to learn more about this term. Therefore, it is possible to live outside the UK and still achieve home status at a UK university.  

Myth: We don’t have to think about fee status until the university application.  

By then, it might be too late. Fee status assessments used to decide if you are eligible for home fees typically look at the three-year period before university. By the time the university application comes around, much of this three-year period has passed and therefore you are less able to build a strong case for meeting the eligibility criteria. You should be planning for fee status 3-4 years before the start of university so that you can adapt your living/working/travel plans to make sure you have a good case for home fees by the time you are fee assessed (during university admissions).  

Assumption: People we know got home fees, so we will too. 

Fee status is highly personalised and everyone’s fee status case is unique as it is dependent on many factors such as citizenship, immigration status, residence history, travel pattern, employment terms, employment history, the university shortlist, the course applying to…the list goes on! It’s unlikely that anyone you know will have a similar fee status case to you and therefore, their chances of getting home fees will be different to yours. It’s recommended to get personal advice on your fee status eligibility as what supported another person’s case for home fees may not support your case.  

Assumption: Owning property in the UK will get my son/daughter home fees. 

More important than owning a property is the status of that property and how it is used. If the property you own is rented out to a tenant then it’s unlikely that it will support your fee status case. Rather than talk about properties, we talk about the ‘home’. There is an expectation that you have a home in the UK to claim that you are maintaining an Ordinary Residence. This may not necessarily be a property that you own, for example, it could be a rented property, but it should be somewhere that you use as a home when you are in the UK. Everyone’s circumstances are different so what might be a home in the UK for one family might look different to another’s.  

 Assumption: Moving my child to a boarding school will get him/her home fees.

This may not be the case, even if your child has been going to boarding school and living in the UK for more than three years. The fee status rules include the ‘main purpose test’ which excludes any residence in the UK where the main purpose was to receive full-time education. If your child is at boarding school but you, the parents, live outside of the UK then universities are likely to apply the main purpose test and take the view that, if not at boarding school, your child will be resident with you. This means that they will not be able to give Home fee status on that basis and you will have a more complicated case to argue your eligibility. 

UK Study Options are experts in UK University Fee Status who provide personalised advice to expat families helping them to achieve Home fee status. We visit schools all over the world on a regular basis to present seminars for parents – check our events page to see if we are in your region soon. Complete our  online form to receive a free appraisal of your case and see if you need expert guidance for your application. 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you now eligible for Home fees in Scotland? 

Recently there has been a significant change to the Home Fees rules in Scotland, meaning that more people could be eligible for Home fees.  

The Scottish government has introduced a new, amended regulation that came into effect on August 1st 2023. The regulation sees a change to the category ‘Relevant connection to Scotland’ and will also see the ‘Long residency’ category being removed after a recent court case. You can read more in this UKCISA article. 

A new Home fees category has been established for individuals who do not possess “settled status” but maintain valid leave to enter or remain in the UK that has not yet expired. From now on, you don’t have to go through the hassle of proving that you’ve lived in the UK for half of your life to get Home tuition fees and financial aid for your studies.  If you are starting your course this year or in following years, check the new eligibility requirements to see if you are now classified as a Home student. 

And the good news is that even if you’re entering your second or third year, the changes to mean that any future fees you need to pay can be on the basis whether you would have fit into this category when you started your course. UKCISA explain that this has been confirmed by the Scottish Government. It is expected that many students may be able to change their fee status and pay less tuition fees for the remaining years of their course. If you believe that you could be eligible you should ask your university to reassess your fees based on the new rules.  

Each nation in the UK has different fee status rules, so you may be eligible for Home fees in Scotland, but not in England. We understand that changes to Home Fees rules may be confusing. UKSO are leading experts in UK University Fee Status. We have been advising schools, families and students around the world on this complex topic for 10 years and have helped over 1,000 expat families with their fee status queries.

Fee Status Checker Tool: To make the process of determining eligibility even easier, we’ve introduced our new Fee Status Checker. This online tool allows families to quickly assess whether their child could be eligible for Home fees, providing instant results and relevant resources for further research. By simplifying this crucial first step, we ensure that families can move forward confidently with the university application process. Visit our Fee Status Checker to get started.

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