Fees and Finance for 2021/22 with Pre-Settled Status

Concerning Postgraduate fees and finance for EU students in 2021/22.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan announced that EU students will not be eligible for home fees and student loans unless they benefit from citizen’s rights under the withdrawal agreement.
Further, the student finance section GOV.UK says EU students must have pre-settled or settled status to get student finance.

Therefore, it seems that EU students with pre-settled status will be eligible for home fee rates and for student loans, even if starting in 2021/22.

Still, the universities minister said that one must satisfy relevant residency requirements. This would equate to three full years of ordinary residence before the relevant start date for the course.

Most students currently studying in the UK and who have gained Pre-settled status cannot show ordinary residence due to being here ‘for the studying as main purpose’, even if living in the UK for 3 years.

Hence the problem:

Is pre-settled status relevant/sufficient to be exempted from the changes above? Or is pre-settled status only one of the requirements, meaning one would need to show 3 years ordinary residence in addition to it?

From the minister’s statement, it initially appeared that pre-settled status automatically precludes these changes from affecting the student. But it is not quite as clear right now.

Thank you Isaac — although, with most deadline for courses being in January, this doesn’t quite help. There really isn’t any info at all regarding pre-settled EU students?

Hey Isaac, do you what do you reckon of this document regarding proof of ordinarily residence? Thanks xx https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assessing-ordinary-residence-nationality-policy-guidance