Have you received an offer from a UK university with a fee status that doesn’t seem right? For example, if you’ve been given Overseas fees but believe you are eligible for Home fees, you have the right to appeal. To appeal, you will need to submit additional information and evidence to support your case. This can help the university reconsider your status. In this article we will look at tips for appealing a fee status decision.

A Common (and Costly) Surprise

Once UCAS applications are in and offers start arriving, many parents are shocked to see their child listed as an Overseas student. This can mean tuition fees of up to £423,324, depending on the university and course. This is far more than most families expect to pay. In many cases, it makes accepting the offer impossible, even after all the student’s hard work to secure a place.

Why Do Errors Happen?

Most universities get fee status decisions right. But in some cases, especially where families live or work abroad, things get complicated. Universities rely on limited information from the UCAS application or a Fee Status Questionnaire. This can result in mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to appeal if you think the decision is wrong. To succeed, you’ll need to provide full and clear evidence of your circumstances. This will help universities review and, where appropriate, correct the decision.

Appealing Isn’t Easy — But It’s Worth It

The responsibility is on the student to prove they qualify for Home fees. That includes providing documentation and identifying which eligibility category applies to them. It’s important to read the rules carefully and be ready to explain your case clearly. At UK Study Options, we’ve worked on thousands of fee status cases and helped many students win successful appeals.

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Our Top 3 Tips for Appealing a Fee Status Decision

1. Don’t Accept the Offer Until Your Fee Status Is Resolved

As exciting as it is to get an offer, don’t accept it yet if the fee status is incorrect. Accepting an offer means accepting the fee status too. Universities are not required to change your fee status once you accept. Check the deadline to respond and use the time wisely to raise and resolve your appeal.

2. Follow the University’s Appeals Process

Every university handles appeals differently. Some will ask for a formal document, while others may use email.

Make sure to:

• Contact each university directly
• Follow their instructions carefully
• Meet any deadlines they give
• Keep copies of all communication

Appeals can take time and may go through several stages. Staying organised is key.

3. Organise Your Information and Evidence

Make it as easy as possible for the university to review your case. Here’s how:

• Use bullet points or tables to show timelines or evidence
• Arrange documents in chronological order
• Clearly label everything you submit

Some appeals involve hundreds of pages, so a clear and structured format will help university staff review it quickly and fairly.

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About UK Study Options

UK Study Options are the leading independent experts in UK university fee status for the British and Irish expat community. We’ve been advising families, schools, and students for over 10 years. Our expert team has helped thousands of students achieve the correct fee status — and go on to study the degree of their dreams.

[i] Based on the highest Overseas tuition fees for the 2025 academic year.