Lori Meadows
The fees that students pay for their education vary depending on their residency status. Students who are considered 'home' students generally pay lower fees than those who are classified as 'international' or 'overseas' students. The criteria for determining a student's fee status can be complex and depend on various factors, including residency, nationality, and immigration status. While the fees for home students in the UK are typically capped by the governments of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the fees for international students are set by individual institutions and can be significantly higher. Understanding one's fee status is essential for students to accurately estimate the cost of their education and plan their finances accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-resident students | Students who live outside of the state or country where the college is located |
| International students | Students who are not residents of the country where the college is located |
| Fees for non-resident and international students | May be the same as resident students, but with additional per-term and per-unit fees |
| Exemptions | Refugees, students able to establish residency, or those with certain visas |
| Fee-setting entity | Higher education providers set fees for international students |
| Fee variation | Fees vary by course and provider |
| Fee status | Higher education providers follow regulations by the Department for Education but may exercise discretion |
| Eligibility criteria | Residency, age, previous study, course, and provider |
| Fee support | Available for students with specific visa types, from certain countries, or with special circumstances |
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What You'll Learn
Criteria for home fee status
The criteria for home fee status in the UK vary depending on the student's nationality and residency status. Here are the criteria for different categories of students:
UK Nationals and Residents:
- UK nationals and residents are generally eligible for home fee status if they are 'settled' in the UK on the first day of the academic year for which they are paying fees.
- They must also have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of their course and for the three years before that date.
- A person is considered 'ordinarily resident' if they normally and lawfully live in an area by choice, and temporary absences are permitted.
- Students who are British citizens, have indefinite leave to remain, or have been granted the right to stay under the EU Settlement Scheme meet the criteria.
EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals:
- From 1 August 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals not covered by the Withdrawal Agreements (including the EU Withdrawal Agreement and EEA-EFTA Separation Agreement) are no longer eligible for home fee status and student financial support from Student Finance England.
- However, those covered by the citizens' rights provisions and who have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are still eligible for home fee status, provided they meet the usual residency requirements.
- EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status and three years' residence in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, Switzerland, or specified overseas territories are generally awarded tuition fee support.
British Overseas Territories:
UK nationals resident in specified British Overseas Territories may be eligible for home fee status and tuition fee loans.
Special Status Categories:
- Students may be eligible for home fee status under special status categories, such as those granted leave under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy or the Ukraine schemes, including their family members.
- Students under 18 who have lived in the UK for at least seven years or those over 18 who have lived in the UK for half their life or at least 20 years may also be eligible under the 'long residence' category.
It is important to note that the regulations around home student status can vary across the UK, and specific eligibility criteria should be referred to for each country within the UK. Additionally, higher education providers may exercise some discretion in their decisions on fee status, following regulations produced by the Department for Education.
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International student fees
The fees for international students vary across different countries and institutions. In the UK, higher education providers allocate their students 'home' or 'overseas/international' status for the purpose of charging tuition fees. Undergraduate home fees for full-time courses in England are capped by the government, whereas overseas fees are set by the providers and can be much higher.
International students at the University of Cambridge, for example, are charged tuition fees on a per-year basis, and these fees are fixed for the duration of the course. Students on a year abroad pay 50% of the full fee, while those in their third year of Medicine or Veterinary Medicine are charged a fee that corresponds to the course taken that year. International students at Cambridge are also required to pay an annual College fee in addition to their tuition fees. Living costs for international students in Cambridge can vary depending on their lifestyle and the length of their stay.
In the US, non-resident students are typically required to pay additional fees on top of the standard tuition fees. This is because their state and local taxes do not contribute to subsidising their college tuition. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule. For instance, California community colleges offer non-resident students a lower-cost education, and refugee students or those who establish residency in Riverside County may be exempt from paying the additional fees. Additionally, international students in the US who meet specific criteria may be eligible to pay domestic tuition fees instead of international fees. For example, students who are dependents of Canadian citizens or indigenous persons may be eligible for an international fee exemption.
To summarise, international student fees can vary depending on the country and institution. While some countries and institutions charge higher fees for international students, others may offer exemptions or financial aid to make education more accessible. It is important for prospective international students to research the specific fees and requirements of their desired educational institutions.
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Funding and scholarships
UK
In the UK, higher education providers allocate students '\co: 0,2>home' or 'overseas/international' status, which determines their tuition fees. Undergraduate home fees in England for the 2025-2026 academic year are capped at £9,535, while overseas fees are set by providers and tend to be higher.
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, and their family members, covered by the Withdrawal Agreements have access to home fee status and financial support if they have resided in the UK for at least three years. Those with pre-settled status and three years of residence in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, Switzerland, or overseas territories may be awarded tuition fee support.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides information and advice on fees and funding for international students. Students can refer to the UKCISA website and advice line for guidance on funding options.
United States
In the United States, non-resident students, including international students, may be required to pay additional fees on top of regular tuition fees, as their taxes do not subsidize their college tuition. However, there are some exemptions where non-resident students can pay the same tuition fees as residents.
At the University of Toronto, international students who meet specific criteria may pay domestic tuition fees instead of international fees. Exemptions may apply to dependents of Canadian citizens or indigenous persons, but students must provide supporting documentation.
In California, non-resident students can establish residency and apply for re-classification to change their fee status. Additionally, Assembly Bill AB 2210 exempts special immigrant visa holders and refugee students from paying non-resident tuition. AB540 also allows students who meet specific requirements, including undocumented students, to be exempt from non-resident tuition at California public colleges and universities.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge provides some information on fees for international students. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the course, and additional college fees may apply. International students undertaking a year abroad will pay 50% of the full fee during that year.
Living costs in Cambridge can vary, and new students should consider settling-in costs, including visas, travel, and equipment. The International Student Office website offers further guidance on estimated living costs.
In summary, non-resident and international students have various funding options and scholarship opportunities, but these vary by country and institution. Students should refer to official sources and seek specific advice for their chosen educational institution.
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Student loans
For students studying in the United States, international student loans are available to non-U.S. citizens. These loans can cover up to the total cost of school minus any other financial aid received. However, international students are not eligible for federal student loans from the U.S. government. Most students will require a cosigner who is a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen with a good income history and a good credit rating. There are also no-cosigner loans available at a growing number of universities and colleges.
In the United Kingdom, the regulations around home student status vary across the UK nations. In England, students must be resident and 'settled' in the UK on the first day of the academic year to be eligible for home student status. Students must also have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of their course and for the three preceding years. A person is ordinarily resident if they normally and lawfully live in an area by choice. UK nationals resident in specified British Overseas Territories may also be eligible for home fee status and tuition fee loans.
In the specific case of the University of Cambridge, international students undertaking a year abroad will pay 50% of the full fee to the University of Cambridge during the year abroad. International students studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine will pay the tuition fee for Year 3, corresponding to the course taken that year. All international/overseas fee status students and those Home fee status students who aren't eligible for tuition fee support are required to pay an annual College fee in addition to University tuition fees.
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Living costs
The living costs for non-resident and international students will vary depending on their lifestyle and the length of their stay. For example, at the University of Cambridge, all students are expected to live and study in Cambridge during term time, which is typically nine months, but some may choose to stay for the full calendar year. New students should also factor in settling-in costs, such as visas, travel, and equipment.
In the United States, non-resident students may be required to pay additional fees on top of their tuition fees, as their state and local taxes do not subsidize their college tuition. For instance, in California, non-resident students pay the same tuition fees as residents, but with additional per-term and per-unit fees. However, certain groups, such as refugees or special immigrant visa holders, are exempt from paying these additional fees.
In the UK, the regulations around home student status vary across the country. Generally, to be eligible for home student status, an individual must be ordinarily resident in the UK without any immigration restrictions on their stay. This includes British citizens, individuals with indefinite leave to remain, or those granted the right to stay under the EU Settlement Scheme. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are also eligible for home fee status if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years.
The living costs for non-resident and international students in the UK will depend on their specific circumstances and eligibility for home fee status. It is recommended to refer to official websites and guidance for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding living costs and fee status eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-resident students are those who do not meet the criteria for 'home student status' and are therefore classified as international students.
'Home student status' is given to students who are considered residents of the country in which the university is located. In the UK, this means being settled in the country, with no immigration restriction on the length of your stay, and having been ordinarily resident with your main home in the UK for at least three years before the start of your course.
In the UK, fees for home students are capped by the governments of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. International fees are set by the universities themselves and can be much higher.
Yes, there are some exceptions. For example, EU students who were already living in the UK and registered with the EU Settlement Scheme before autumn 2021 still qualify for home fee status.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides detailed information on eligibility categories and criteria for fee status on their website.
