The UK is a popular choice for overseas students. If you're an EU National or the family member of an EU National you might qualify for help from Student Finance England (SFE) towards your tuition fees and living costs.
However, if you're from outside of the EU then you'll not normally be eligible for any financial support from SFE.
The tuition fees you're charged will be different at each university or college.
Funding for EU students
If you plan to study in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, the rules are different and this information doesn't apply to you. In this case, contact Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland or the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) for information.
To qualify for any financial help from SFE you need to be an EU national or the family member of an EU national. You also must be studying for a certain type of course. Check which courses are eligible for support here.
Depending on your circumstances you might qualify for help with:
- Tuition fees
- Tuition fees and ‘additional help’ for living costs.
Some EU nationals might qualify for additional help for accommodation and living costs, but usually only if all of the following apply:
- You're an EU national, or the family member of someone who is
- You've lived in the UK for three years or more before your course starts
- You'll be living in the UK on the first day of the academic year in which your course starts
- Usually your main reason for living in the UK was not to receive full-time education.
Additional help may also be available if you’re a migrant worker from an EEA (European Economic Area) country or Switzerland, or if you’re the child of a Turkish worker in the UK. To find out if you are eligible follow this link.
What financial help can I get?
| Tuition Fee Loan
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| What's it for?
| Cover's the cost of your tuition fees.
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| How much can I get?
| You can get an amount to cover the fee your university or college charges you. This could be up to £9,000 for a full-time course.
The cost of tuition varies between different universities and colleges and can also vary between different courses at the same university or college.
If you decide to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan then you need to confirm the annual amount directly with the university or college to ensure you apply for the correct amount of money.
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| Who's eligible?
| EU nationals and the family members of EU nationals who are 60 years or under at the start of their course.
This funding is usually only available for a first undergraduate degree and if you've studied a higher education course in the past it may affect your eligibility.
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| Do I have to pay it back?
| Yes, but not until you've left univeristy or college and earn over £21,000 a year.
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| How is it paid?
| SFE will pay your Tuition Fee Loan direct to the university or college on your behalf when your attendance has been confirmed.
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| How do I apply?
| You need to complete a paper application form and send it to SFE. See this page for more information.
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| When do I apply?
| You can apply from April 2012 if you plan to start university or college in September 2012.
This means you may need to apply to SFE before you've chosen your firm and insurance choices or before your university or college place has become unconditional. You need to apply as early as you can to ensure that your application has time to be assessed. This will mean all of the money you're eligible for will be available for when you start your course in September 2012.
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Who can I speak to for more help with my application?
The international office at your university or college will be able to help you with general questions regarding coming to the UK for your university or college education. They'll be used to working with students from all over the world, including your country, so are accustomed to discussing issues with students from outside of the UK.
You can also speak to advisors from SFE on The Student Room who will answer your questions. The Student Room will be holding a special web chat for EU students, so keep checking the site for more details of when this will happen.
You can also contact the Student Finance Services European Team to discuss your personal situation in more detail.
The phone number is (+44) (0) 141 243 3570 and the office is open from 9:00 to 17:30 GMT from Monday to Friday.
