Introduction to University Fees for UK Visa Holders

When a parent or guardian holds a skilled worker visa in the UK, it can have significant implications for their children's university prospects. This article delves into the intricacies of university fees and eligibility for home student status based on the specific circumstances of a parent's visa status.

Understanding the Home Student Status

For many students, the dream of attending university in the UK comes with the expectation of paying home fees rather than international fees. Home fees are significantly cheaper and are primarily available to students who are 'ordinarily resident' in the UK for a full three years immediately before the start date of their course. This section explores the conditions under which a child can attain this status.

Residency Requirements for Home Fees

One of the key factors in deciding whether a child can qualify for home fees is the length of residency. For instance, if a parent and their child have been living in the UK for the past five years with a skilled worker visa, it would be possible for the child to qualify for home fees. Conversely, if the parent has only lived in the UK for two years and ten months, the child would not qualify. The three-year period is a strict requirement.

Impact of Parental Visa Status on Children

It's important to note that a parent's visa status does not automatically grant home student status to their children. The Skilled Worker visa, as a visitor visa, does not equate to permanent residency. This means that the child would be classified as a visitor and would have to pay international fees, similar to how the parent is classified.

Prolonged Residency and Home Fees

If the parent has obtained settled status in the UK, thus not being on a temporary visa like a skilled worker, the child would be eligible for home fees. The requirement is that the child must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years prior to their course start date. It is also worth noting that there are additional conditions for students under 18 or over 18, which involve a longer period of residency.

Community Concerns and Eligibility Criteria

There is a widespread perception that 'home fees' are intended to support British citizens and not foreigners. As a result, there are stringent eligibility criteria in place to ensure that only those who fulfill the residency requirements are eligible. Here are some key points to consider:

Eligibility for Home Fees

A student must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and not solely for education purposes for the three years prior to the start of the course. If the student is under 18, they must have lived in the UK for the past 7 years leading up to the start of the course. If over 18, they must have lived in the UK for at least half their life (up to 20 years).

These stringent rules are in place to prevent 'cheating' or abuse of the system, such as using taxpayer-funded NHS social housing or accessing other benefits. As a result, a skilled worker visa holder and their child do not qualify for home fees based on the current conditions and rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is understandable to want your child to enjoy the benefits of home fees when attending university in the UK, there are strict eligibility criteria based on residency duration. Understanding these criteria is crucial for both parents and prospective students planning to study in the UK. Whether a child can qualify for home fees or must pay international fees depends on the parent's visa status and the length of residency in the UK.

Related Questions

1. Can a student with a parent on a skilled worker visa get home fees?

Answer: No, if the parent is on a skilled worker visa, the child would not be eligible for home fees. The parent must have settled status for the child to qualify.

2. How long must a family live in the UK to qualify for home fees?

Answer: For a student to be eligible for home fees, they must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years immediately prior to their course start date.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for home fees?

Three consecutive years of ordinary residency. No sole residency for the purpose of education. For students under 18, at least 7 years of residency. For students over 18, at least 10 years of residency (half their life).